#papa emeritus x original female character

[canarycolemine]

Death and the Promises He Made

Chapter 2 (finally omg)

Pairing: Papa Emeritus II x Female Reader

Warnings: MDNI, mentions of abuse, drug use, and forced prostitution

Tag List: @sirianisrock (let me know if you’d like to be added 💖)

I didn’t look towards Eddie as the skull faced man took my hand, leading me out of the bar. I knew, I fucking knew he had a smirk on his face. Just another way he could destroy me - break my boundaries. Always, I stayed in the lion's den he enslaved me in, but he gave me the courtesy to never allow the lions to drag my body away from the familiar cruelty. This, however, was a new cruelty.

Quite frankly, I didn’t care if this harsh looking man I followed would kill me. He looked like he could. Guiding me away, the unfamiliar man towered over my body, as did the strangely masked men. Physically, he could overpower me, but now, a mental overpowering was unfolding, too.

But I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, why this man held my hand so gently, as if it was made of glass. The patrons cat called as I left, but the man shot severe looks at them, which quieted them. I liked the power he had over them, his evil looks; what I could only hope is that he wouldn’t have cruelty with me, too.

As we neared the double doors of the bar, past the blue neon beer signs and posters of naked women, he let my hand go and opened the door for me. His hands were gloved; to his benefit, no human hand should ever touch those dirty bar doors. Still, holding the door open for me, a gentlemanly gesture, was something very rare for me these days.

The desert winter air struck me harder than I imagined. The night was darker, more solid than it usually was when I typically left the bar - the usual lighting of early morning, making the mountains on the east side of this town more visible than in the solid night. But I couldn’t see the mountains tonight. I let out a cold sigh, seeing my breath mist as I breathed out.

The man slipped his hand on the small of my back to guide me towards his car, the other hand gesturing towards them. Instinctively, I recoiled from his touch. I just hated being touched and the violence that would so often follow.

He withdrew his hand, following my reaction. I didn’t think too much of it.

There were so many large black vans, looking awfully expensive compared to the bikes and trucks that typically filled the parking lot. This legion looked so out of place, so distinguished, too much for this place.

I shivered again, not quite sure if it was the cold or withdrawal hitting me.

When we neared his car, I could see one of those masked men in the driver’s seat through the tinted windows. The car was already running, exhaust fumes pillowing behind. He opened the back door for me, gesturing me to enter. Instantly, the warmth of the car’s heating soothed me.

The interior of the car was black, and the scent was like it was brand new - rich leather, real leather and very, very clean.

I scooted myself across the back seat’s bench, making room for the man to enter behind me. Silently, I buckled myself in, putting my purse at my feet.

“Buenosera, ghoul, we’ll retire for the evening.” He instructed the masked driver.

Ghoul? Damn, and I thought Eddie treated his employees rough.

“Si, Papa.” A husky, deep voice replied. The man sitting in the driver’s seat was stoic, as if he were a vessel, only able to move once commanded.

Papa? Too often, “daddy” was the name my patrons preferred; it was patriarchal and perverse. It was all the same to me. Any other night, I would have cringed at calling him that, but the deep voiced driver said ‘Papa’ like it was some sort of title. Someone he revered.

Regardless of any curiosity, I couldn’t help the cringe I made over the name.

“Something wrong, signora?” The man called Papa asked, observing my face.

“Oh, um, no.” I started, realizing I needed to silence the emotions I so often wore on my face. I did have a job to do, I suppose. “Just, I usually call my, uh, clients, daddy or something. Papa’s just a new one. Do you want me to call you that?”

“Ah. No, no. It’s a title, so to say.” He clarified. “You do not need to call me ‘Papa,’ the driver ghoul must call me Papa - I’ll send him back to hell if he doesn't use the name.” He playfully threatened.

I smirked, doubting him, but entertaining him. The way he said it, something about his stern face. He overcompensated his mean visage with these remarks, like he wanted to see me laugh, wanted to make me comfortable. It was nice.

I cast one look at the dinghy bar as we departed the parking lot. How cruel it really all was, and how lost I got along the way. This ugly place, and the wicked men it held. It destroyed the beauty that I held. It didn’t matter how I looked, I had simply become a ghost. Here I was now, being driven away from the bar, as if it was some sort of strong hold, a safe place. I shouldn’t be afraid, I shouldn’t miss this place. But, it was familiar.

Perhaps it was just the familiarity of captivity.

The glow of the bar’s halogen lights faded, as we drove further down the desert road. It was so novel, to be afraid of leaving the place that had destroyed me. I knew what to expect, but I hated it all. Hated what had become of my shit life. How I was so tired of being strong, hoping to escape from this miserable trailer park life, then so weak from abuse, and then, worst, nothing at all.

A sniffle I didn’t mean to take captured the man’s attention. In my peripheral vision, I saw his internal debate to acknowledge my emotions or not. I half hoped he wouldn’t, but the unsettling comfort he made me feel almost prompted something. Trust, maybe.

“Would you like us to drive you home, little one? We don’t have to return to the hotel.” He broke the silence.

“No, it’s fine.” I lied. “I’ll get over it. Sorry, I know some people don’t like sniffling.”

“You do not have to lie to me,” he cut through, “I am not going to hurt you. I promise.”

A promise.

Somehow, that broke me. I couldn’t control the sobs that I wracked suddenly. My breath could hardly keep up as my body crumpled in on itself. I felt his hand on my shoulder. It was as if he didn’t dare move it down my body.

Maybe I could blame my emotions on withdrawal, but I hadn’t felt emotions this strongly for so long. I couldn’t remember when I could feel. Just feel.

Why was I so affected by his words? Half of my brain, the last reasonable one, said that he’s just like everyone who’s said that before. They want you to trust them, make you feel comfortable, give you hope that he would make everything better - but always. Always. He left you. He’ll take your money, the last of your booze, and another piece of your soul.

God damn it. There was another half of my brain, the part that still wanted to be human. Maybe it’ll be different this time. He won’t me, and things will change. I could be free again. He could take me away from this life. Maybe I can get a piece of my soul back.

The battle raged in my brain, almost suspending my body in the moment.

A small squeeze he gave. Reassuring. Grounding.

“What can I do for you, dear, to make you feel better?”

“Can you just,” another sniffle, surely I looked a mess, “can you just hold me?”

“Like a hug?”

“Like a hug.”

“Of course, dear.” He waited for me to move closer to him. Only after I was settled did he wrap his arms around me. Almost paternal, but very safe, I felt steadied in his arms. Up close, through the tears, his suit’s thread was rich - a small paisley detail throughout the fabric. Each cut, immaculately tailored to his figure and not a thread out of place. His cologne was equally luxurious - smokey, subtle, masculine. Almost, almost, I felt trust. I could almost feel comforted.

I didn’t know anything about him, not even his name. And, I just asked him for a fucking hug. God, I felt pathetic.

“I’m sorry, sir, but could you not call me the pet names?” I probed, worried the comfort might end. But, so far, he hadn’t given me any indication that I couldn’t speak my peace.

“Certainly.” He said so solidly. “I will need your name though, if I may have it.”

“You can call me Eden.” It wasn’t my name, but I always liked it. I really didn’t use my real name anymore. I could pretend with him, as a last safeguard.

“Eden? That’s a lovely name.” The name felt safe in his voice.

“Thanks,” I said. “What would you like me to call you?”

“I have several names, little Eden, you can choose. Some call me Papa, others say Secondo, and those who are closest to me call me Lorzeno. But, eh, you could also use Mr. E.”

“Mystery?” I nearly cringed.

He chuckled at the miscommunication. “No, no, Mr. E. Emeritus is my surname.”

A pause. The thought came into my mind - emeritus. Before I had this life, I was a good Catholic girl. Emeritus was commonly used for a retired pope. I may have lost some of my reasoning, as well as my faith, but something about this man told me wasn’t Catholic.

Frankly, I didn’t have a prayer either way. At worst, he was going to kill me, I so thoroughly believed. I didn’t really give a fuck.

“I’ll call you Secondo. Sounds Italian.”

“Yes, my name means the second. I am the second eldest of my brothers.”

“Awfully creative parents you had,” I joked.

This brought some level of bemusement to the man, a small chuckle fell out. He patted my head, letting his gloves hand linger in my hair for a little while longer. It felt nice.

As cruel as prostitution was, the rushed intimacy between myself and a stranger broke down any boundaries or reservations about physical touch. Disgusting me often, but in his arms, just right now, the touch was almost welcome.

As if reading my mind, he said so, so softly. “Rest now, little Eden. I will awaken you once we arrive.”

So Eden I was.

No trust I could have for this man, who looked like nothing but death. Maybe that’s why it was so natural to fall asleep next to him - easily, faintly, quietly, I drifted to the lightest state of sleep. Like death, so natural and comfortable.

Time stood still, as it often does in between consciousness and unconsciousness. But I drifted, feeling as safer than I had ever been in that bar. Although unfamiliar, I followed him as he held me steady.

[luciferscowgirl]

Me every time I read @zombiequeenblog’s fics:

(Me if I had a ghock)

I NEED HIM. I NEED TO LIVE IN THE SADGLO UNIVERSE. I NEED CARDINAL COPIA. I AM SO NOT OKAY WHEN IT COMES TO HIM. HELP ME DEAR LORD SATAN PLEASE.

IT’S STARTING TO HURT.

[ghuleh-witch]

And We Are Tied As One Eternally-XV

Fandom: Ghost Rating: Explicit Warnings: unprotected sex, p in v sex, oral sex Relationships: Papa Emeritus IV/Copia x OFC Additional Tags: soft!dom Copia, eventual smut, developing relationship, kind of a slow burn, no beta reader Chapter Word Count: 2615 Summary: Ellie Moran just wanted to make a new life for herself. Running to escape the people in her past, she ends up in a small town in the middle of nowhere that happens to be home to a Satanic church. She never expected her life to change again after she started attending the public masses at said church. Ao3 || Masterlist Chapters: 15/? Previous Chapters Tag list: @sodoswitchimage

“Can I get you anything?” Ellie asked as Copia locked her apartment door.

“I’m okay,” he said. “So, tesoro, what did you have in mind for the rest of our night?” He watched her open a bottle of water and take a drink from it. She looked thoughtful, but there was something else there—something in the way her eyes darkened as she glanced at him and looked him over. 

“I don’t know. I just…I just wasn’t ready to be alone yet,” she said softly. “But if you need to go, I’ll be okay.”

“I don’t need to go. There’s nowhere I’d rather be right now,” Copia said, stepping towards her. She looked so beautiful, and he was suddenly aware of just how lucky he was. He was close enough to touch her now, and he reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look?”

Ellie smiled. “You did, but I won’t argue with you if you want to tell me again.”

He laughed, his hand coming to rest on her cheek. “You look beautiful,” he said before he leaned in and kissed her, slipping the other hand around her waist. He pulled her closer as she wrapped her arms around him. Her lips moved with his and he revealed in their softness. His tongue swiped over her bottom lip, asking for entrance and wanting nothing more than to taste her. 

She opened his mouth, her tongue meeting his and making him groan. He explored her mouth, holding her close and backing her up so she was against the kitchen counter. They continued to kiss before Ellie pulled away, gasping for air.

“Holy shit,” she panted and laughed. “No one has ever kissed me like that before,” she said, panting and laughing.

“Never?” Copia asked.

“Never. Ethan and I only made out a couple times in our time together and, well, he wasn’t nearly as good as you.” 

Copia felt pride flare in his chest as he chuckled. “Thank you, tesoro,” he said, running his hand up and down her back. 

“Can we do that again?” Ellie asked, her voice soft and almost pleading. It was as though if she didn’t get to kiss him again, her world would fall apart.

“We can do that again. As many times as you want, and more,” Copia responded before his lips were on hers once more. His hand tangled in her hair, holding her head as his other arm helder her around her waist. His pants were becoming uncomfortably tight, and before he had any idea what was happening, Ellie was pushing him back, her lips never leaving his as she guided him to her bedroom. 

Ellie walked him backward until they were through her door, and they parted for air again. Her cheeks were flushed as she awkward reached behind her and closed the door. 

“Are you sure you want this to go further?” Copia asked, understanding what this was leading to. “We don’t have to do anything. I’m not expecting anything.”

“I want to,” Ellie said, walking around Copia and sitting on the edge of her bed. “I want to go further.” 

She was looking up at him now, her gray eyes dark with want. Copia stifled a groan. She looked so good sitting there, waiting for him to say something. He cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb over her cheekbone. “Okay,” he said after a moment. “But if at any point you want to stop, tell me. I mean it. Any point.” 

“I will. I promise,” she said.

“Brava ragazza (good girl),” he said, helping her move further back onto the bed. He kicked off his shoes and crawled over her body so he was above her. “Santanas, you look beautiful like this,” he breathed as he looked down at her, her wavy locks splayed out on the pillow. He smirked as a hue of pink stained her cheeks. 

“You’re not so bad looking yourself,” Ellie laughed softly. She bit her lip. “Can I confess something?”

“Of course,” Copia said. “What is it?”

“I’m a little nervous,” she said. “It’s been a while since I…I was intimate with anyone, and well, you already know how that all ended.”

Copia softened at her confession and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s natural to be nervous. We can go slow and ease in to it. I want to make you feel good.” His hand trailed down her side and rested on her hip. “What can I do to help ease your nerves?”

“Going slow would be good,” Ellie said. “I don’t want to rush. I want to remember how it all feels.” 

Copia smiled. “I’ll make sure you remember,” he said before leaning down and kissing her. His lips trailed from hers to her jaw. He revelled in the way her breaths came out in short pants and how she would let out the softest of moans when he gently nipped at her skin. 

“Can I undress you?” Copia asked between kisses. 

“Yeah,” Ellie breathed. She let Copia help her sit up before she reached around her back and unzipped her dress. Copia slid the hem of her dress up her thighs as Ellie shimmied out of the dress, pulling it over her head and leaving her in her bra and panties. Copia’s breath hitched as his eyes roamed up and down her body. 

“Splendida (stunning),” he breathed, as he trailed his fingers over her collarbone, making her shiver. He smirked, a little in awe of the way he affected her. “Ready to keep going?”

“Yes,” Ellie said, a smile forming on her lips. “This is nice.” 

“And it’s going to get even nicer,” he replied, leaning in and pressing small kisses her a spot under her ear. “I’m going to take your bra off now. Okay?”

“Okay,” Ellie said, another shiver of delight causing her to tremble.

He focused on kissing her skin, wishing he could press his lips to every inch of her as he unclasped her bra and slid it down her arms. He set it aside with her dress before he allowed a hand to cup her breast. He ran his thumb over her nipple, making her gasp softly. “How does that feel?” He asked.

“Good,” she said. “Really good.”

He hummed in response, his lips pressing a line of gentle kisses down her neck to her chest. His eyes flicked up to her face as he flicked his tongue over one of her nipples. He watched as her mouth fell open and her eyes flutter shut. Taking it as a sign to continue, he closed his lips around the bud, gently sucking and licking as his thumb and forefinger pinched and teased her other nipple. 

“God,” she moaned softly, a hand coming to thread through his hair.

Copia released her nipple and chuckled. “There’s no god here, tesoro,” he said, before giving the same treatment to her other nipple. He let out a pleased hum when her fingers curled in his hair and gave a little tug. After a few more seconds, he released her nipple with a pop and continued to trail kisses down to her stomach and to the lace trim of her panties. He looked up at her, her eyes half lidded as she stared back at him. “May I?” He asked, his fingers toying with the waistband of the fabric. When she nodded, he slowly slid them down her thighs and legs, leaving her completely bare to him. In that moment, he felt like he had been personally blessed by Lucifer himself. 

“You’re so beautiful,” he said, unable to take his eyes off her.

She blushed and smiled. “Now let me see you,” she said, sitting up and reaching for his jacket. She slid her hand under the lapels and up his shoulders, pushing it off his shoulders. Copia shrugged it off the rest of the way and let it fall off the bed and to the floor. He kept his eyes on her as she unbuttoned his first and did the same thing, leaving him bare chested and feeling suddenly vulnerable.

“You have a tattoo too,” she said, tracing a finger over the swirled pattern of the three sixes over his left peck. 

“Si,” he said. “I got it when I entered into the clergy as a priest. I was probably twenty-four or twenty-five at the time.”

Ellie traced over the pattern again before leaning forward and pressing her lips to it. “It suits you,” she said, tilting her head upward to look at him. Her hands began to unbuckle his belt, opening the buckle before unbuttoning his pants. The slight relief of pressure on his cock caused him to sigh softly in relief. He changed his position and helped her pull off his pants and his boxer briefs. She went to go peel his socks off when he gently took her wrist.

“I like to leave them on,” he said with a chuckle, feeling suddenly nervous. Any time he explained his preference to keep his socks on during sex, people teased him and laughed. He’d always laugh along with the person, but he felt disrespected. “Poor circulation in me feet, eh, they get cold easily.”

“Okay,” Ellie said.

“You’re not laughing?” Copia blinked.

“Why would I laugh?” Ellie asked. “I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, and I understand. It could be ninety degrees outside and my hands will get cold. I get it.”

He didn’t know if it was possible to fall even more for her. He leaned forward and took her face between his hands. He stared into her eyes for a moment before kissing her. “Thank you,” he murmured against her lips. He repositioned himself, allowing Ellie to see him fully. Her eyes moved over him slowly as she bit her lower lip. 

“Wow,” she said softly, her eyes still looking him over. “You’re hot.”

Copia couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Thank you, cara. I’m glad you think so.” He pressed another kiss to her lips. “Now, back to what we were doing…” 

She giggled, and Copia committed the sound to memory. He leaned foward, forcing her to lie back as he knelt between her legs. He went back to littering her body with kisses. He went down her stomach and to her thighs. “Spread your legs for me, tesoro,” he said gently. “Is it okay if I touch you?”

She nodded and did as he asked without question. Copia moved his hand to drag a finger through her the short curls of hair and her slit. Ellie moaned as he gathered her slick on his finger. “You’re very wet,” he rumbled. 

“You got me all hot and bothered,” Ellie laughed, poking his leg with her toes. 

“And I won’t apologize,” he said, bringing his finger to his lips and sucking her slick from it. His eyes never left hers and he watched as they darkened and he licked his finger clean. “You taste good, tesoro. Can I taste more of you?”

“Like eat me out?” Ellie asked, her face reddening.

“Si,” Copia responded. He noticed the way her face was turning pink and he couldn’t help but wonder if she was blushing or if it was from embarrassment. “Have you had oral sex before?”

“No…” Ellie said, looking away.

Embarrassment, that’s what it was, Copia concluded. He reached forward and gently guided her face back to look at him. “There is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about, Ellie,” he said gently. “And if you will allow it, I will show you how wonderful of an experience it can be.” 

“I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I’m thirty years old and my only experience is a couple of sloppy make out sessions and a drunken night of sex that resulted in me getting pregnant and years of misery to follow. I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know what being eaten out feels like. I don’t know what it’s like to give a blow job. I don’t know any of these things and I feel stupid.”

“I know,” he said, taking her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “First and foremost, the way you feel is valid. It’s okay to feel as though you lack experience or skill. It doesn’t mean you are stupid. It doesn’t make my time with you any less. I want to give you those experiences and guide you through new things. I want to watch you discover what you love and learn how you want to be pleased. I want to be the one to give you all those first experiences you deserve and should have had.”

He saw Ellie’s lip tremble and for a moment he thought she might start crying, but then she smiled at him so fully that he thought his heart might have actually burst. “Thank you,” she said softly. “I want all those things and I want to experience all those things with you.”

A swell of pride took over, and he swallowed the lump in his thought. “You honor me,” he said, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing it. “I’m going to go down on you now. Is that still okay?”

Ellie nodded.

“Good girl,” he said, moving further down the bed. He lowered himself between her legs and hooked his arms around her thighs. With slow and gentle stroked, he moved his tongue through her folds, his eyes never leaving her face. She gasped, and he saw her fingers clench at the sheets. He hummed in approval before circling over her clit with his tongue. It wasn’t long before she was writhing against him, her hips grinding into his face as he fucked her with his tongue and his nose pressed into her clit.

“C-Copia,” he heard Ellie pant. “I think I’m—I think I’m going to come.” 

He hummed in response, not ceasing his actions and encouraging her to let go and stopping himself from grinding his cock against her bed to relieve the throbbing ache that was only increasing with each pant from her.  A few second later, he her thighs stiffen around him and her pussy clench as she came. She was moaning his name as her back arched off the bed. He pulled back from her slightly, gently lapping over her clit with broad strokes of his tongue as she rode out her orgasm.

With his face covered in her wetness, he smirked as he looked down at her. Her chest rose and fell as she tried to catch her breath. Her eyes seemed to be hazed over as she stared up at him in her post-orgasmic bliss. She opened her mouth a couple times, trying to speak but failing to find words. Finally, as her breathing returned to normal, she seemed to find her voice once more.

“Holy shit,” she said. ���I’ve never felt like that before. I never came like that before.”

His chest rumbled as he reached over to her nightstand where she had a box of tissues. He grabbed a couple and wiped his face clean. “I’m glad I could make you feel good,” he said, tucking a wayward piece of hair behind her ear. “Can I kiss you? You’re going to taste yourself if you let me kiss you, is that okay?””

Ellie nodded, and he leaned down and kissed her, his tongue slipping behind her lips and over hers. She let out a soft, pleased sounding hum before they broke apart. “How are you feeling? Do you want to keep going?” Copia asked. 

Ellie nodded. “Yes, please,” she said.

“Alright,” Copia said, cupping her cheek and pressing another kiss to her lips. “I remember you mentioned a while back that you had your tubes removed, so we don’t have to worry about pregnancy, but I have a condom in case you are more comfortable using one.” 

“We don’t need to,” Ellie said. “I trust you and I haven’t been with anyone since Ethan that one time.”

“If you change your mind—”

“You’ll be the first to know,” Ellie promised.

Copia nodded and repositioned himself, spreading her legs a little wider. “And what else did you promise me, tesoro?” He asked.

“That if I want to stop at any point, I will tell you,” Ellie responded.

“Brava ragazza,” he said as he pumped himself a couple of times. “We’ll go as fast or slow as you want, okay?”

Ellie nodded.

“I want you to say it,” Copia said. “I want to hear your voice.”

“Yes,” Ellie replied.

“Good girl,” he hummed in praise as he ran the head of his cock over her clit, making her gasp and grip the sheets. “Still sensitive, I see.” 

“No, I’m ready, please,” Ellie said, sounding needy and desperate. Hearing it made him chuckle.

“Okay, okay,” he teased, lining himself up and guiding his cock inside of her. He went slowly, letting her get used to his girth. He kept his eyes on her and watched her eyes widen and roll back before fluttering closed. “You okay there, cara?”

“Yes,” she breathed. “This is…This is nothing like I’ve felt before.” Her eyes opened again, and she stared back up at him with a blissful gaze. “Keep going.”

“As you wish,” he said with a smirk as he bottomed out in her. “I’m going to start moving. Are you ready?”

 Ellie nodded.

“Words, tesoro.”

“Yes, please.”

He pulled out to the tip slowly and then pushed back in, making her moan and grab his forearm. He kept his pace slow and gentle, not wanting to hurt her or push her limits. She was in control of how fast and hard things got, and he fully respected that. There would come a time when he’d control what they do, assuming that’s what she wanted, of course, but he was patient to wait for that day. He kept his eyes on her, fascinated by every little moan, flutter of her eyes, and squeeze of her hands on his arm and the sheets. She felt incredible around him. He couldn’t remember a time when he last felt this good with someone. Sure, every time he fucked someone felt good, but Ellie was special. This wasn’t just a one-night stand or a fling he was having while on tour. This was so much more—she was so much more. 

“Faster,” Ellie keened. “Please.”

“Of course,” he groaned, eager to change the pace. He moved faster, hooking hers arms under her thighs to lift her hips slightly. The change in angle made him groan. “You feel so good, tesoro. So tight and good.”

“You feel good in me,” she responded between panting breaths. “Holy shit, this feels so good.”

“I’m glad,” he said, leaning down to kiss her. He let go of one of her thighs so he could rub his thumb over her clit in time with his thrusts. “This okay?”

She gasped at the new sensation and her eyes closed as her back arched off the mattress. “More than okay,” she managed to say before a pleasured whimper escaped her lips. “Don’t stop.”

“I won’t,” he promised as he continued to move and touch her. He could feel her walls begin to flutter and knew that she was close, and he knew if she came, he wouldn’t be able to hold on much longer. “Where do you want me to come? I can pull out if you want.”

“N-no,” she moaned. “In me. You can come in me.” 

He let out a low groan at her words, his pace quickening ever so slightly. “You’re close,” he said. It wasn’t a question, but a statement.

“Y-yes,” she replied. “I’m close.”

His chest rumbled in satisfaction. “Good. Come for me, tesoro.” A few seconds later, he felt her clench around her and her breath hitch as she came. She keened and her nails dug into his arm almost painfully. “That’s it, Ellie, come for me,” he praised. “Just let go.” He continued to thrust into her through her orgasm, and it wasn’t long after did his movements begin to falter and become erratic. He moaned and, with one final thrust, spilled into her. 

He stilled, panting, as he looked down at her. Her eyes were closed as she tried to catch her breath. Her upper body was limp against the bed. Her fingers gripping his arm were loose and her other hand rested on the upper part of her stomach as her chest rose up and down. 

“Oh my god” she eventually said in breathy pants. “Copia…that was…I…” She seemed to struggle to find the words she wanted to say. 

Copia smiled and kissed her. “I know,” he said. “I know, tesoro.” He pressed gentle kisses to her cheeks, brow, and then lips before slowly pulling out of her. They both groaned softly at the separation. 

“Let’s get you cleaned up,” he said, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and standing. Making his way to the door, he opened it and padded to the bathroom next door. He heard the mattress groan, and a few seconds later Ellie joined him. He grabbed a washcloth from the stack of linens off a shelf and ran it under warm water. After their clean up, they were back in bed under the covers. Ellie laid with her head on his chest and Copia held her close. 

“Thank you,” Ellie whispered. “I had an amazing time tonight.”

“I’m glad,” he said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “I hope we have many more nights like this.”

“We will,” Ellie softly said. “I know we will.”

They fell into a comfortable silence, and it wasn’t until Ellie’s hand stopped tracing patterns on his stomach did he notice she was asleep. Her breathing had evened out, and she had all but melted into his arms. He huffed out a soft laugh before kissing the top of her head. He closed his eyes, unable to believe he had the most amazing person in his arms and that she had allowed him into her bed and to see her so intimately. A short time later, he drifted off into sleep after her. 

[library-ghoulette]

day 4 // anal

Prompt list thanks to @kroas-adtam 💜

Pairing: Copia (Papa Emeritus IV) x Sister Beatrice (OC)

Rating: Explicit, minors DNI

Words: 2411

Tags: third person POV, original female character, established relationship, Copia indulging his sugar daddy tendencies, birthday sex, sucking strap, rimming, fingering, pegging, masturbation, cum

Summary: Sister Beatrice receives a sexy birthday gift that proves to be as much fun for Copia as it is for her.

A/N: Okay, friends, it's my birthday today, and all I wanted was for my girl Beatrice to peg the absolute hell out of her boyfriend. (What do you know, it's her birthday, too!) This is part of my Ministry librarian series and takes place sometime in the future from the current My Path Serpentine timeline. No spoilers for any plot points other than the fact that they do eventually fuck... and perhaps in slightly kinkier ways than you might expect?

Read beneath the cut or on ao3!

Sister Beatrice bursts through the door of Copia's bedroom, leading him by the hand behind her. She's giggly and just ever-so-slightly drunk, and there's nothing she wants more right now than to flop down on her boyfriend's huge, cozy bed and pull him down on top of her for the perfect, filthy end to what has been a wonderful birthday so far.

But the bed is already occupied. A box, not insubstantial in size, sits right in the middle of the plush, black comforter, wrapped in silvery damask-print paper, rounded about by heather purple silk ribbon and topped in a full bow.

"What's this?"

Copia graces her with an indulgent smile. "I believe it's a birthday present, tesoro."

He has already spoiled her thoroughly, taking her out for an achingly delicious dinner at a tiny little restaurant she would never have dreamed of setting foot inside of in her old life, complete with a bottle of Bollinger La Côte aux Enfants that made her feel like stardust was running through her veins—and which she would have protested against, if she had known what it cost, and so he had wisely not let on, allowing himself the secret satisfaction of knowing how well he was pampering her.

And he has already given her a present: a complete set of a semi-obscure horror serial that she loves and has wanted to own for years, the original paperback printing with its delightfully creepy artwork of floating, disembodied eyes and flooded mansions, each volume in such pristine condition it is as though they have never even been cracked open.

"Another present?"

"SÌ.”

"What is it?"

He chuckles and runs his hand down her back, his touch light and affectionate. "Maybe you'd better open it and find out."

Beatrice sits on the bed, spreading out the full skirt of her dress before pulling the box into her lap. She loves presents—both giving and receiving them—and she has to resist her usual urge to tear into the parcel with abandon. She undoes the bow gingerly and sets the ribbon aside with care, making a mental note to save it—it could have other uses, perhaps even fun ones, she thinks.

But after she spends far too long trying to gently ease up the strips of tape without damaging the paper beneath, Copia loses his patience. "Bea, come on," he says, sitting beside her. "Just rip it open!"

She looks up at him with a grin both sheepish and mischievous and, now freed from her own self-restraint, she rips the paper with a sweep of her arm and a loud, satisfying tearing sound. She crumples the paper with relish and tosses it aside, revealing the plain black cardboard beneath. She runs her hands over the lid, admiring the smooth grain, and then flips it open eagerly.

When she folds back the purple tissue paper, she finds something that makes her breath catch—a concoction of black leather straps and gleaming nickel fastenings. She runs the pad of her index finger over the leather, admiring the smooth, buttery texture, before lifting the harness entirely from its nest of paper.

"Oh, Copia…" She sighs, admiring the graceful lines of the leather, the clever design in how they fasten together. "This is lovely."

Her genuine, awed gratitude has his heart swelling with pride. "I thought you might appreciate an upgrade."

"Very much!" Her old strap-on harness is fine. Serviceable. But it's just a cheap, mass-produced one that came out of a box from a local sex shop. Nothing like the work of functional art that she holds before her now. "Thank you so much."

She kisses him, lips soft and insistent, ready to continue the night, but he breaks away. "There should be something else in there."

She rummages through the tissue paper until she finds a rectangular drawstring bag made of silky black material. She opens it and pulls out blush-pink silicone dildo, admires the satisfying weight of it in her hand, the gentle curve and bulbous crown that she knows will hit all the right places.

"It's bigger than my other one," she observes. "Are you trying to tell me something?"

She shoots Copia a sly side-eye and grins as he stammers and blushes. As she kisses his cheek reassuringly, she remembers how flustered she used to be whenever she was in his presence. It's fun to have that effect on him now, from time to time.

"This is a wonderful present, Copia, really." And now she feels a flush creeping across her own face. Not from embarrassment, but from arousal. "Can we use it tonight?"

When Copia returns to his bedroom—fresh from a shower, wearing nothing but a fluffy towel riding low around his hips—he finds that Beatrice has wasted no time in setting the scene. The lights are dimmed and black candles lend the bedroom an atmosphere not unlike that of a chapel, reverent and heady, the bed an altar to offer himself upon.

She has stripped down to only her bra—midnight blue lace that matches her eyes and contrasts arrestingly against her pale skin—and her long, golden-blonde hair, which she wore down for dinner, is now pulled back from her face in a messy bun. She's standing in front of his full-length mirror, frowning at her reflection as she fiddles with the harness around her hips.

Hearing him come into the room, she turns to face him, and the motion swings her silicone cock around. They both laugh.

"Can you help me with this thing?" she asks through her giggles.

His nimble fingers set to work, tugging on the straps and tightening the small buckles. He turns her gently, evaluating the fit, but mostly admiring the way the leather flows around her ample hips and the curve of her bare ass.

In addition to the straps around her hips, the harness also boasts garters that buckle around her full thighs, and Copia sinks to his knees before her to adjust them. When he's finished, he runs his palms down her smooth legs and looks up at her face. "Is it comfortable?"

"Yes. It's perfect."

"You're perfect." He takes her hips in both hands and presses a kiss to her belly that has her squirming, ticklish, before he drops down further and runs his tongue up the underside of the dildo and over the bobbing tip.

Beatrice watches, rapt with desire, as he slides his lips over the crown. She brings her hands up to cradle the back of his head, twining her fingers through his hair, and tenderly guides him as he slides her length into his mouth. She could swear that she feels every swirl of his tongue and every motion of his head as he sucks it, as clearly as if it were attached to her by more than just leather straps. It's hard to keep her hips still, to keep from fucking his face.

When he pulls back, maintaining eye contact and releasing her cock with a loud, wet pop, she moans. Her voice is rough when she orders, "On the bed. Face down. Now."

As he arranges himself—towel shed and a pillow tucked beneath his hips to provide a better angle for her—she rummages through the drawer of the bedside table, pushing aside silk rope and a magic wand and various other contraptions in favor of simple necessities: lube, nitrile gloves.

She tosses them onto the bed and then settles herself behind him, kneeling between his spread legs. She runs her hands over his lower back, his thighs, kneads the muscular cheeks of his ass.

"So fucking delicious," she murmurs. "I could just eat you." She can't resist leaning down and sinking her teeth into his right cheek, up near his hip, just hard enough to make him cry out softly in surprise. She soothes the faint mark of her teeth with a kiss. "Do you want me to eat you?"

"Y-yes."

She takes her time working her way across his skin, kissing and nipping, running her tongue along the creases where his ass meets the backs of his thighs. Her thoroughness is an exquisite torture for both of them, but she insists on slowness, knowing that the more care she invests, the more worked up he'll be, and the better it will be for both of them.

It's a relief when finally she spreads him open and licks a stripe from his taint straight up his center. He hisses in pleasure and spreads his legs wider. She obliges his eagerness for more contact, pressing the flat of her tongue to his opening, licking in slow, wide circles that build in depth and intensity. She revels in his responsiveness—the uninhibited noises he makes, the way his pelvis grinds against the pillow beneath him, the way he clenches and spasms against her tongue—letting her entire world contract to just what she is doing in this moment. Just his body, just the pleasure that she can give it, and the pleasure that she feels in that act of giving. No rush, nothing else to do, nowhere else to be. Only this.

When she senses that he's ready for more, she sits back, pulls a glove over her right hand, and flicks open the bottle of lube.

"This might be cold," she warns, before slicking her fingers and bringing them to his entrance. Again, she takes her time, stroking and massaging and adding lube until he feels ready for more. Still, she seeks the confirmation of an enthusiastic, nodding yes before she slides the tip of her middle finger inside.

He's tight and warm and whimpers gorgeously as she works her finger in and out, pressing a bit deeper with each stroke until she is in up to her knuckle. "You're doing so well," she praises. And, when she is able to slide in and out with ease, she asks, "Do you want another finger?"

His yes is dreamy and desperate, the way he always sounds when she's inside of him, and even without seeing his face, she can imagine his closed-eyed, blissed-out expression when she pulls out fully before pressing back in with middle and index together.

As she stretches him open, she slips her free hand down between her legs. Her cunt is dripping, clit swollen from the sight of him taking her fingers and from the thought of what she's going to do to him next. She runs her fingers idly through her folds, the friction little relief, only arousing her more. It's okay, though. She can be patient.

But perhaps the same can't be said for Copia. When she twists her wrist just so, brushing up against that spot inside of him that drives him wild, he begs her to fuck him.

"Are you sure?" It's half checking in, half teasing.

"If you don't," he gasps, "I think I'm going to die."

"Well, we wouldn't want that, would we?"

She extracts her fingers slowly and slicks a generous amount of lube over the dildo protruding from between her legs, stroking up and down the length as she positions herself behind him. She rubs the head against his entrance before finding just the right angle and pressure to slip past the gentle resistance.

She holds perfectly still when she's seated fully inside him, waiting for his body to adjust to the fullness. She strips off the glove—turning it inside out and tossing it off into the shadows to be dealt with later—and runs her palms soothingly over his skin.

"Okay?" she asks.

"More than okay."

"Good." She grips his waist, bracing herself as she begins to move in and out in slow, shallow thrusts. "You're so fucking good…"

He tilts his hips up to meet her thrusts, giving her permission to build speed, to set a rhythm that fills the air with the sounds of their slapping skin and his exclamations of pleasure. Beatrice can feel sweat beading on her forehead as she fucks into him, and her arousal coating inner thighs, and the beginning of the satisfying soreness that will envelop her lower body come morning. It will be worth it, to have had him like this, the pain a reminder that will have her smiling and blushing all day.

Eventually, his moans become more frantic, his knuckles white as he twists the sheets, and he gasps out, "I— I don't know how much— cazzo— how much more I can take—"

Beatrice slows, pulls out. "Turn over for me?"

They resposition themselves so that Copia is on his back, gazing up at her with dazed eyes, pupils blown wide. She wastes no time in slicking more lube over her cock and reseating it inside him, finding her rhythm once again, rolling her hips against him as she holds his legs pressed open and back. His cock is so flushed and hard that it looks painful, weeping pre-come, bobbing helplessly with her every thrust.

"Touch yourself," she gasps. "I want to watch you come."

It's not going to take long, she knows, as he takes himself in hand with short, fast strokes focused toward the head. She tries to match his pace, and with each snap of her hips, the straps running between her legs rub against her clit, pushing her closer and closer to her own orgasm.

He comes with a shudder, and she follows close behind, both of them crying out as his release shoots across his belly and coats his hand. She waits until they've both begun to come down, then pulls out carefully and collapses on the mattress beside him. Both of them are wrecked, smeared with lube and sweat and cum, utterly exhausted and deeply, completely happy.

Copia looks over at her—all winded and flushed and smiley, so beautiful it makes his chest ache. "I love you."

"Love you, too."

"Did you have a good birthday?"

"The best. I couldn't possibly ask for anything more."

"Ah, I wouldn't say that, if I were you."

"What do you mean?" she asks, groaning internally. If he has any more surprises in store, they're going to have to wait. She feels like she can barely move.

"You haven't even had cake yet, amore."

This sets Beatrice off into a fit of breathless laughter, and it's a very long time before she can even speak to explain, to a confused Copia, just what she finds so funny.

[sister-marshmallow]

Life Eternal

Chapter five: Secondo

Cardinal Copia x Original Female Character

News spreads quickly about my attack on the Cardinal. Although some ghouls seemed wary of me at first, they quickly accepted the fact I was remorseful, that I truly had no control of the matter. Dewdrop was the one to convince the rest of Copia’s ghouls that I wasn’t a bad person, that even the Cardinal himself didn’t blame me. He explained how I was when he first met me, explained how they can't really blame me for the way that Lucifer made me.

It’s kind of him to come to my defence, though I do not wish for it. Deep down I wish for punishment, even if I fear it. It is well deserved, I caused harm. I want to see the Cardinal, express how truly sorry I am, see that he is in fact recovered as the others say. I have so much to ask him also, yet Omega has insisted I talk to Secondo first. Apparently he was the leader of the church not long ago, before Terzo, his brother. This man also apparently has a ‘stick up his ass’ if I am to believe Dewdrop. I am not entirely sure of the meaning of this but I assume it to be negative.

The new rule of course is that Omega is to escort me everywhere. Thankfully my death has taken away the need to use the bathroom or this would be a far more awkward arrangement. As with this rule, Omega is now escorting me back down those halls. There is no evidence of what happened merely a day before, no stain on the carpet, not even a scuff to the wall. But I know.

Anxiety builds within my stomach, Omega’s hand placed on the small of my back as we walk. “Are you sure he won’t be really angry with me?” I ask for what must’ve been the thousandth time.

“He can be a bit grumpy, but he’s asked to meet with you for a reason.” He sighs, stopping to face me. Each hand placed onto my shoulders, leaning down so I can look into his vermillion irises. “Just be polite and I will be right outside the door if anything happens.”

A smile tugs to my lips. “Thank you, Omega,” I speak with sincerity, arms reaching out to envelop him in a hug. The man is much larger than I, hands barely managing to connect at his back. He remains stunned for a second, his own arms coming to wrap around my body moments later. A gentle purr comes from his throat, unexpected to the ghoul himself, yet he does not feel entirely embarrassed, just comfortable. We pull away from the embrace, he nods at me once more before he knocks on the oaken door in front of us. An accented ‘enter’ follows a second later. Omega opens the door for me, I walk in cautiously before it is shut behind me.

The man before me is, well, intimidating. Dressed clad in black as many others I have met are. Again his face is painted like a skull, however there is something about the roughness of it, his sour look, the way his eyes bore into me. It sends a shiver up my spine.

“Welcome to my office, young one. And to the church of emeritus.” His voice is dark, it resonates throughout the large room. His accent is similar to the others I have heard, much like Copia’s- Italian? “I apologise that you have awoken during my idiotic brother’s reign instead of mine, but thankfully that allows me time to educate and research you.”

He doesn’t seem angry, no, not at all in fact. “Thank you for choosing to see me sir. I know I have caused a great many troubles so far but I can assure you that thanks to Omega, I will not be a danger to anyone.”

He waves his hand dismissively. “Fret not. It was expected. And at least it was the Cardinal, he did not seem to mind.” Secondo gestures to the chair in front of him, permitting me to sit. It's an expensive chair, well made. Cushy, what I can only assume to be velvet, like that of a lord’s chair. He waits for me to get comfortable, fingers lacing together as he peers at me. “Now, how much have you been told of this church, Avelina?”

“I know very little, Papa. I know you worship the one below, that the ghouls are demons, that your brother Terzo is the leader. But I am afraid that is all I am aware of. I must apologise again for the circumstances that caused this meeting to be, I am deeply regretful of my actions.”

His lips pull to a sharp line, not a frown, not a smile- neutral. “As I said, fret not. You already have better manners than my brother. And after all, I cannot be bitter against someone the Dark One favours.”

My expression softens, relieved. Although his looks may be intimidating, he seems to be at least a reasonable man. “Thank you so much for your forgiveness, Papa.” I look down at my hands, fiddling with them on my lap. “It is not easy to adjust to this new lifestyle. The urges that consume me make it even more difficult.”

“That is understandable. I have studied for many years the legends around vampires, and of you specifically. How you require blood to survive, your skin is pale, how your eyes darken, how you will be unable to touch the light of God.” He rambles but I catch onto the last phrase.

“The light of God?” I question.

“Sunlight. You cannot be caught in it now. It will burn you up like hell fire.” He speaks so nonchalantly. What can he possibly mean that I cannot touch sunlight? Am I restricted now to the night? How can he know this?

“That- that cannot be true.”

“Dare you test it?” He goads devilishly, leaning back in his chair to grasp the curtain behind him. I nod slowly, standing from my chair to approach the window. He pulls the long drapes towards himself just enough for a small ray of sunshine to peak out from the black curtains. Cautiously, I stick out my finger, moving it into the light. At first nothing, just a feeling of warmth. But then suddenly an audible sizzling appears, my finger catching alight like tinder. I pull it away quickly, blowing to put out the flame. My jaw hangs loose as I look at Secondo, his eyes are wide in what looks like excitement.

“I can never go out in the day again…” I finally realise the gravity of this, I can never see the sun again. I can never go for a stroll in the forest and watch how the golden rays are cast through the trees. I settle back down into the chair, watching as my scorched finger heals itself.

“The night shall be your day. What can be done in the day that cannot be done at night?”

“Um-”

“Exactly!” He clicks his fingers. “Our Father in Hell has blessed you with this new life, you shall live it to the fullest, even with its constraints.”

I suppose most having the choice of either being dead or not be able to touch sunlight would choose the latter option. For me, it is something I will learn to accept. Had I the choice of a normal death, with my family, with a soul? I would take that any day. That is not an option now for me, should I choose to die in the sun, I do not know what would happen to me. Would I remain to rot in Hell? Or do soulless beings just cease to exist. I break from my spiral, looking back at Papa. “Is there anything else I should be aware of?”

He closes one eye, thinking for a second. “Not so vital as to bore you with right now, there are far more important matters.” Matters more important than me understanding the basics of my being? “Like educating you properly.” He leans forward, his voice dropping just above a whisper. “Terzo’s knowledge of this church is poor though his love for sin is great. I assume you will not be tempted by this…”

“Tempted by what?”

He almost smiles, a triumphant look in his eyes. “The fact you are so innocent to his inclinations gives me hope.” Although I am unsure of the meaning, seeing Secondo smile fills me with a sort of pride. The same feeling as when you get a baby to sleep that cries for everyone else, when a cat favours you etcetera. “Now, I hope you don’t mind but I am quite interested in studying you. You have quite the story. Would you mind perhaps disclosing how you were able to make a deal with the Olde one?”

And so I tell him my tale. How I found that ancient tome in the church library and it brought me to dream of Him. How I saw the Cardinal within those dreams and accidentally sold my soul. That I wished to die but was brought out of hiding by a figure in black. And eventually how I committed a massacre and was sealed within my coffin.

“Have you had any more of these dreams?” He leans over the desk towards me, eagerly waiting for my reply.

“Yes, only the other night.”

“Excellent.” He claps his hands together. “Your presence is turning out to be much more interesting than anticipated. We must meet again soon. For now,” he turns to his side, picking up a stack of books before dumping them onto the desk, a plume of dust emitting from them as he does so, “please study these texts. They will give you wider context on how we worship Him. I’m sure Omega will assist you with the Latin translations.”

I nod, standing before picking up the books. “Thank you, Papa.” He gets up, opening the door for me, nodding towards Omega who stands outside. Well, at least I now have something to entertain myself.

——

“Ah Cardinal!” Papa beams, flamboyantly waving for the skittish man to take a seat.

“Hello, Papa.” Copia replies, pulling out the chair and sitting down. The last thing he wanted to do today was meet with Terzo. He wished to rest, to catch up on his paperwork but no, Papa must insist on seeing him. He did not even have the courtesy to visit the poor injured Cardinal in his own office, instead making the tired Clergyman walk down the hall to him.

“How are you feeling? I see the wound is healing nicely.” He grins, pointing at Copia’s neck. There isn’t much evidence of what happened yesterday, only two small scars. The healing was quick, extremely quick. Yet the loss of blood has still taken a toll on the old man, he finds himself lethargic and craving some hot coffee.

“Yes Papa, I am uh… feeling much better today.” He replies curtly, wishing for the meeting to be over before it starts.

“It must have been so overwhelming for you,” Terzo begins, “having a beautiful woman all over you. Shame she was a little bitey, eh? Though maybe you enjoy that.”

Classic Terzo, sexualising everything. It cannot be denied that Copia felt excitement from a beautiful woman pinning him against the wall. And especially a girl he had found beautiful for a very, very long time. But Terzo needs to realise that there are more sins than just lust. Copia lets out a deep sigh, his arms folding over his chest. “She didn’t mean any harm. It was all an accident.”

Terzo chuckles, why is the Cardinal so serious all the time. He must spend so long doing paperwork that he doesn’t have time for the joys that being in the church provides. If he wanted he could have a sister every night, yet he chooses to stay in solitude with his rats. “I have to say Cardinal, had I been in your shoes I would’ve bit back. Only fair to give her a little nibble, eh?” He waves his hand jokingly, holding back a snicker when he sees the Cardinals glare. “At least it was a bella ragazza, ah? And you knew her, sì?”

“We were…acquainted in life.”

“You can be my wingman then, ah?”

Copia grits his teeth. “Papa. I don’t think that is appropriate.”

“Oh Cardinal! Don’t be such a prude ah, that's the word, eh? What better way to serve Asmodeus than to pleasure his greatest creation?” Terzo’s white teeth gleam as his smiles.

“She’s not- she's not like that! Times were different back then, very different. I doubt she’d even consider it unless she was married.”

“Hmm, I’m not sure, Cardinal.” He replies in a sing-song voice. “That may have gone out the window when she sold her soul.”

——

These books are long and tedious. However the information inside is very important. Omega sits beside me, chipping in every so often when I get stuck on a word, explaining the deeper meanings of rituals and stories from his life in Hell. We must’ve been here for hours, maybe 3, maybe 10. Time is one thing I have noticed to have no comprehension of. Sure my body gets tired but not in the same way it did in life. Now it is more of an active decision to sleep, to give my mind a break.

I’m so engrossed in the book that I don't notice many of the ghouls walking by and leaving. “Omega, you coming with?” Dewdrop shouts from across the room, standing with his weight shifted so one hip sticks out to the side.

“No, I better not leave her alone.” He replies, not even looking up from the book.

“Whatever, your loss!”

I look up to the ghoul sitting beside me, we are alone now in the den. “Where are they going?”

He lets out a breath, eyes turning to look at mine. “They’re going to the concert. Papa is performing his new album tonight.” He answers, almost bored.

“Concert? Album?” More words I do not understand. Why do these modern times have to be so…modern.

“The Papas, they perform uh music. You know what that is right? Good. They use it to try and get new converts to the church. Whoever are Papa’s ghouls play instruments for him in the band.” So this music is a sort of propaganda, a way of turning the masses to worship Satan. The thought of it does interest me, as does the idea of modern music. I myself did love to sing as I would shear the sheep or water the gardens.

Omega is one of Papa’s ghouls, is he not needed for this performance? “Do you not play in this band?”

“I do,” he sighs, “But I asked another ghoul to sub in for me tonight.”

I frown. “You do not have to stay. The door is locked, I cannot leave. You are Papa’s ghoul, you should be there with them.”

“No…it's much more important to help you with your Latin. I can perform whenever.”

Another few hours go by before my mind aches for rest. We both fall asleep, books still in our laps. When the others arrive back from the concert they laugh at the scene before them, but eventually also join the pile to slumber.

[angellayercake]

Sam and the Series of Disastrous Dates

Sam has watched her new best friend fall in love with the man of her dreams but when will it be her turn? For OC kiss week 2023 we will follow Sam from the Pastimes for a Retired Papa series on some of her dating adventures and see if she will ever meet her dream man.

Original Female Character x Original Male Character

Original Female Character x Papa Emeritus III

AO3

Day 4 - Charm

As he leant down and kissed her hand she realised she had forgotten quite how good looking he was. She could feel Emma next to her vibrating with the urge to ask questions but he quickly dismissed them, whisking her friend away in his fancy chauffeur driven car in a tactful way but with a strict air of finality. As the car drove off the gossip trio surrounded her and she knew that she wasn’t going to get away without giving them something. 

‘That’s the new boyfriend?’ Hannah got in there first, setting off a barrage from the other two.

‘Of course it’s the new boyfriend.’ Melissa said, rolling her eyes.

‘What I want to know is how you know him?’ Emma was fixing her with a predatory look. She knew she was going to have to tread carefully here. She didn’t want to accidentally make her friend look bad.

‘He works at a Spa outside the city that I have been to.’ She didn’t want to give much more away. 

‘Oh.’ Emma looked put out that there wasn't more to the story. They looked shocked, clearly expecting more from her. 

‘So…’ Melissa prompted her. ‘How did they meet?’ Sam was already ready to be done with this conversation.

‘I recommended the Spa to her and they hit it off. I don’t know what else to tell you I wasn’t there.’ She started to push past them already thinking about the quiet apartment waiting for her and whether she should stop and get a bottle of wine on the way or not. 

‘One more question.’ Emma grasped her arm as she walked past and she looked down at it shocked that she would be that forward. ‘What’s the name of this Spa?’

She took a moment to decide if she should tell her. It would probably come back to bite her whichever choice she made so she went with the easiest option. 

‘The Ministry.’ Emma let go of her wrist and she walked as fast as she could away from them. 

Later that evening as she curled up on the sofa with that bottle of wine she thought back to her visit to the Ministry. 

‘You are going to love it babe. Martin’s wife said it’s the best Spa she has ever been to and she is always going to these places.’ She held the phone tightly to her ear, slightly nervous to talk too loudly in front of the masked man at her door. 

‘I just wish you had given me a bit more notice Tom.’ She smiled at the man apologetically as she tried to pack her bag, remembering everything she would need. 

‘I wanted to make up for missing our anniversary babe. If I can’t be there to spoil you at least I can pay the best of the best to do it for me.’ She could hear the smug smile on his face down the phone line and she didn’t really appreciate the sentiment. Yes they both worked hard for their money but she would have preferred a card and a takeaway if it meant they could spend the day together. 

‘I just wish I could see you.’ She said quietly, trying not to sound too wistful. ‘Are you sure we can’t even video chat? I don’t mind waiting until later.’

‘I’m sorry babe but I’m slammed with client meetings all weekend. I told you this.’ She didn’t like being so needy but she missed him, being away as much as he was. He sighs starting to get irritated by the sound of it. ‘Look, just go to the Spa, have a good time and if you still aren’t happy I’ll make it up to you when I get back.’ 

‘I’m sorry I’m being ungrateful aren’t I?’ She tried to fight down the tears that were building.

‘A little bit but I still love you.’ She could hear voices starting in the background. ‘Look babe 

I’ve got to go.’

‘I love you too.’ And then he is gone. ‘Bye.’ She grabs her bag and coat and tries to smile at the masked man. ‘Sorry to keep you waiting so long.’ He just nods and gestures for her to follow. 

The Ministry Spa was everything Tom had promised it would be and more. The location was beautiful, the staff were attentive and kind and the treatments she had received so far had been perfectly relaxing. She was sat waiting in a private room now for her last treatment. The room was lovely. The dark wood panelling brightened with cream accents, her bare feet sunk into the soft pile of the carpet and she was able to curl up comfortably with her coffee in the love seat that was positioned so she could see out the window to the rose garden beyond. 

She couldn’t find fault with any part of her day and yet she felt hollow in her enjoyment. Before she could wallow too much there was a knock on the door and she could hear a man's voice asking for permission to enter.

‘Come in,’ she called, rising to greet him. He was stunning to put it mildly. He was older easily in his late fifties, but he was incredibly handsome with perfectly styled hair and an air of easy charm and confidence about him. He crossed the room quickly reaching out his hand as he approached. She reciprocated the gesture thinking he wanted to shake her hand but instead he bent down bringing her hand to his mouth and pressing a gentle kiss to the back of it, which in spite of all her emotional turmoil made her heart flutter. 

‘Welcome to the Ministry, Samantha. I am Terzo and I hope you are enjoying your stay with us so far?’ He gestured for her to take a seat and he followed suit sitting in the armchair across from her. 

‘It’s Sam if that’s ok,’ he nodded in acknowledgement. ‘It’s been lovely so far and I am so looking forward to having a massage.’

‘Sam, of course. Have you had a massage before?’ She had been curious when the nun that brought her up had said they would need to speak before the massage could begin but it seemed she was about to find out. 

‘Never a full body massage no. I’ve had my neck and shoulders done before and I had a boyfriend that liked massaging feet,’ she giggles not really sure why she shared that little titbit but he laughed low and fixed her with an intense look drawing her attention to his odd mismatched eyes.

‘Oh really? So you are familiar with massage in a more intimate context?’ The look he was giving her made her feel warm but a bit awkward as well. 

‘Um yes, as much as most people I guess?’ She wasn’t sure if she liked the turn of the conversation and wondered if she had made a mistake with her awkward joke. 

‘The relaxation experience was designed by me personally to offer a completely tailored experience and allow clients to get the experience they truly need.’ He was leaning towards her, watching her intently, she suspects to make sure she is listening to him properly. ‘So if someone has tension in their shoulders, they have a shoulder massage, if they have soreness in their calves, they have a calf massage. But if the tension is more internal, well I can help with this also.’ It took her a moment to figure out what he was suggesting.

No, definitely not.’ She couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing. ‘Is that what you do here?’ She looked around her, looking to see if she had missed any signs. She couldn’t quite believe that Tom had sent her somewhere that offered what he was suggesting! Feeling suddenly self conscious at wearing only a robe she pulled it tighter around herself.  

‘May I ask how you found out about this experience fiore mio?’ He looked at her, appearing confused by her reaction. ‘This particular service is well, let’s just say it is not advertised. Typically my clients are recommended by others that have already enjoyed the experience.’

‘My boyfriend booked it for me,’ she replied, still slightly in shock at his proposition.’ He said a friend's wife had recommended it. Oh god he didn't know did he? He said he would pay for someone to look after me because he wasn’t able to.’ Her eyes felt as wide saucers and a sick feeling began to grow inside her at the thought of Tom deliberately paying for some random guy to fuck her instead of spending the day with her himself. Tears welled up in her eyes and she started gasping in breaths in panic. 

In an instant he was knelt before her, taking both of her hands in his and over the thoughts buzzing in her head she heard him telling her to look into his eyes, breathe with him and that everything was ok. She didn’t know why this stranger was able to calm her down especially as he had offered to make her orgasm after only speaking to her for a matter of minutes but something about his steady mismatched eyes and low melodic voice cut through the haze. 

‘I’m sorry,’ she whispered, looking down at their joined hands.

‘No apologies needed Sam.’ He gently lifted her chin forcing her to lock eyes with him once again. ‘I do not know for certain fiore mio but perhaps your friend's wife was not entirely honest about her visit to her husband and your man, hm? I don’t imagine a man with a partner as beautiful as you would send her off to me if he knew?’ She couldn’t help but blush at his compliments but she was relieved to see his smile was soft and genuine now rather than the seductive smirk he’d been wearing before. She took a deep breath before replying.

‘You are probably right.’ She tried to return the smile but ended up grimacing at the feel of drying tears on her face. 

‘Si, I am often right in these things. Let me fetch you a tissue, Sam.’ He started to get up but let out a small oof and ended up having to haul himself up using the arm of the loveseat. ‘Sometimes I am forgetting that I am no longer a young man. I shall have to remember the knees are not what they were next time I need to comfort a crying lady,’ he laughed as he hobbled slightly towards the cabinet. He brought her back a handful of soft tissues which she took with gratitude, wiping her face and nose as he resumed his seat in the armchair. 

‘Now there are a few options available to you fiore mio. You may leave now but I think that I would not like you to end your day with us on this note so, if you prefer I can order us more coffee we can have a nice talk. I am as good a conversationalist as a lover I am told.’ He wiggles his eyebrows as he talks, managing to pull a laugh from her. ‘This is option one. Or, option two you receive your massage and only a massage.’ His expression snapped to serious all of a sudden and she appreciated all the effort he was going to to put her at ease. ‘Either from myself or if you would be more comfortable with another practitioner.’      

She took her time to think. If he had made the same offer before comforting her so sensitively she probably would have wanted someone else but he had done nothing but prove himself to be genuine and thoughtful so she actually felt comfortable with him in spite of his original proposition. And she really did want a massage.

‘I think I would be ok having a massage from you. As long as it is just a massage.’ She is sure he wouldn’t do anything without getting her consent but she felt better being upfront. 

‘Of course fiore mio, I would never touch you in a way to make you uncomfortable and you must just say if you wish to stop. At any time, si?’ He was so sincere she felt confident she could trust him so she nodded. He smiled as he rose from the chair and moved towards her slowly before he took her hand helping her to her feet and led her over to the massage table. He gave her privacy while explaining his process to her in detail as she got herself situated on the table. He worked quickly and efficiently asking for her preference of fragrances and oils and before long he was rubbing away all her stresses and worries with his strong hands. 

Now she had finally relaxed a tiny part of her brain piped up as he worked saying what if? What if she had taken up on his offer but she shushed it quickly while smiling to herself. She may be head over heels for Tom but she wasn’t entirely immune to an attractive, kind, older man running his hands all over her. She had never had such a thorough skilled massage before and she felt boneless by the time he had finished.

‘There, fiore mio all done. You may stay here as long as you need, just come down to reception when you are ready and they will arrange for a car to take you home.’ He was resting a hand on her shoulder and she felt a twinge of sadness that she would never see him again. ‘I will leave you now, Sam. It has been a pleasure.’ 

‘Thank you Terzo, for everything.’ Later she would blame her emotional state on all sorts of things, Tom’s continued absence, maybe PMT, but if she was honest it was that this man had shown her the most kindness she had experienced in far too long.  

[luciferscowgirl]

— my masterlist —

My most recent/ongoing work:

Never to Return - Catholic virgin fem OC x Cardinal Copia (finished, chapters 60/60) SMUT INCLUDED

Andiamo a Roma! - (chapters 3/?) Copia shows Alice how beautiful his home is. Apart from exploring all the different sights there, Alice explores her bratty side and gets paid for it.

(If you want to be included in a tag list concerning this ongoing series, hmu!)

My most recent one shot: here

My most recent Ghostober 2024 drabble: here 🔞

My series:

Never to Return - stories of Alice and Cardinal Copia - a collection of side stories within the Never to Return universe

Never to Return (chapter 1-60) 🔞

The day after - (chapter 1/1) Copia and Alice aren’t quite sated yet 🔞

All Hallow’s Shenanigans - (chapters 4/4) It’s Halloween! And Alice and Copia celebrate the high life over there at the Ministry… 🔞

Andiamo a Roma! - (chapters 3/?) Copia shows Alice how beautiful his home is. Apart from exploring all the different sights there, Alice explores her bratty side and gets paid for it. 🔞

Dom Cardinal Copia:

In the name of Distraction - 1st person fem POV x Cardinal Copia (he is a brat tamer in this.)

La piccola morte - 1st person fem POV x Cardinal Copia (he helps you deal with a bad dream in his own ways.)

You and Me and the Devil makes Three - 2nd person fem POV x fem oc x Cardinal Copia (he likes to watch you watch him. A threesome.)

“This might’ve been a little bit too much” - 2nd person fem POV x Cardinal Copia (Copia is not amused and he’s going to punish you for it.)

“Mangiamo!” - 2nd person fem POV x Cardinal Copia (he’s a bit switchy in this, but that’s your fault.)

One Morning with Cardinal Copia - 2nd person fem POV x Cardinal Copia (he’s a soft dom in this, and he woke up horny.)

Lay all your Love on me - 1st person fem POV x Cardinal Copia (flash fic. He’s a soft dom and makes sure to kiss you properly before he goes all the way)

Morning Indulgence - 2nd person fem POV x Cardinal Copia (a lovely somno fic. You wake up needy for the Cardinal. Soon, the two of you are busy waking each other up.)

Showtime - 2nd person fem POV x Papa/Cardinal Copia (established relationship. Copia is a lil jealous and wants to show you who you belong to. He also likes boxing, as it seems.)

One out of Three - 2nd person fem POV x Cardinal Copia x Special Ghoul (established relationship with Cardinal Copia. You two are getting a little freaky with a Ghoul. Copia takes the reins in this little adventure of yours. It’s also very gay in a way.)

Your Infernal Majesty - 3rd person fem x Cardinal Copia/Dracopia (CW/TW: NonCon stuff! | Year 1350. A young, untouched woman follows the mysterious Cardinal back to his mansion out of sheer curiosity, and what happens is something she is not going to remember.)

The Wedding - 2nd person fem x Cardinal Copia (TW/CW: mentions of alcohol consumption. | Basically the two of you attend a wedding and get freaky in public. Established relationship. Copia talks dirty. He teases. He edges. He’s a sexy asshole in this one.)

Little Miss Innocent - 1st person fem pov x Cardinal Copia (oc is super bratty. Kind of a rage fuck. Copia is upset and makes her pay for it.)

Play The Way You Feel It - 2nd person fem pov x Cardinal Copia (CW/TW: dubious consent! | Copia is plagued by some dreams he’s been having. His fleshlight isn’t enough to mend the yearning…)

Sub Cardinal Copia:

An ice-capped Fire - 2nd person fem POV x Cardinal Copia (Copia is a whiny, pleading little whore in this short one shot.)

Divine you feel my Thrust - 2nd person fem POV x Cardinal Copia (he’s whiny again. And also, you indulge in some nice butt stuff.)

In return, you gave them Hell - Copia‘s POV x 3rd person female OC (power struggle. It contains some pole dancing. And restraints.)

Papa Emeritus IV:

For a Minute - 2nd Person female POV x Papa Emeritus IV (let’s find out what happens on that couch during Miasma, huh? Disclaimer: possible ghovie spoiler)

Ficlets:

Letters from the Cardinal - Cardinal Copia POV x 2nd person gen. (Copia writes you a letter while he’s away on tour. Please be so kind and open it, he’s yearning and needs you to read it.) M-Rated.

Ghostober 2024 by Hysteric_Muse - little one shots that follow Muse’s prompts all throughout October! You’ll find various SFW and NSFW drabbles in there.

Fics with more than one chapter:

If I could turn back the Time… - 2nd person fem POV x Cardinal Copia (my first fic ever. Never intended to write more than one part. I add to them whenever I see fit. // Reader basically meets her old flame after ten years of not having been able to see him.)

Until you’re Mine - 2nd person fem POV x Dracopia ! (Reader goes on an adventure to meet the Cun-, the Count and it’s oddly Bram Stoker’s Dracula coded.)

Never to Return - 3rd person catholic virgin OC POV x Cardinal Copia (Alice is a catholic woman who lives a pious life, well, does she really? Because one errant night, she meets a mysterious, satanic man who’s gonna help her with exploring new shores…)

The Wedding - 2nd person female POV x Cardinal Copia (The Cardinal and you are invited to your cousin’s wedding. Copia didn’t want to go, but after a little negotiation you managed to bring him with you. You didn’t think he’d actually do what he wanted to do, though…)

My Wattpad account:

I’m slowly but surely transferring all my fics from Wattpad to AO3 so there might still me some which I haven’t uploaded on AO3 yet, like this one for example.

Copia is quite the violent dom in there.

Thank you all for reading my silly little stories! 💓💓💓

Here’s a photo of the man I am definitely not obsessed with 🤥:

[luciferscowgirl]

— “Never to Return” —

60 chapter smutty slow burn

-

Catholic virgin x Cardinal Copia

Hello guys!

I can finally say that I have successfully finished writing my 200.000 words slow burn “Never to Return”, where a young Woman of God escapes the restraints of her Catholic upbringing with the help of our beloved Cardinal Copia. Throughout the story, unexpected things happen, and we will learn more about the characters’ pasts. Things turn sinful…, in every way.

Read it here (AO3) or click the link in the title. It is 18+, so MDNI, please!

Thank you all! 💓

[luciferscowgirl]

Day 13: “Hunter’s Moon”

For Hysteric_Muse’s Ghostober!

A follow up story on chapter 1 “Dracopia’s bite”

From the girl’s point of view.

AO3 link here

I have been feeling strange lately.

It was not that I felt detached from myself, no. I was growing more tired. But in an unfamiliar way. I would sleep more during the day, and would feel way more awake at night.

So I began to enjoy going for walks as soon as the sun had set. Outside in the woods, I felt strangely safe most of the time. Yes, most of the time. Because there were moments during which I felt a peculiar pair of eyes on me. I always brushed it off, assuming that it was just some kind of deer traipsing its way through the undergrowth.

But tonight, this strange feeling would not leave me. The moon was unusually full, and it somewhat drained my energy even more, since I grew so fond of attempting to find sweet solace in the darkness of the night.

I kept walking along the usual path, deep within the woods, where I liked to listen to the little creek flowing along and guiding me. Not only was it unusually bright tonight, it was also hazy. Unnaturally hazy.

I felt like I was being watched. And so I began to quicken my pace, and though I did not know where I was heading, I knew I needed to get away from this place. I felt my breath becoming shaky when I snapped my head from left to right, because for some odd reason, the shadows that occurred due to the bright moonlight shining down on the imposing trees around me, seemed to move in odd ways. But every time I looked more closely, I cursed myself for my vivid imagination. Everything was alright.

My teeth began to chatter, and I pulled the fabric closer around me, when I suddenly realised that I was beginning to run. I was running like a scared little deer fleeing from a pack of starved, feral wolves. I felt the tears running down my own cold face now, and finally cursed myself for being awake at night. I laughed to myself, as pathetic as I was. Because how blessed are some people, whose lives have no fears, no dreads; to whom sleep is a blessing that comes nightly, and brings nothing but sweet dreams. I have never had such privileges!

Here I was, fleeing from an unknown force that hunted me down, and though I was so deep within the woods, the moonlight would not stop blinding me. I squinted, trying to assume my way, when all of a sudden, I huffed, running into something that stopped me in my frantic tracks. I panicked. Whatever I ran into, it was cold but soft, and not too unfamiliar.

I was being held. And though I wanted to scream and push myself away from whatever had caged me with its eery hands, I felt like I froze from the sheer icy force of this mysterious entity.

“Shhh, dolcezza,” I heard an intimate voice trying to soothe me. I immediately recognised the Cardinal - who as of lately, I have grown to feel a strange interest towards - breathing against me. Was this a dream? Did he really save me just like this? I was speechless.

I barely looked up at his pale face when he stared down at me, where I found his mismatched eyes unusually intense and focused. “I told you I was going to visit you anew. Though I have learned that you have begun to stray away from home at night. Good, good. Things change, don’t they? I like the way you change, bella. I see what you are. And I’m dying to see you, dolcezza. I’m dying to taste you. One last time.”

I do not remember much of what happened afterwards. I only knew that suddenly, I felt a sharp pain surging through my stiff body, and the uncomfortable chill that I had felt earlier turned into an even more intense feeling, depriving me of every last bit of warmth that my trembling self had still held onto.

I was glad, though. Because the Cardinal was there, and so incredibly kind to me, as he wrapped his cape and body around me, which ultimately made me feel comfortably hot so deep within, like I was being set on fire. I was so thankful for his presences. He even shielded me from the blinding moonlight.

[ghuleh-witch]

And We Are Tied As One Eternally-XII

Fandom: Ghost Rating: Explicit Warnings: none for this chapter Relationships: Papa Emeritus IV/Copia x OFC Additional Tags: soft!dom Copia, eventual smut, developing relationship, kind of a slow burn, no beta reader Chapter Word Count: 2370 Summary: Ellie Moran just wanted to make a new life for herself. Running to escape the people in her past, she ends up in a small town in the middle of nowhere that happens to be home to a Satanic church. She never expected her life to change again after she started attending the public masses at said church. Ao3 || Masterlist Chapters: 12/? Previous Chapters Tag list: @sodoswitchimage Fic Divider by gothdaddyissues

Copia sat with Ellie, answering questions for the next couple of hours. They talked and ate pizza while Ellie expressed her frustrations over not understanding anything she had just seen. He understood. Despite having grown up in the church and around infernal magick and demons, there was still a lot he didn’t understand himself. 

“I should go to bed,” Ellie said, looking at her phone and seeing how late it was getting. “I…” She looked up at Copia. “Can…can you stay? I don’t want to be alone.” 

He felt his heart flutter at her question. “Of course,” he said. “If that’s what you want and will make you feel comfortable, then I will stay.”

“Thank you,” she said, sounding relieved. He watched as a pretty blush crept up on her cheeks. “I guess you can stay in my bed,” she said. “The couch isn’t very comfortable to sleep on…”

“Only if you are comfortable with that,” Copia said. He wanted nothing more than to lay in bed with her, but he wouldn’t do it unless that’s what she wanted. He didn’t want to push any boundaries with her and ruin the relationship they were building. 

“We’re both adults, and I trust you,” Ellie said. “I’m just sorry I don’t have a toothbrush for you, but you can use some of my mouthwash if you want.”

A few minutes later Copia was looking around her bedroom as Ellie was finishing her nightly routine in the bathroom. There was a lack of anything on the walls and Copia realized it was because Ellie didn’t want to make the place feel like home if she was going to have to move again. A lot of her furniture was old and he wondered if she rented the apartment already furnished. He couldn’t see Ellie lugging all these pieces of the stairs by herself even if she bought them all secondhand. He moved to her dresser where she had a picture of a man that looked like her in a military uniform. Copia knew that was her father. Next to the frame was an assortment of crystals along with the necklace she wore all the time.

“You mentioned you believed crystals could protect you,” Copia said when Ellie came into the room. He turned to look at her and found himself breathless. She was in long, loose-fitting, blue pajama pants and a black t-shirt that seemed to cling to every curve of her body. She was stunning.

“Oh, yeah, I guess,” Ellie said. “A few years ago I got really into occult stuff—crystals, tarot cards, stuff like that. I always liked the idea that crystals have energies and properties that could be used for healing for protection. I picked some up from a little shop and the lady who ran it gave me this black tourmaline necklace. She said it would help ward off negative energies. I felt like I needed it so I wear it every day. For the most part, it’s done me well I suppose. Well, until recent events.” Ellie shrugged. “But that’s not the fault of a crystal. I guess…I guess this was always meant to happen the way it did.” She shrugged. “What do you think? Do you think they hold power?”

“I do,” Copia said. “We use crystals and herbs in a lot of rituals. Witchcraft and the occult are welcomed practices in our faith. They often go hand-in-hand with one another.” He watched as she pulled back the blankets on her bed and got in. “I’m going to use you bathroom and then I’ll be right back.”

Ellie nodded and he left the room for the little bathroom next door. He closed the door behind him and let out the breath he had been holding since the moment he got the call from the ghouls. When they told him that Ethan had gotten into her apartment and had her, Copia thought everything was over before it started—that he wasted what precious little time he had with her and that she had slipped from his fingers. He reminded himself to breathe.

He hadn’t lost her. She was safe, unharmed, and more importantly, free of the man who made her life a nightmare. Ellie was free to live and thrive and he wanted nothing more than for her to do those things. 

Copia splashed some water onto his face, removing as much of the black paint around his eyes and on his upper lip as he could. He took a swig of the mouthwash Ellie offered and rinsed his mouth before returning to her bedroom. She was already in bed, sitting up against her pillows on one side with the cover pulled up to her waist. 

“Thanks for staying,” Ellie said as Copia toed off his shoes and sat down on the edge of the bed. “I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight if I am alone.”

“You had quite the day,” he said. “I’m happy to help, even if it’s just to be here so you can sleep.”

She smiled and he felt his heart, which was already racing from anxiety, begin to race for another reason. To see her sitting there warm in her bed and safe made every single panic-inducing thought all worth it in the end.

“You gonna sit on the edge like that all night?” Ellie asked. There was amusement in her stormy eyes and he felt his cheeks warm.

“Eh, no,” he said, pushing himself deeper into the bed, lifting his feet off the floor, and sitting against the headboard.

Ellie laughed as she slipped under the covers and laid her head on her pillow. She was on her side, facing him and Copia knew he wanted to end every day like this—them in bed together just talking until they went to sleep. 

“I have an alarm on my phone set for eight,” she said. “I have to go to work tomorrow.”

“I can’t tell you what to do, but I think you should call off and take the day to process everything,” he suggested as he pulled the blankets over his legs. 

“I can’t,” Ellie sighed. “I need the money, and I don’t need my boss giving me a hard time about calling off.”

“Very well, but promise you will try to take it easy?”

“I promise,” she yawned. “I’m going to try to sleep now. Good night, Copia.”

“Good night, tesoro,” he said.

“Hmmm you still haven’t told me what those names mean,” she said, her eyes closed, one hand under her pillow and the other holding her part of the blankets to her chin, creating a mock cocoon for herself.

Fucking adorable, he thought.

“I’ll tell you. Maybe tomorrow though. Get some sleep.” He hoped he didn’t look like a psycho as he watched sleep claim her and her breathing became deep and even. When a strand of her dark blonde hair fell over her eyes, he gingerly swept it back without causing her to stir. 

After another minute he slid down into the bed and laid on his back, listening to her breathing next to him. It all felt right, as though this was how his life was supposed to be.

But he knew it wasn’t…not yet anyway…

Ellie woke when a strip of sunlight peeked through the one broken blade of her blinds and shined right into her eye. She clenched her eyes hard, trying to fight the urge to wake. She knew her alarm hadn’t gone off yet, but she didn’t want to get up yet. She was so comfy with her blanket wrapped around her, the heavyweight against her back, and the arm draped over her stomach.

Her eyes popped open at that.

She was still as she felt the body spooning her while her mind searched for an explanation. Copia, she thought. It’s just Copia. I asked him to stay and he did and now he’s spooning me. She knew he probably didn’t mean to and that he did it unconsciously, but she didn’t want to embarrass him if he woke up and they were still in that position.

No matter how comfortable Ellie felt or how right it all felt. 

She felt so cared for and safe, and she didn’t want to leave. If she had it her way they’d stay like that until the end of time. But her logic told her she needed to get up before he woke up, so she very carefully slipped out from his hold, grabbed her phone, and padded her way to the bathroom. A couple minutes later she emerged and began to boil some water for some tea. She was glad she had two mugs and hoped Copia liked tea. 

At eight she let her alarm go off before silencing it and taking the boiling kettle off the heat. She poured the water over the teabags in each mug and added sugar and milk to her own before going into her bedroom.

Copia had rolled over onto his stomach since she left the bed. His arm was draped over her pillow and Ellie didn’t want to wake him. She knew she had to though. He was probably busy and she had to work in an hour. She came up to his side of the bed and gently shook his shoulder.

“Copia,” she said softly. “It’s eight.” 

He groaned. “Okay, okay,” he muttered as he sat up. He rubbed his eyes and blinked, as though he didn’t remember where he was at first. He looked around and then his eyes landed on her. “Buongiorno.”

“Morning,” Ellie responded. “I have tea if you want some. No coffee though, sorry.”

“Tea is great,” Copia said as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. “I prefer tea over coffee in the morning anyway.” 

“Sleep well?” Ellie asked, curious to know if he remembered holding her. 

“Si, I did. Very well actually. How about you?”

“I think that might have been the best night of sleep I’ve ever had,” Ellie admitted as she led the way into the kitchen after Copia got his shoes on. “I didn’t put any sugar or milk in your tea. I didn’t know how you liked it.”

“A little bit of sugar and a little bit of milk,” he said pinching his fingers. Ellie watched as he prepared his tea and made note of the ratios he used. “The best night of sleep you ever had, huh?”

“Yeah,” Ellie said. “Because…because I didn’t have to worry for the first time in years.” It wasn’t a complete lie, but it wasn’t totally the truth. She knew it was because he was there and he was holding her. 

“Ah, yes that is a nice feeling isn’t it?” He said before sipping his tea. “What are you going to do with your newfound freedom?”

“Finally live my life,” Ellie smiled. “I’m going to stay here and work on making this place a home.” 

Copia beamed. “Good.” 

After her tea was finished, Ellie excused herself to get ready for work. Once she was dressed she found Copia washing her mugs. “You didn’t have to do that,” she said.

“It’s alright,” Copia said. “I want to help.” He tried his hands with a paper towel and turned to her, looking her up and down. Ellie didn’t think she looked particularly special. She was just in jeans and a black long-sleeved shirt. “Do you mind if I walk you to work?”

“I don’t mind,” Ellie said. 

They were standing outside of the bookstore fifteen minutes later. Ellie already knew it was going to be a bad day when she saw Charles arguing with one of her coworkers through the window. The man was red in the face and she could have sworn she saw spittle flying from his mouth as he silently yelled at the part-time shop assistant. 

“I better get in there,” Ellie said. “Poor Ryan looks like he’s about to wet himself.”

Copia looked at the scene through the window and hummed in response.

As though he could sense eyes on him, Charles looked up and saw Ellie and Copia standing outside. He then marched over to the door and flung it open. “You’re late,” he snapped at Ellie.

“No, I’m not,” Ellie said. “I’m three minutes early.”

“Just get in here. We had a huge shipment come in yesterday and it needs to be put out on the floor,” he said before looking at Copia. Charles looked him up and down and sneered before looking back to Ellie. “This devil worshipper bothering you?” He asked before looking back to Copia. “We don’t allow soliciting here, buddy.”

“I’m not your buddy,” Copia said, eyes growing dark. “And I’m not soliciting. I was walking Ellie to work.”

Charles looked back to Ellie for confirmation. “You know this guy?”

“Yes,” Ellie said and she could already hear the insults Charles was ready to throw. “Copia is my friend and he was walking me to work.”

Charles looked back at Copia and glared before retreating into the shop. Ellie sighed. Today was not going to be a good day.

“Are you going to be okay?” Copia asked her.

“Yeah. I’ll be fine. Charles is just a bully and a bigot. Nothing I can’t handle,” Ellie said.

“Well, if you need anything, please let me know,” Copia said taking her hand and bringing it to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles before releasing it. “I’ll see you soon?”

Ellie smiled and felt the pink seep into her face. “Yes. Gemma invited me to hang out after work tomorrow, so I’ll be up there then.”

“Wonderful,” he said before looking back at the window where Charles was yelling at the young assistant again. “Call me when you get off. I want to make sure that….man didn’t ruin your day.”

“I will. I’ll see you later,” Ellie said with a smile before going into the shop. She clocked in and turned to Charles for her assignment for the day.

“You can unpack and stock all the new Bibles and Christian fiction titles,” he said with a cruel smirk.

Ellie bit back a groan and made her way to the backroom. 

[ghuleh-witch]

And We Are Tied As One Eternally-XIV

Fandom: Ghost Rating: Explicit Warnings: none for this chapter Relationships: Papa Emeritus IV/Copia x OFC Additional Tags: soft!dom Copia, eventual smut, developing relationship, kind of a slow burn, no beta reader Chapter Word Count: 2615 Summary: Ellie Moran just wanted to make a new life for herself. Running to escape the people in her past, she ends up in a small town in the middle of nowhere that happens to be home to a Satanic church. She never expected her life to change again after she started attending the public masses at said church. Ao3 || Masterlist Chapters: 14/? Previous Chapters Tag list: @sodoswitchimage

Copia made sure Ellie got home safe and sound after the ball and kissed her again before she locked herself in her apartment for the night. She felt like she was on cloud nine and realized this was the first time in years she felt truly happy. After getting out of her dress and into pajamas, she fell back onto her bed and sighed. Part of her was afraid of the way she was acting. Did thirty-year-old women act like schoolgirls when they get kissed and asked out on a date by someone they liked? She didn’t know. Her experiences with men and romance were extremely limited. 

Her phone buzzed on the bed next to her and she picked it up, smiling when she saw it was a text from Copia.

I can’t wait for our date. Sleep well, tesoro :-) 

Ellie smiled and replied with her own “sleep well” and a smiley emoji. She plugged her phone in to charge and got under the covers, thinking about what the next day would bring. She fell asleep shortly after putting her phone down. Her dreams started pleasantly enough. She and Copia were having a picnic in a grassy field. There was wine, laughter, and kissing, but then the dream morphed. She was alone and in her bedroom. Ellie looked around and found the room dark.

“Elenor,” a voice said in a sing-song tone. 

Dream Ellie found Ethan standing at the end of her bed with a maniacal grin on his face. Burns and charred marks covered half of his face.

“Your freak friends put me in Hell,” he hissed. “It’s very hot there.”

“Get out of here,” Ellie said.

“I don’t think I will,” Ethan said, surging forward to wrap his hands around her neck.

Ellie woke up gasping and panting. She sat up in bed and turned on the lamp next to her. Ellie looked around her room and found she was very much alone.

“Just a dream, just a dream,” she said to herself as she looked at the time on her phone. It was just after four in the morning. She groaned and laid back down, wishing she wasn’t alone.

The day dragged on and Ellie spent it yawning and rubbing her eyes. She never got back to sleep after her nightmare and spent her day at work trying to keep her eyes open. At the end of her workday, Ellie got a text from Copia reminding her when he’d be picking her up for their date. She smiled and hurried back to her apartment to get ready. Despite her exhaustion, she felt excited about their date together.

She looked through her clothes, settling on the same black dress she wore the very first time she met Copia. Ellie did her hair, making the waves more defined before pinning back the stray pieces that liked to fall into her eyes. She lined her eyes in black and put on a little eyeshadow and lipstick, trying to keep everything toned down and natural-looking. 

It was only the second date Ellie had ever been on. After she found out she was pregnant, she and Ethan tried to make their relationship work. He took her out on a date and it was then Ellie realized their relationship would never be what she wanted. Looking back on it, she knew she should have run then and there. 

Ellie nervously paced her living room as she waited for Copia. At exactly seven, there was a knock on her door and practically flew to the door to answer it. Once she got it open, she found Copia standing there holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers. He wore black slacks and a jacket with a black button-down underneath. He had on his usual black paint around his eyes and on his upper lip. His face lit up when he saw her and he held out the flowers. “For you,” he said.

“That’s so sweet,” Ellie replied, taking the flowers and smelling them. They were carnations, and their scent reminded her of spring. “Thank you,” she said, turning and inviting him in. “I’ll put these in some water and then we can go.”

“You look beautiful by the way,” Copia said as he stepped into her apartment. 

Ellie smiled. “Thanks,” she said as she opened a cabinet, looking for something to put the flowers into. She found a tall plastic cup and decided that would be good enough since she didn’t own a vase. She trimmed the stems and put some water into the cup before displaying the flowers on her counter. “I’ll have to get an actual vase for them, but I love them. Thank you again.” 

“You ready to go? I made a reservation for us at a restaurant.” 

Ellie nodded and grabbed her clutch before following him out the door. Once outside, Copia opened the passenger door of his car for her, closed it once she was inside, and buckled in. A second later, Copia was getting behind the wheel and starting the car. They left town, driving thirty minutes into a nearby city. Copia parked in a parking garage came around to her door, and opened it, holding out a hand to her. 

“We walk from here,” he said as she took his hand and got out of the car. He took her hand and looped it through his arm, and Ellie wondered if he could feel her shaking with anticipation and nerves. It had been so long since she had last been on a date or in any sort of relationship. She felt like an inexperienced teenager as he led the way down the busy city street. 

“Are you okay?” Copia asked, pulling Ellie from her anxious thoughts. “You haven’t said much this entire time.”

“Sorry, I’m just…nervous. It’s been a long time since someone took me out on a date,” Ellie confessed.

“You don’t need to apologize, tesoro,” he said as they walked around a corner. “It is okay to be nervous. I know you haven’t been on a date in a while. I understand. What can I do to help you relax?”

“Just keep talking,” Ellie said, already feeling better just from his reassurances. 

He chuckled. “I’ve been called a yapper before, so that won’t be a problem,” he said. “Ah, here we are.”

They stopped in front of a busy restaurant. There were tables of people outside dining under the warm glow of string lights. Inside, patrons talked and laughed while servers moved among the clustered tables. 

“This is the most authentic Italian food around,” Copia said, leading her inside to a podium where a hostess stood waiting to greet them. “I hope that is okay. I didn’t want to spoil the surprise by asking if you liked Italian”

“It’s perfect,” Ellie smiled. “And for the record, I love Italian.” 

“Great,” he said as he stepped up to the podium. “ Ciao, we have a reservation. Last Name Emeritus.” 

The hostess looked over the tablet in front of her and, with a stylus, checked something off. “Emeritus, got it. Table for two. If you will follow Jack here, he’ll get you settled.” She said, handing a couple of menu cards to a waiting server.

They followed the man named Jack, a tall, lean blonde man in a tight server’s uniform, to a table towards the back of the restaurant. Before Ellie could sit, Copia was pulling out a chair for her. The simple gesture filled her with a fuzzy warmth as she sat down and Jack placed a menu in front of her.

“Tonight the chef’s special tonight is pappardelle ai funghi, made with fresh porcini mushrooms and a piece of our house-baked focaccia,” Jack informed them. “Can I get you started with some wine?”

“Yes, please, we’ll take a bottle of…” Copia said, looking over the wine menu before pointing to a bottle. “This one place.”

“Excellent choice, sir. If you’re ready, I can take your orders now as well.”

“Are you ready to order, tesoro ?” Copia asked Ellie.

“Uhhh,” Ellie mused, looking over the menu. “Sure. I’m ready. Can I have the ricotta and spinach ravioli with a side salad?”

“Of course, madam. And for you, sir?” Jack asked as he wrote Ellie’s order out on a pad.

“ Pasta allo scarpariello ,” Copia said.

“Of course. I’ll get your orders into the kitchen and I will be right back with your wine and some water,” Jack said, taking the menus from them and leaving.

“What’s the dish you ordered?” Ellie asked. “I’ve never heard of it.”

“It’s a rigatoni dish,” Copia said. “With a cherry tomato sauce and some parmigiano-reggiano cheese. It’s a simple dish, but a favorite of mine.”

Ellie made a mental note and tucked that information away for later. “You weren’t kidding when you said this place had authentic Italian food. I swear half the menu was in Italian.”

Copia smiled. “Well, I’ll just have to teach you the language so you know what you can order for next time.”

Her ears delighted when he said next time. She smiled and felt her cheeks warm. “So, what else do you have planned for us after dinner?”

“Ah, mia cara, it’s a surprise,” he said as their server returned with a bottle of red wine. Jack poured them both generous glasses before filling two other glasses with some water and setting the pitcher on their table. The server left again and Ellie watched as Copia reached for his glass. He swirled the liquid gently and brought it to his nose before nodding in approval and taking a sip. “I made the right choice,” he said. 

Ellie lifted her glass and gave the wine a sip. The liquid was sweet and savory all at once with a hint of spice to it. “This is good,” Ellie said, taking another sip.

“I’m glad you like it,” Copia said, his eyes lighting up at her preference. “I was hoping you would.”

In almost no time at all, Jack was returning to their table with their food and a basket of freshly baked focaccia bread. He grated cheese over their dishes and tossed Ellie’s salad before leaving them again. 

“That looks good,” Ellie said as she looked at Copia’s food, cutting into a piece of her ravioli. 

“Here, try some?” Copia said, stabbing a piece of rigatoni with his fork and lifting it to her, inviting her to take a bit. Ellie smiled and leaned over, allowing him to food her the piece of pasta. His eyes seemed to darken ever so slightly when her mouth closed around the fork and she took the pasta into her mouth.

“That is really good,” she confirmed after chewing and swallowing the rigatoni. “Want to try a piece of my ravioli?”

“Sure,” Copia said.

She cute a piece of her stuffed pasta in half and got it onto her fork before holding it out to him. She watched as he gently took her wrist, guiding her hand, holding the fork closer to his mouth before he ate the pasta. “Delicious,” he said, licking his lips and making Ellie bite her lower lip at the act.

They ate dinner, exchanging conversation as their server occasionally stopped by to ask how they were doing and to top off their wine glasses. Before Ellie knew it, Jack placed a piece of tiramisu in front of her for dessert. As she savored the dessert, she watched Copia slip a credit card into the folder with the meal’s bill. She felt bad and immediately reached for her clutch. “Let me help. This was really expensive.”

“No, Ellie,” Copia said gently. “I appreciate you want to help, but I want to do this for you. I wanted to take you on a proper date and spoil you. This is my gift.”

“O-oh, okay,” Ellie flushed, unable to stop the small smile tugging at her lips. “Thank you.” 

“You deserve it, tesoro .” 

“Next time, it’s my treat, though,” Ellie insisted. “I mean it.”

“Of course. Who am I to argue with a beautiful woman who wants to treat me?” Copia chuckled. 

After paying for dinner and leaving a generous tip, Copia and Ellie left the restaurant and walked down the street. It was starting to get late and the streets and sidewalks were less crowded. Ellie thought they might be going back to the parking garage, but they walked passed the place Copia parked the car and towards the entrance of the city park. Copia let her through the park, following the paved path light by warm lights through the trees until they came to the lake at the center of the park. Ellie gasped when she saw the sight. There were thousands of paper lanterns on the lake and on the far side of the water, there was a light show casting pink, blue, green, and orange lights across the surface. There were other groups of people and couples mingling around the path that circled the lake. A chilly breeze rippled across the water, making the lanterns glide this way and across the surface. 

“Copia, this is gorgeous,” Ellie gasped as she took in the scene in front of her. “All the lights and the lanterns. This is so beautiful.”

“I’m glad you think so,” Copia said, tugging her hand. “Come, this way. Let’s get some hot chocolate.” 

They walked down the trail to a little booth with a line three people deep. When they got to the counter, Copia ordered two hot chocolates with marshmallows. 

“Here’s to a magical night tonight,” Copia toasted.

“I can toast to that,” Ellie said, clinking her styrofoam cup with his and carefully sipping the beverage. 

They walked around the lake, taking in the lights and all the lanterns floating on the water. By the time they got back to the park entrance, it was late. They returned to the parking garage and Copia paid the parking fee before opening the passenger door for her. Ellie smiled and slid into the seat. A few minutes later, they exited the garage and went home.

“I had a great night,” Ellie said. “Thank you. This was the best first day ever.”

Copia chuckled. “I’m glad, mia cara. I know your first first date probably wasn’t the experience you wanted, so I was hoping to make up for that and give you the experience you deserve.”

“And you have,” Ellie said. “Thank you, again.”

Copia reached across the expanse of the bench seat and took her hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing her knuckles. Ellie blushed furiously as he lowered her hand, still keeping hold of it. “Let’s get you home,” he said, glancing over at her.

They fell into a comfortable silence. Ellie kept hold of his hand as Copia drove. Before she knew it, he was putting the car in park outside of her apartment building. “Here we are,” he said, letting go of her hand and turning the car off. He got out and walked around the front of the vehicle to open her door. Ellie took his outstretched hand and allowed him to help her out of the car. He then walked her inside and up the stairs to her apartment door. “So…” he said almost nervously, rocking back and forth on his feet. “This is the part where I give you a kiss goodnight and we part ways.”

“We don’t have to,” Ellie said quickly. “Part ways I mean…”

He raised his brow. “Oh? Are you inviting me in, cara?”

Ellie unlocked her door and opened it, gesturing for him to go in first. “I am.”

[luciferscowgirl]

Chapter 42: "However Fair and Pure"

New chapter alert! This one’s dirty…

Alice and Copia have some work to do, and there’s a certain Cardinal who surely deserves a reward after achieving such great success, right?

🔞🔞🔞 AO3 link: 🔞🔞🔞

[luciferscowgirl]

So hey guys, I brought you a gift!!! 😏

What do you think would happen if a young catholic woman finally got the chance to go out to part for ONCE?

“Alice finally got the chance of going out to party for once. Little did she know that this night would drastically change her quiet, pious life forever…

Do you want to come and follow the adventures of a young woman of God who gets to have a taste of a very hidden, mysterious world?”

AO3 link:

Cardinal Copia x female OC

[canarycolemine]

Vignettes of Paradise

Vignette III

Pairing: Papa Emeritus IV x Original Female Character

Summary: Copia gazed up at his official portrait, how lonely it looks without his love. His love, however, is in quite the sour mood. Even if she doesn’t see it, his love for her is always visible.

Warning: slightly suggestive material

AO3 Link!

Copia had treasured watching the sunset from his luxurious office. A far cry from the cramped office from his Cardinal days. Designed to his humble preferences, with small luxuries - dark, oak wood and rich brown leather couches, chairs, and royal blue curtains, pillows and accents throughout the room. Over the beautiful dark fireplace, his portrait commanded the room.

He objected to his portrait being in his office, something about seeing himself constantly, watching over his actions felt like vanity and generally unnerving. However, the upper clergy reminded him that, indeed, vanity is a sin. In case he forgot what sort of church he was leading.

As he gazed at the portrait, he longed for the day when the painting came down and updated.

How beautiful the portrait would be once his Evie joined him. Could the artist capture the way the sun shined in her eyes - showing the complexities of her eyes? Would it catch the perpetual flush to her cheeks? Oh how he hoped they would.

One day, he would not be worried about his visage watching his work; his lover would watch over him.

Lost in thought at the portrait, Evie stormed into the room, immediately alerting Copia that something was wrong. How sweet she normally was, now utterly grumpy!

Her nose scrunched as she planted herself on Copia’s couch. Copia had learned better than to comment on how adorable she looked when she was mad. Still, though, her sour mood worried him.

“My love, what’s wrong?” He asked, sitting next to her.

“Oh!! I’m so mad!” She started. “And no advice right now, I just need to be heard.”

“You have my word, tell Papa what’s wrong.”

“All day long! People have been staring at me! At the infirmary people would not look me in the eyes, but they wouldn’t stop staring at me! It was infuriating. And when I talked to Diana, she did it too.” She began, already raising her voice.

“I asked her, ‘what, do I have something on my face?’ And she was like, ‘nope, not at all, Evie.’ And then she laughed. I was just so busy, I had no time to think, but every time I spoke to someone or walked past someone, they would just stare at me. Then they would start giggling and someone said, ‘hey Evie, how’s old Papa doing?’ What does that have to do with my face!”

“Evie…” Copia began to interject.

“No, I’m not done.” She said, smiling only a flash, reassuring him that she was certainly not frustrated with the aforementioned Papa! “And I love you so very much, obviously, but I would hate to think that people think I get everything I want here just because we’re, you know, boyfriendgirlfriend.”

“Oh amore! That is not true!”

“How do I know that, I can’t ever tell what people are thinking. And why do they see my face and immediately think of you!”

“Perhaps, ah sorry, are you ready for the advice?” Copia hesistated.

“Maybe, but what could you say that would help me understand what people are thinking?”

“Eh, maybe I could show you?”

Copia grabbed her hand, hoisting her up, as they headed to their shared bedroom. Evie had a confused expression at the sudden change of scenery.

“Copia, why are we going over to the bedroom?” Evie became even more confused, convinced that fucking would not really help her mood.

“No more words, amore. Just follow me.”

He led her to the en-suite bathroom, guiding her, holding her hand.

Before they stepped much further into the bathroom, he paused, turning to her.

“I know why the siblings were staring at you all day. And it’s not because of your radiant beauty, although it stops me dead in my tracks. It is not because we are involved, and certainly, you are not given any advantages simply because of that. You work very hard, Evie, do not discredit yourself.”

A pout grew on her face, as her eyes began to well. He gently guided her into the room, turning her towards the mirror. Evie half expected a lesson in self-love. But as she began to take in her reflection, she saw the two of them. She was still dining her habit and veil, but she took in her face.

Her eyes immediately followed to her forehead.

“Oh.” She quietly said. Her expression changed suddenly.

Squarely on her forehead, a prominent black kiss mark was unmissable.

“Oh.” She repeated.

She recalled Copia kissing her forehead this morning; she was running late and left just as Copia was finishing his paints for the day.

Copia was sure that Evie would eventually wipe away the mark. But alas, here it remained, a half a day later. In pristine condition. She didn’t even notice it.

“Oh, I am not very smart, copia.”

“Ah, of course you are, my Evie! You have said it before, you have book smarts and maybe less of the street smarts.”

Evie giggled for the first time in hours.

“Perhaps when we make our clergy portrait, you can have a little kissy mark on your forehead, then, too, heh?”

“Oh you wouldn’t dare!” She teased back.

That evening, Copia ensured that she had plenty of matching kiss marks all over her body.

[ghuleh-witch]

And We Are Tied As One Eternally-XIII

Fandom: Ghost Rating: Explicit Warnings: none for this chapter Relationships: Papa Emeritus IV/Copia x OFC Additional Tags: soft!dom Copia, eventual smut, developing relationship, kind of a slow burn, no beta reader Chapter Word Count: 2734 Summary: Ellie Moran just wanted to make a new life for herself. Running to escape the people in her past, she ends up in a small town in the middle of nowhere that happens to be home to a Satanic church. She never expected her life to change again after she started attending the public masses at said church. Ao3 || Masterlist Chapters: 13/? Previous Chapters Tag list: @sodoswitchimage Fic Divider by gothdaddyissues

Between lessons with Gemma on the Ministry and visiting Copia during her stops at the abbey, the next week flew by. Ellie could hardly believe this was her life now. Now that Ethan was gone, a tremendous block of weight had been lifted and the shadow keeping her down had disappeared. She kept a close eye on the news, and after four days, “Ethan’s” body was discovered on a remote hiking trail in the mountains. According to the newscaster, the coroner ruled he died from exposure. 

It was now the day of the Samhain ball, and Gemma brought Ellie up to the abbey to help her get ready for that night. Ellie sat in Gemma’s room in front of the vanity as Gemma artfully applied makeup and did her hair. 

“You look stunning,” Gemma said as she helped Ellie zip up her dress. “Papa isn’t going to know what hit him when he sees you.” 

“Thanks,” Ellie said, blushing as she looked at herself in the mirror. She allowed Gemma to guide her to sit on the bed and watched as the other woman slipped a pair of black strappy heels onto her feet. “You look gorgeous too.” Gemma was wearing a strapless bottle green dress that hugged her every curve and had a split running all the way up to her waist. 

“Thank you,” Gemma grinned. “Secondo is going to be very pleased that he picked this dress out for me.”

“Secondo?” Ellie asked with surprise. She knew someone was taking Gemma to the ball, but Gemma never revealed who her date was. 

“Mhm,” Gemma hummed in response. “He asked me a few weeks ago and then bought this dress for me.” 

Ellie smiled. “That was sweet. You said he did your initiation. Have you two…you know…since then?”

“Oh, yes,” Gemma grinned but the smile slipped from her face a moment later. “A couple of times…but it was only ever sex. He’s never asked me to any balls like this before as his date. He usually goes on his own.” 

“You like him?”

“I love him,” Gemma confessed. “But he…isn’t one for getting involved with Siblings in that way. It’s only ever hook ups…but I’m hoping because he asked me to this that maybe things have changed?”

Ellie nodded. “I hope so,” she said taking Gemma’s hand and squeezing it.

Gemma smiled and squeezed her hand back before returning to work on Ellie’s hair. “Now, do you want a more casual or elegant look?”

“Do whatever you want,” Ellie said. “I’m sure it will look stunning either way.” 

When Gemma finished, Ellie’s wavy shoulder-length hair was looking more curled and down in a half-up-do with little silver bedazzled gems scattered over the hair that was pulled back. “You really went all out?” Ellie said as she looked over her reflection.

“This is the biggest night of the year,” Gemma said. “Well, besides Ghost album release nights, but there’s not going to be another album for a couple more years.” 

After finishing helping Gemma get ready, the two began the walk down outside to a clearing just beyond the gardens where the Samhain ritual would take place. They stood in a semi-circle around a wooden altar with other Siblings, Clergy members, Ghouls, and local church members. On top of the altar, Ellie could see goblets, candles, some type of bowl, a fancy-looking dagger, and a number of different herbs and crystals. As the sun disappeared from the sky, the four Papas, dressed in their formal chasubles and vestments and donned in papal paint, approached the semi-circle of people. 

Ellie watched in fascination as each of them drank from the goblets on the altar and spoke in Latin. They were contributing items to what Ellie realized was a stone bowl. She watched as Terzo lifted the dagger and pointed it in four different directions before cutting it into an apple and putting it into the bowl. 

“And now we ask each of you to take a moment and reflect upon the last year. Thank the One Below for the good and the bad and let go of the things that no longer serve you,” Primo said in English. 

The already silent crowd seemed to bow their heads for a few minutes. Ellie reflected on the last year and everything that led her to that moment. She thanked whoever might be listening for all the good things that happened, but had a hard time thanking them for the bad. She understood that you needed the bad to understand the good, but the idea of being thankful for negative things in her life was foreign to her. She then released as much of the negativity as she good before looking back up at the altar. Copia was setting the contents of the bowl on fire while chanting something in Latin. She watched as the flames died down before Terzo took the dagger again and pointed it in four directions again before returning it to the table with a simple “Nema.” 

“That concludes our Samhain ritual,” Secondo said. “Please join us for the festivities inside the sanctuary.” 

Ellie walked with Gemma back into the abbey and to the sanctuary. The pews had been removed and it was decorated with red and black streamers, lights, and other decor. A stage was set up where the pulpit and altar usually sat and Ellie could see ghouls setting up instruments.

“The Papas usually sing a couple of songs each,” Gemma said. “Typically ones off whatever albums they’ve done.” 

“So Copia will be singing?” Ellie asked, looking around the crowded room for him. They agreed to meet in the sanctuary, but Ellie hadn’t seen him yet. 

Gemma grinned. “You’re in for a treat.” 

Ellie felt a tap on her shoulder and she turned around. Standing there was Copia still done up in his black and white papal paints and wearing his black and gold vestments and bat wing miter. His eyes widened as he looked her up and down and Ellie couldn’t help but blush.

“Sei stupenda (You look stunning),” he said with awe in his voice. 

“I don’t know what you said but I’m assuming it was a good thing?” Ellie questioned with a laugh.

“Si, I said you look stunning,” he said.

“Thank you. You look amazing yourself.” 

“Bah,” he said waving the comment off. “I look like this every mass.” 

“Still looks amazing though.”

“Well thank you, tesoro.”

“Good evening, Papa,” Gemma greeted and Ellie forgot she had been standing next to her. “I was just telling Ellie that you and the other Papas would be performing tonight.”

Copia nodded. “Si, we are,” he said. “I’ll be up last.”

“What are you singing?” Ellie asked.

“Dance Macabre and Twenties. That will get the asses wobbling, no?”

Gemma laughed and nodded. “It will. Oh, I see Secondo. I’ll see you later Ellie.” 

Ellie watched Gemma go to the other Papa also in papal paints and his black and green chausable before she turned back to Copia. Just as she was about to ask when everything was going to get started, music started to play in Ellie recognized Primo on the makeshift stage.

“Do you want to dance?” Copia asked, holding out a gloved hand to her.

Ellie grinned and took it. “Yes!” 

Ellie wasn’t sure how much time had passed and she didn’t care. She was having the time of her life. She danced with Copia while he made jokes and twirled her around. When it was his turn to perform, Ellie got herself something to drink before making her way to the stage. There were a number of sisters standing there waiting and they all looked at Ellie with a mixture of jealousy and delight. She did her best to ignore them and when Copia came onto the stage and up to the mic, the room erupted in cheers.

The familiar beat of Dance Macabre started up and Ellie watched as Copia bobbed in time with the music.

“I want to see each and every ass in here wobble,” he said into the mic as he launched into the first verse.

Ellie could see why so many people claimed Copia was their favorite of the Papas. The way he commanded the stage and audience was awe-inspiring. Ellie couldn’t help but stare as Brianna and Micah joined her.

“Having fun?” Micah asked over the music.

“Yes!” Ellie said as Micah took her hands and danced with her. She didn’t mind. She knew it was all friendly, but when she caught sight of Copia on stage, she could have sworn a look of jealousy passed over his face.

When the song ended, cheers and screams filled the sanctuary before Copia started into Twenties. Ellie hadn’t had a chance to listen to the Impera album in full, so she did her best to pay attention to the song as Brianna and Micah danced with her. When that song ended, she watched Copia leave the stage and the ghouls took over providing music for the rest of the night. Ellie excused herself from the two Siblings and went to find Copia. 

“That was amazing!” Ellie gushed when she met up with him near the refreshments. 

“Thank you, cara,” he beamed. “That was nothing. You should come to one of the shows while we’re on tour. That is quite the sight.”

“Maybe I will,” she said.

“We’re going to start touring again in May,” he said as he poured two glasses of punch. “I’ll arrange for you to come to a few shows.”

“I’d like that very much,” Ellie said as Copia handed her a glass. “Thanks.” She sipped the fruity drink and looked around at everyone dancing. “Not that I’m interested in joining, but when does the orgy start.”

“In a half hour,” Copia said. “Terzo will make an announcement and they’ll start bringing in mats to cover the floor with as well as some furniture pieces. That gives enough time for anyone who doesn’t want to participate to leave.”

“Are you participating?” Ellie asked, almost afraid to ask.

Copia shook his head. “No,” he said. “I have no interest. I’ve participated in past years, but I don’t want to this year. Besides, I have someone I want to spend time with.” 

Ellie felt her face flush once more. “Don’t skip out on my account. If you want to participate-”

“I really don’t,” Copia said, not letting her finish. “I want to spend that time with you.”

Copia led Ellie out of the Sanctuary just as Terzo got on stage to announce the orgy would start soon. They wandered outside to the gardens behind the abbey. There was a slight chill to the late autumn night, but nothing uncomfortable. 

“I had a really fun time tonight,” Ellie said as they walked side by side down the paved path. “I never got to go to dances growing up.”

“I’m glad you had fun, cara,” Copia replied. “Did it live up to your expectations?”

Ellie nodded and smiled. “It did. The only thing that didn’t happen that I’ve seen in movies and TV shows was a chaperon coming around telling us all to ‘Leave room for Jesus.’”

Copia laughed at that. “Nor will you find anyone here who will say that.” 

“I guess not,” she smirked. 

They came to a gazebo at the end of the path that was surrounded by bushes. Copia knew in the spring and summer the bushes would be abloom with colorful flowers, but it was fall so they stood bare. The gazebo was light with fairy lights around the edges giving it a soft warm glow that stood out in the dark, cloudy night. 

“There is one other thing I was expecting though,” Ellie said stepping into the gazebo and leaning against one of the banisters.

“What’s that?” He asked as he followed her inside.

“There was no slow dancing,” Ellie said. 

“Oh, I suppose there wasn’t,” Copia said. “To be fair, I left Dew and Rain in charge of the music with only the stipulation that all the Papas had time to perform.”

Ellie laughed softly and Copia wanted nothing more than to bottle that sound up and keep it forever; listening to it whenever he was down because he knew that sound would bring him joy whenever he heard it. She quieted and looked at him. Copia could practically see the gears in her mind turning. He suddenly felt nervous under her gaze.

“Dance with me?” She asked a second later, pushing herself off the rail and holding out a hand to him.

“There’s no music,” Copia said, immediately berating himself at the stupid comment.

“So? We can just pretend,” Ellie smiled. 

He chuckled. “I suppose we can,” he said taking her hand and drawing her close. Her scent, something he couldn’t make out, was intoxicating and filled is senses as he rested a hand on the small of her back. He began to sway in time with unheard music. She followed his lead and moved within him, stepping back and forth, side to side. 

“Now all my expectations have been met,” she joked with a smile as she looked up at him. Even in the warm, dim light, her eyes seemed to sparkle.

“I’m glad,” he said as he spun her out and then back into him. “Seeing you enjoy yourself makes me happy.” He held her impossibly close, their bodies pressed together as they swayed in place. Copia wasn’t sure what happened next. One minute they were just staring at each other and the next was letting go of her hand and sliding his under her chin, tilting it upward before kissing her.

And she was kissing back.

He kissed people before—many, many people, but it never felt like it had just then. To be cliche, it felt like fireworks were going off. Everything in him erupted and felt so right as his lips moved against hers. Her lips were so soft against his own and they fit perfectly slotted together. His hand moved from under her chin and into her hair, holding the back of her head to him. She let out the softest of sounds, making his brain go haywire. He knew if they continued he wasn't ever going to let her lips leave his.

All too soon they were pulling apart, both of them slightly panting as they stared at one another. “That was…” Ellie began, seemingly losing the words to finish.

Copia chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “That was okay to do?” He asked, needing reassurance he didn’t cross a line.

“Yes,” Ellie said quickly. “More than okay.”

They stood like that for a while before a gust of wind blew through the gazebo and made Ellie shiver. “We should go back inside,” he suggested, wishing he had a jacket he could shrug off and put around her shoulders. He regrettably stepped back from her, already missing the feel of her body pressed against his.

“Copia?” She asked softly.

“Si, tesoro?”

“Where does this leave us?”

“What do you mean?”

Ellie shrugged. “Well…I like you…a lot actually. I know that sounds like I’m some 16-year-old confessing to a crush…but I have feelings for you.”

“I have feelings for you as well,” he confessed. Feelings weren’t the word he’d use though. He knew he loved her but he didn’t want to admit that just yet and scare her away. Slow and steady wins the race, he told himself. 

“So where does that leave us then?” She asked again. “Are we just exploring or what?”

Copia looked her face over. “What do you want this to be?” He asked. “I don’t want you to feel like you’re rushing into anything. You set the pace and I will follow.”

Ellie thought for a moment and nodded to herself before speaking. “I’d…I’d like to explore a relationship,” she said. “I know I don’t have a lot of experience given my history…but I’d like to call you my boyfriend or partner.” 

He felt his heart soar at that. “Then a relationship it is,” he said. “I have one condition though.”

“What?” Ellie asked, looking nervous.

“Let me take you out properly,” he said. “I want to take you on a proper date.”

Her eyes lit up at that. “I’d like that a lot.”

“Then it’s settled. How about two nights from now? I’ll pick you up from your apartment around 7?”

“Perfect.”

[canarycolemine]

Death and the Promises He Made

Chapter 3 (Chapter 1, Chapter 2)

Pairing: Papa Emeritius II x Female Reader

Warnings: MDNI, references to sexual abuse, manipulation, drug use, religious/familial abuse 

AO3 Link

Time moves slowly in that lazy space between conscious and unconscious. What could have easily been an hour or even fifteen minutes passed peacefully until the large car’s movements stirred me enough to awareness.

On the road, there were hazy moments - half dreams, wrapped in Secondo’s heady scent. I was firmly grounded by his grasp, but still, the mind wanders in odd ways.

Lately, I had preferred dreamless sleep - it was almost more restful that way. My mind was often last to know the vile acts committed to the body. So in the dreams - replay the moments, remember each movement and reaction. What could have been done. What kept happening, and showed no sign of stopping. My body holds onto any intimate touches with low regard and high reaction- instinctively, it’s known only violence.

But this soft darkness, it was peaceful.

I remembered that it was a peaceful space, but all too quickly, the dream slipped out of my memory.

Secondo’s grasp tightened, only slightly, to awaken me.

“Eden, we have arrived.” He nearly whispered, as if a gentle morning bird. “Do you think you can walk?”

I shifted, feeling awareness fill my muscles once again. Car sleep was never the best.

“Mmhmm,” I stretched, the lights of the hotel ahead caused a small ache in my eyes. “Yeah, I can.”

A few moments passed, as I registered him leaving the car, making his way to my side, opening the door for me. He stretched out his hand, an invitation.

As I reached for my purse, tucked under the seat, the masked driver had vanished. I had no memory of him leaving, perhaps another moment of sleep took that memory from me. But still, I had an eerie feeling.

My hand met his as I stepped out of the car. The rich, soft leather guided me, as we approached our lodgings. We were far away from the bar, certainly, I didn’t recognize the hotel. It was nice, more like the expensive resorts someone can expect from Vegas. This wasn’t Vegas, certainly not, the desert around us was expansive, no other sign of life for miles.

He offered his arm to walk me into the hotel. I had become accustomed to being arm candy, like a shiny little object. But this didn’t feel the same. I accepted it more warmly.

The hotel was a sight, a pristine white, even at night. Untouched by the desert dust. The yellow lights flickered out from the windows, a reminder of how late it was.

Walking in, Secondo and I were greeted with reverence from the staff, a nod from the front desk attendant. A man, appearing to be some sort of management, approached us.

“Mr. Emeritus, your belongings have been placed in your room. Please do not hesitate to let us know of any further accommodations we can provide.” The man looked nervous, almost eager to please Secondo. Secondo was unmoved, standing tall, a smirk tugging on the side of his painted lips. I think he could register the fear before him. “Again, I apologize for the circumstances that brought you here. Do let me know how we can assist.”

A curt nod he gave as acknowledgment.

The only time the manager looked at me was as he left us. It was brief, glancing only back at Secondo. Like I was a prize, another pretty little object.

How many other pretty little objects had Secondo already brought here? And where were they now. And who would be next. Another in a long line of pretty things to entertain him, never to end.

He guided me through the lobby, to the elevator. Red rugs felt plush, even under my shoes, how expensive this place must be.

The elevator ride was silent, only small dings, indicating the passing of floors, until we hit the top. A long hallway opened to us. The flood of yellow lights hit the ceiling.

Hotels were always so eerie so late at night. A place that was supposed to be temporary. You would never have to come back, just another stop onto something else, home maybe. Or somewhere you always wanted to go.

His strong arm guided me through the maze of identical stretches, as we approached an out of place grandiose door, just tucked behind a corner. His arm left mine, as he retrieved the key from his pocket, opening the door for me.

The threshold.

Crossing that line. Always. It meant violence for me. Something I so desperately wanted to forget, but my body would never allow me.

As if hunted, unconsciously, my body tensed. I preferred to gaze at the floor as I stepped.

No matter the kind words he said to me, or the moments of safety I felt, payment was provided. I had to follow through. Eddie needed this man’s money. I couldn’t do another night of deprivation, or go without food for another week's stretch, or be without a home.

I had to compromise my safety, for the guise of security. Whatever that meant.

Tearing my eyes from the floor, I gazed about the room. How beautiful it was. Even with my parents, I had never vacationed somewhere so luxurious. A large bed, crisp white sheet, immaculately tucked and placed was the center of the room. A large bay window, with rich red curtains kept the moonlight out. Even the ceilings towered over me, a pristine, ornate crown molding framed the room. Secondo was a man of taste.

I didn’t belong here.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” He said, behind me.

“Yes, it is.”

The lock of the door halted everything. My blood instantly turned cold. I turned sharply to look at him.

“Why did you bring me here?”

He was removing his jacket, perfectly and systematically storing the garment. But he stayed silent. Not even gazing at me.

I had to stand still. I had no place being here, even moving an inch would be a gross overstepping of my socioeconomic status. I stayed small.

Once the garment was safely hung, he turned back to me. A kind look in his eyes. Staying silent, he grasped my hand and walked me towards a pair of rich leather seats. Gesturing me to sit, he remained up, turning towards the small selection of liquors of the room.

His back still turned to me, fixing his drink. “My apologies, Eden, I have to wash the taste of the cheap liquor out of my mouth.” Turning back to me, leaning against the bar, “I do not mean to be rude to your employer, but that whisky was, eh, shit.”

I had to laugh. “You can be as rude to my employer as you want to. He usually waters it down for everyone - just to save himself money.”

“He is one cheap son of a bitch, huh?” He tossed back.

“Yes, he is.” “Then what are you doing in a place like that, Eden?”

Somehow, that question frightened me. Begging for vulnerability I could not give up to him.

I broke his gaze, feeling an emotional turn in myself.

“It’s a long story.” My voice spoke, nearly breaking.

“I understand.” Swirling the contents of his drink, examining the golden fluid carefully. “You must know I will not touch you without your permission. I brought you here with no, eh, expectations of…” he paused, trying to find a delicate word.

“Raping me?”

The look in his eyes was soft. My vision was glassy from tears, but it was there.

“Yes.”

Another pause as he came to sit with me. We sat in silence for a few moments, I couldn’t tell how long.

“You have a beautiful voice, Eden.” He said, so quietly.

“Thank you.”

He treaded so delicately with me. Watching every word he said. Careful.

We sat in that silence for a longer stretch of time.

“A drink? I apologize for not asking you earlier.”

“No thank you. I don’t like the taste.”

A curt nod. He took another sip. Willing to stay in the silence as long as it took, he waited.

“May I ask you another question, Eden?”

I nodded. An ease was flushing over my body. Secondo kept his distance from the other chair, no muscle twitched. I would have noticed. He was not preparing to leap at any moment. He was at ease, in no rush.

“Have you always been a singer?”

“Since I could speak, yes.” I started.

“Tell me more.” An invitation to share as much as I wanted to.

“Well, my parents put me in vocal lessons when I was… five, I want to say.”

“Your voice, it’s so soulful, beyond your years.”

“Thank you,” a smile from me grew. “Yes, even when I was a kid. I’ve always loved the old school blues. It was kind of silly, seeing a seven year old girl belting Etta James.”

“I know you were a hit at the old-folks’ home.” He chidded. I felt comfortable enough to look him in the eye.

“Yes,” I chuckled. “I used to perform there all the time. But yeah, I was doing paid gigs like that since I was really young. And doing church choirs, too. I was the youngest cantor they had.”

“Did you like it?”

“Yeah, I did. For a while. I don’t know if ever really believed in God, but I knew the feeling that I had when I would sing in a choir. It was… really nice.”

“What was your favorite song to sing?” He asked sincerely. “Not in the Church.”

“There’s an Etta James song, ‘My Dearest Darling.’” A small smile curled my lips, recalling the sweet memory. “It’s so simple. I imagine that’s what it feels like to be in love with someone. It’s a promise to someone else. Anyway, it was always fun to sing that one.”

“That’s a beautiful way to think of it, Eden. I like that one, as well.”

He took a deep breath, as I smiled at him.

“Nothing, nothing, nothing in this world can keep us apart.” He sang.

My mouth nearly fell open at the sound. His already deep voice, so richly sang. Perfectly supported, but so gentle. Natural.

“I would have never guessed…” I started. “You have a beautiful voice.”

“Oh, you are kind.” Waving his hands, nearly rejecting the complement. “Since I was a child as well, yes.”

Some new vulnerability.

“Excuse my prying, but from the way you had said it, you have never been in love?”

“No, no.” I started. A feeling of intimacy.

“I wasn’t allowed to date when I was living with my parents. They had a child prodigy, you know? Always making it seem like my voice was a gift from God. Never let me forget it too, and that God could always take it away.”

“And, I mean, it was like they hid me from the world. They pulled me out of public school when I was ten and just homeschooled me. And then… I could be their devoted servant of God. I knew they definitely liked keeping the money I got from little gigs, too.”

“Ah.” He replied simply, but so understanding.

“Yeah.”

“It doesn’t sound like you liked it.”

“No. I hated it. So, when I was eighteen, I took the shitty old car that I saved my gig money for and ran away. I was gonna go to LA and get a manager and be a professional singer.” My voice started to waver, as I unveiled the intimate information.

“But, I was so fucking naive. So, fucking naive. The car gave out two hours outside Vegas. I didn’t have a phone, I didn’t have anyone to call. I was just stuck there. And I prayed that someone could come and get me. And, someone did. This guy pulled over, saw this little girl crying her eyes out. He said he was a mechanic or that his friend was a mechanic. They’d get a tow and get me where I needed to go.”

“It was getting late and the sun was setting, so he convinced me to head back to town with him. He said he had a place for me to sleep, his grandma had just died and he had her old trailer.”

“On the ride there, I told him about who I was and where I was going.”

In my mind’s eye, I replayed the moment. The look in Eddie’s eyes when he grasped just how innocent I was. How easily he could corrupt my beauty. I think he knew at that moment. I continued with the story, sparing the vision.

“He said he had a bar we could stop at and get something to eat. I just instinctively trusted him - I didn’t care that I wasn’t twenty-one. I trust the kindness of this stranger. So, I begged to pay him for helping me.” My voice wavered. “He said that because I’m a singer, I could work at the bar as entertainment while they fixed my car.”

“Like a win-win, I could get some more money and keep singing, just until I got back up on my feet.”

A deep breath.

“The first time I ever saw that God-forsaken bar, I felt my guts retching. I knew it wasn’t safe, but what was I supposed to say? I was completely shit out of luck.”

“That night I first sang. I felt like a lamb led to slaughter. The way that those older men looked at me. They shouted at me, they’d pinch me when I walked by. At first, I tried to just assume the best. But I knew. Eddie saw it too. I mean, he already had an underage girl working at a bar, why not pimp her out, too?” I heaved with tears. My body folded in on itself. “But he’d always promise that it wouldn’t be forever, that he was working on the car, and I could leave next month. But next month turned into two months, two months to six months, and a year and six fucking years I’ve been here!” I poured.

As I wracked between sobs, “He sold the fucking car for scraps a week after he met me.”

I felt a release, a surge of emotion that nearly caused breathlessness. I fell to the floor. I stayed in this place for a while.

A felt a strong pair of arms wrap around me, keeping me grounded. I was rocked, back and forth. My fists grasping at his shirt, something to hold onto.

“I called my parents a few months in. I told them exactly where I was. What Eddie was doing to me. And at that point, he had gotten me hooked on coke.” I started, once I could speak again. “They told me never to talk to them again. I was dead to them.”

“Said they didn’t want a junkie whore daughter. And it served me right for disobeying them.”

How I paid greatly for my instilled naivety.

“Eden.” He said after I finished. “I am so sorry.”

“Yeah. I haven’t really told anyone everything in a while. But, to be honest, I’m half convinced you’re gonna kill me. So I thought, I would just fucking say it.” I spoke with gaul - the cockiness of someone with nothing left.

“Is that what you think?” His voice didn’t indicate he was offended. Almost as if he wanted to understand my train of thought.

“Yeah. And, you know, at this point, I wouldn’t mind it, actually. I’ve just got nothing left. It’s all over for me.”

Something in my soul saw him process the darkness that poured from me.

“I am not going to kill you.”

“Well, you’ll have to take me back to the bar eventually. That’s worse than death at this point.”

“I brought you here for a reason.” His tone. Something paternal, but intimidating.

“Why?” I turned to him, the first time since my outburst.

Seeing my state, flicking his gaze between my sodden eyes, swollen with emotion. His hands moved to cup my face, his thumbs running below my eyes, catching the tears.

“I wanted to save you.”

“Please don’t lie to me.” I wept silently.

“I am not.”

“So many men have said that to me, only to leave me again. Please, please mean it.”

“I do.”

“Why?”

“Perhaps, I can tell you who I am now, yes?” He pulled away from me, still keeping me in his arms.

“Do you remember the masked driver who brought us here?” I nodded. “He called me, Papa. That is my title. Much like you call the leader of the Church, the Pope, I am Papa.”

I felt an unnerving coldness in my veins.

“What kind of Church?” I asked, now worried as I completely confessed my faithlessness to him.

“Different from the one you came from. We worship an ancient God. One that you probably know well.”

Fear of a new kind arose.

“The Devil?”

“Yes.”

I pulled back from him, and he let me go. It was as if he knew I would need to be apart from him.

“Like a fucking cult?”

“No. Just a Church.”

“Yeah, no shit.”

“I know you are afraid. Please allow me to explain.” He kept his distance. “This world is a cruel place, Eden. Beautiful, innocent people are hurt - raped and murdered. For what? To satiate their own greed? To honor a God that hates the very nature He instilled in them?”

“I don’t come to hurt you. I want to set you free. I want you to be safe.”

“I knew from the moment I saw you sing. Such a beautiful face and voice. The way you looked out onto the crowd, so afraid but empty. I hated seeing the way those pigs touched you and yelled at you.”

“How did you even end up here?” I interjected.

“I travel around the world trying to save those who have been hurt. The ‘unfortunate circumstances’ that brought me here was my flight home being canceled for several days. It was a sign, Eden, I just knew it. I had my followers drive around, trying to find whatever the Olde One wanted me to find. And I found it. It was you.”

“I know there have been wicked men who have deceived you. All of them using the same words as I have to gain your trust. Eden, I promise you, I will not hurt you.”

“How can I trust you?”

“I will buy your freedom.”

His words hung heavy in the air. I relaxed, letting the prospect into my mind.

“So you can own me, too?” The part of my mind that didn’t trust him needed to cry.

“No. If your will is telling you to still go to the west, I will ensure you get to the west. I cannot stay with you there.”

“You say that like there’s another choice.”

“There is, Eden. At home. If you come with me, I will take you to my home. There is a small convent of people just like you and I, we live there. We take care of each other. We are safe there. You are not obligated to spend the rest of your life there, many do, but some do not. Some stay there to get back on their feet and journey back on. They can leave at any time, you will be given that, too.”

“Where is it?”

“Sweden, deep in the country. Far, far away from here.”

“This is all so much…” I felt dizzy. The prospect of trusting him and changing my life yet again. He could still let me down, very well he could still kill me. He could be lying.

But what if he was telling the truth? Scarcely could I imagine my life being anything else, so desperate to escape whatever Hell I’m in. A leap of faith, when I have no faith to give. What is to be lost that hasn’t already?

I knew he sensed the war raging in my mind. Silent he stayed, sitting on the floor. Eye to eye with me. As equals.

“How can I trust you?”

“What must I do? Anything, anything. I will have it done.”

Lost in the thought. There was only one way.

“Burn the bar to the fucking ground.”

“So it will be. Tomorrow.”

________________________________________________________________

To be continued

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