themratts

[themratts]

"Let's not forget...that the future is a foreign land. Always."

Papa V Perpetua at Madison Square Garden, New York, USA on July 22nd, 2025.

[themratts]

Gentle Afternoon

Short one shot inspired by this beautiful commission by mishavoltaire. Thank you misha!

❤️🍂

All around her , the air was warm. The autumn sun basked down across the grassy abbey grounds like a blanket, coating the siblings of sin who resided there in a gentle reminder of the season. Alena watched, from the nearby balcony, the members of the congregation as they went about their day. A serenity pooled inside her chest, keeping her cozy. Some people wandered about, chatting with friends, enjoying their time. Some had outdoor responsibilities, like raking up recently fallen leaves or watering the plants in the garden. A couple nearby was having a picnic, exchanging flowers and sharing sweets. On days like this , the ministry felt its most homey. This was when Alena was content.

The sound of the door opening and light footsteps emerged from behind her, but she didn’t turn. She didn’t have to, Alena already knew who it was. His hand came to rest on her lower back, white face paint just barely settling into her peripheral. She smiled.

“Beautiful out, isn’t it?” Copia commented. She leaned until she was pressed to his side, allowing her husband to properly wrap an arm around her waist. Of course, just when she thought it couldn’t get any nicer out, the love of her life appeared.

“It is.”

“I wondered why I didn’t find you in the library.” On his lips formed a grin, and Alena breathed out an airy laugh.

“You know I love this time of year.”

“You do.”

She watched, glitter in Papa’s eyes as he gazed out over the grounds, then back to his lady. She could see something else there, in his face. The defined lines of his beautiful features, a tiredness, an exhaustion evident in every movement and blink. Alena softened. One hand brushed down the back of the black robe he wore, “You’re feeling alright, my love?”

The fond look he gave at her concern was genuine, “I’m alright. I have had a long morning, that’s all.”

Long morning. Long day. Long night. He’d had a lot of those recently. A bit too many. She knew Copia had a tendency to put too much pressure on himself, to live up to the high expectations that came with the Papa title. No matter what he did, he never seemed to be good enough for himself. She’d seen it too many times. What he needed was a break. A rest.

Alena turned her head, looking back out along the vast greenery. And she stilled her hand on his back, “How long has it been since we’ve taken a walk in the gardens?”

“Hmh,” he hummed, “A long time.”

“It’d be a lovely day for it.”

Gloved fingers squeezed her hip, “Are you asking me on a walk?”

“Perhaps I am.”

Papa laughed, “You know I’d never say no to that.” and as they turned to leave the balcony together, Alena felt the familiar sense of comfort and affection blooming in her heart.

It was just as nice to be down amongst the grass, walking side by side, hand in hand. The gate that led to the gardens was decorated by vines and flowers, a sound dirt path leading inside the green walls of hedges and bushes and all sorts of plants. Copia and Alena were familiar with this area. When they’d first begun to court, all those years ago, it was somewhere they frequented. A great place for a stroll, for a date, and Copia had gotten her flowers directly from Primo’s substantial collection more than once. It was a safe bet that it was one of their favorite areas.

The breeze had died down, but the sun itself was now hidden behind fluffy clouds. Alena was grateful for the perfect temperature, just warm enough to be comfortable yet not overheat her in her all black, head to toe uniform. Not many words were exchanged between them as they walked, but there didn’t need to be. Few other siblings were around here, so the area was kept lively by the chirping of birds and buzzing insects. Alena admired every flower and bush they passed, colors just as bright as always.

After a while, they arrived at a small bench in a tiny, partially secluded area, amongst some larger shrubs and trees. Still holding Alena’s hand, Copia guided her to sit down and followed after. He let out a deep sigh, relaxing against the firm wood and letting his body deflate. Alena, too, felt herself ease. It was too peaceful there not to.

“This is lovely.” She let out a sigh, “why did we ever stop?”

“Life has been busy, I suppose.” Papa turned toward her. She took the time to admire his face, that same sleepy yet handsome expression he usually wore. When they were alone together, Alena couldn’t help but reminisce. She thought about how far they’d come since they met. How she watched him go from Cardinal to Papa, from treasurer to performer. Her heart swelled with pride. It must’ve shown. His thumb found the bottom of her chin, lifting it slightly. “Thinking?”

Alena smiled, warmth in her cheeks. “Yeah.”

“What about, amore?”

“About you.” She could see the way his eyes softened, “I’m very lucky to have you.” Copia looked like he may melt. He scooted a bit closer, tilting his head in.

“Awww…. I am the one who is lucky.”

She heard the reply before it left him. Alena chuckled, bringing one hand up to brush stray hairs behind his ear. She lingered there, watching with amusement as the ear flushed red. The same shade as he was beneath the paint, no doubt.

“You are adorable.”

“Alright…” he turned away from her hand, “Now you’re just teasing.” and Alena giggled more.

“Noo, I mean it.”

“I know you mean it. That is the worst part.”

Rolling her eyes, Alena pulled him in close. She planted a kiss to his cheek, grateful when her lips weren’t stained, and began to rub his back. Papa exhaled, leaning back into her touch. He shut his eyes. He needed this.

“My love,” she said, moments later, “why don’t you lay down?”

His eyes opened, “lay down?”

“Yes.”

“Here?”

“Here.” Alena patted her lap. He stared for a second, the cogs in his head turning as he slowly understood what she meant. He grinned sheepishly, glancing around them.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” She shifted her legs more comfortably, “Enjoy yourself, sweetheart. Get some rest.”

Copia made a small noise of agreement, and began to move. He shuffled himself down, knees slightly bent until he was able to lay his head in Alena’s lap. A deep exhale escaped through his nose, a shiver of contentment slipping his body. He told her, “I cannot promise I won’t fall asleep.” and Alena only laughed. She used one hand to gently support the back of his head, letting her fingers comb his soft grey and brown waves. Her other, she rested on his chest.

“That’s alright. You nap if you need to.”

And his very last reply was no more than a hum. With the world settled around him, the warmth and comfort of his dear lover by his side, Copia finally let his worries go, let his mind numb, and at the caress of her fingertips, drifted off to slumber.

[ @mishavoltaire ]

[themratts]

Copia finishing his first album with "If you had life eternal" and Perpetua finishing his with "I am afraid of eternity, too" has me frothing from my mouth. it hits me so hard right in the existential anxiety part of my brain that i'm doing backflips right now

[themratts]

YCH commission for @themratts !!

[themratts]

adhd is so stupid because I’ll procrastinate on a fic for WEEKS and then suddenly bust out 5000+ words in one night

[themratts]

uurghhhhhhh

[themratts]

No one asked for it, but I need to ramble about Copia being a dad…..

In a situation (such as the ones I’ve created) where the child is an unplanned surprise, I think that once that initial shock fades it is something he is ready to tackle head on. He is nervous? Oh god, yes. Is he willing to do whatever it takes to be the best father imaginable? Without a doubt.

It’s new. It’s scary. He feels.. a little too old to be doing this admittedly, but that never once deters him. He’s quick to snap into dad mode , both over his partner and especially the baby.

I’m gonna go on an oc tangent here- to speak specifically about him and Alena , he’s particularly protective and even worried all throughout, knowing that her pregnancy was high risk and it did effect her in many ways, even after Irene was born. He set so much time aside to make sure he was present in those first couple months, as much as possible, never once leaving her in a situation without support.

When she had trouble getting up in the night to nurse? He was awake too, assisting in every way possible. Alena would fall asleep a lot during feeding - especially late - but Copia didn’t , he’d keep guard and put the baby back to bed when she was done, as well as tuck Alena back in. She was very, very exhausted during this period of time.

As much rest as he could let her get, he did. I like to think that Copia is a natural when it comes to soothing babies. Irene wasn’t a terrible crier, but regardless, that’s what babies do- they cry. Just a few rocks in papa’s arms, though, and she’s seem to be soothed. For a few while, at least.

I also think Copia is very big on singing to his baby. Whether for a lullaby, or just for bonding. Because of this, any child he would have would develop his love of things musical, I know it.

[themratts]

perpetua may have all the fame and attention, but I gave copia a loving spouse so HA!!!!!!!!!

[themratts]

the day i stop drawing Copia as a dad is the day i die

[themratts]

Respect artists.

My friend, @sirlsplayland, is currently very upset about art usage. Was it stolen and put on a shirt on a shady website? Not this time - but on that note, try to avoid commenting "I want that on a shirt!" on Twitter etc. because it can trigger bots that will scrape it and post it on shady sites, and if you buy it, it's going to be crap quality.

Someone saw one of Sirl's recent artworks, and recreated it on a vest for a ritual, posting a video of part of the process on Tiktok and tagging the band asking them to notice them. That person didn't credit Sirl until Sirl commented on the video about it. The person did then add a tag to Sirl's profile, claiming that they hadn't been able to before. When I just checked this person's account to double check things, the video does not have any mention in the caption of it being Sirl's design, and I don't see Sirl's comment (potentially because Sirl has since blocked this person.) Sirl was perturbed but credit was finally being given. Then recently, Ghost shared a reel that showcased the person's painted vest. Being a reel, there was no chance to comment to say it was based on Sirl's design to try and get noticed by the band for credit and maybe a potential deal for merch. Now that isn't the wearer's fault, but it's added salt in the wound of not being credited originally, and how hard it is to get in touch with Ghost's merch team (Sirl's been trying, trust me.) Screenshot of the reel:

So respect artists. If their work inspires you to do something, say that they inspired you, give them the credit! It gives artists the warm fuzzies when they see people loving their stuff, and lets more people go check out their stuff!

This person is not alone in recreating Ghost art on jackets/vests, obviously, but there just need to be reminders to respect artists and give them credit - especially if you're using designs that are not official merch, those artists have at least been compensated (not that this means you shouldn't credit them when doing the art!) And don't make videos that make it look like the art design is your original idea. It takes so little to just mention who did the art, even if you "can't tag them" for whatever reason, type out their name in the description so that you at least acknowledge them, someone else may be able to tag them.

[themratts]

this august do whatever you want and stay up late

[themratts]

they’re getting ready for a party 👠🖤

[themratts]

Papa Emeritus the Fourth no man will ever be as hot as you

[themratts]

he's plotting to you use you as sacrifice.

[themratts]

Copia’s Handshake ↳[Chapter 3]

[themratts]

Maybe just a doodle of the twins when they're younger and hanging out together if they had been able to grow up together

how about gaming together as young adults?

[themratts]

sighhh