#copia and you

[jessicafangirl]

The Incident - Chapter 1

I know I have one more chapter of The Birthday Gift to go but this idea wouldn't release me. You know me and angst. I love these two idiots and the more I love the more the character has to suffer.

If you have issues with violence or physical attacks you may want to be careful here (first chapter isn't that bad.) But hey, the part where I talk about your mom having a knife? That 100 percent happened in real life to me. When I say these are self indulgent, I mean it helps me deal with some really deep dark issues. Copia forever is my Cope Pope.

Oh, and that murderous side to Copia…yeah be aware that's not gone away. I love making him bloodthirsty with a heart.

This takes place after The Birthday Gift. You and Copia are going to visit his brother during the tour. The tour stop is near where you grew up and sadly not much has changed. Church protestors are becoming a problem and your anxiety is not doing you any favors. What happens when you get caught in the crossfire of hate vs the ones you love?

You can read here at AO3

It was now a few months into Perpetua’s reign as Papa.  Copia and his brother had a rather unsteady truce in play after you had finally gotten him to realize it wasn’t good for anyone for the two of them to be at each others throats.  The phrase might have actually meant literally with Perpetua, but no one had had the balls to confirm if he was a vampire or not yet. 

But thankfully things had settled down.  Copia was actually getting his arms around what it meant to be Frater; you had gotten into a groove with press for the tour.  Perpetua was dazzling everyone that saw him perform and the new record was a massive hit (with Copia of course making a point of saying how many of the songs on it he’d actually written.) 

The Skeletour (you really wanted to see about doing an action figure line tie-in with He-Man, but you couldn’t get Phil to agree) was selling out around the world.  Two months into the tour and things had been going alright with only one or two hiccups.  All things considered, with the sheer size of the tour itself, this was smooth sailing.   At least until the first of the church groups had shown up.

“Cazzo!!!”  You heard Copia from down the hall quickly followed by the sound of Perpetua’s voice.  The brothers were supposed to be waiting for you and Phil before starting their meeting on Doom, but by the sounds of it they hadn’t.

“Well, this sounds like it’s going to be a joyful time.”  Phil remarked was you both came to a stop outside the conference room. 

You sighed.  “How much of that bottle do you have left in your desk?”  You asked.

“Half of it and an unopen one.”  He replied.

“Oh thank go…”  You caught yourself, seeing Phil tense up.  “Goodness…”  You finished.

“Well done…we almost have you trained.”  He snarked back.

“I’m your boss.  Hush.”  You gave him a half smile.  “Into the breech.”  You gestured through the doorway and followed the ghoul inside.

Perpetua’s silver masked face took up the large screen on the wall.  Copia sat at the head of the conference table and both men looked angry and annoyed. 

“Papa, Frater.”  Phil addressed the leaders of the church as you both sat down. 

When you sat near Copia you gave his thigh a squeeze under the table.  “Frater, everything ok?”  You asked him, making sure you used his title.

He turned his dual-colored gaze your way, his gloved hand squeezing yours out of sight.  “We have protestors.”  He said, voice exasperated.

Perpetua nearly growled.  “Very annoying and numerous protestors” 

You hadn’t had to deal with this particular issue before but with the state of your home country which was where the band was at the moment, you shouldn’t have been surprised.  “Who and where?”  You asked, pulling out your pen and notebook.

Perpetua proceeded to give the details of the first of two interactions that had occurred as the tour started hitting the bible belt…your neck of the woods naturally.  You sighed as he spoke about how the number of the protestors had doubled each time.  They were just shy of being violent, but were very vocal to the fans.  While a new Papa, Perpetua was very protective about the fans and how they were treated.  Much like Copia, he was a literal Papa Bear when it came to them…especially the young ones.  And it would appear that this particular church group was targeting them with their taunts, rhetoric and well…evil.

Bartholomew Baptist was becoming a well-known entity online and on TV.  They were a large group with an even larger reach.  They had conversion camps, a lot of old wealthy donors, and a desire to harass Ghost fans and to run the band out of wherever they were playing. 

“I’ll get looking into who we have on our side where these assholes are based out of.  See what I can find out about them.  Everyone’s got skeletons in their closet.  No pun intended.”  Phil stated after taking some notes.

“I’m going to coordinate with Richie to make sure the security is up to this.”  You tapped your pen against your notebook, brows narrowed in worry.  You didn’t like this.  You knew about this church group, and you knew their history.  They were dangerous. 

Perpetua glanced at Copia on his screen.  “Maybe you should…debate the lead guy fratello.  Get on TV and pummel him on Jerry Springer.” 

You looked over at Perpetua and shook your head at him.  “Firstly, Springer’s actually dead.  Second, there’s no way they’d agree to it and…” You looked back at Copia.  “You’d wind up jumping a table and beating the shit out of the guy.”

Copia raised an eyebrow at you.  “And the issue with that would be?”

You laughed, shaking your head.  “Well, optics for one.  Do you think seeing you beating a minister on TV would do well for the public image?”

Both brothers in unison, though miles apart, both said “Yes.” 

You sighed, looking at the ghoul across from you for some support.  “Don’t look at me.”  Phil said, raising his hands, “I’m for beating the shit out of the guy.”

The meeting finally went to more common tour chatter.  Copia surprised you by announcing that he and Perpetua had figured out an ideal time for the Frater to come to one of the tour stops to visit with everyone.  “That means you are coming too cara.”  He said giving you a smile. 

You hadn’t been on tour in a while, not since one of Copia’s last shows.  But things were so busy even taking the time to go out with your satanic love muffin and his brother for a rock concert didn’t seem like a good idea.  There was also the fact that the show in question was going to be smack in the middle of where you’d grown up.  With that combined with the threat by the church groups…you were more than hesitant. 

Perpetua signed off and Phil left leaving you and Copia alone in the conference room.  Frater Imperator wasn’t blind, and he could tell something was bothering you as you were gathering up your things.  “Amore, what is the matter?”  He asked placing a gloved hand on your wrist.  “We will handle the security and ensure everyone is safe, it’s not…as they say…our first rodeo eh?”

You sighed, running nervous fingers through your hair.  “I know Copia.  I just… I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to go out on the road right now.”  You couldn’t meet his eyes, you knew he’d be disappointed.

Copia raised an eyebrow.  “Cara, there’s no reason for you not to.  And I don’t want to go without you, you know this.  We haven’t been on a trip in a while and I’m making sure we get the jacuzzi suite at the hotel.”

Ugh, why did he have to be this sweet?  You met his gaze finally.  “That sounds amazing but…there’s a lot to do here and…”

“And it’s near where you grew up, si?”  He cut you off, his fingers finding yours on the table top.  “I know amore.  And I know the protestors are giving you bad memories.”  Copia lifted your hand to his lips and kissed your knuckles, his thumb rubbing over your skin in a soothing circle.  “This is why you make new, good memories with me.  With your new family and friends.  We take care of you, and we have a good time while Doctor Doom prances the stage.”

“Copia…”  You couldn’t help but laugh at his comparison.  “That’s…not nice.” 

The Frater gave you a naughty smile “And yet you laugh bella…which is why you are my amore.”

You rolled your eyes.  “Just because we’re both going to hell for being snarky bitches doesn’t change what I said…and what you said.”  You’re eyes fell back to the table top, shoulder slumping and a sick feeling in your stomach.  “I…I don’t want to go back there yet.  It’s just…What if by some unbelievable chance I run into some of my fucked-up family?  Or you know…”

Copia jaw tightened as he saw the worry and fear cross your face.  “Your ex?”  He managed to say, his other hand clenching into a fist under the table.  Satanus he almost hoped the bastardo would show up, was part of the picketers, just so he could shove one of those signs up his sanctimonious ass.  Or even better, take the example set by Vlad The Impaler. 

“That…” You said squeezing his fingers.  “I love you Copia.  I love the life I’ve got here, my job…all the insanity.  It’s…weirdly safe…”  You took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, meeting his gaze once again and finding it filled with a mix of concern and affection. 

“Amore mio, you belong here with us.  You were always supposed to be here with me.  That’s why you feel safe here.”  Copia felt his chest tighten as he watched the play of emotions on your face. 

He wished the dark lord had granted him the power to wipe away all the memories that haunted you.  He wished…he prayed…he was enough to bring you the happiness you deserved.  He knew he wasn’t perfect, he knew he had his own memories and issues…Satanus knows he did.  But you loved him despite it.  He’d never had someone accept him so completely and when Copia Emeritus loved someone he loved with his whole heart and damned soul. 

“Copia…just…give me a little bit to think about it.  I know it’s stupid to worry, but I do.  I don’t know what would happen if… I don’t want you hurt.”  You felt tears start to sting your eyes.  You could just see some idiots trying to swarm the car with Copia inside or Perpetua or any of the ghouls.  Someone maybe throwing a brick or god knew what could happen.  Or worse your mother being part of the protestors (it wasn’t a stretch) and seeing her face as she saw you on Copia’s arm.  She’d kill you.  You knew it.  She’d literally jump a rope and try to stab you.  It wouldn’t be the first time she’d come at you with a knife in her hand…something Copia didn’t even know about.

Copia’s brows narrowed seeing the distress in your expression.  There was something dark in the back of your thoughts, he could almost see it reflected in your lovely eyes that right then were glossy with fearful tears that were looking for escape.  He reached over and caressed your cheek, letting his thumb trail along your skin.  “Dolcezza, do not worry about me.  I’ve been through this game already a few times.  But I do not want you to dwell on the bad.  I want you to only think of the good.  I love you.  My goal is not to bring the past back to you but to keep on our journey into the future, si?” 

You gave him a weak smile, grasping the hand on your cheek and placing a kiss on the uncovered skin of his wrist where the glove ended.  “I love you too.”  You replied with a resigned sigh.  You could deny him literally nothing when he was like this and it was annoying.  “Fine…Even if this is all a ploy to get me in a jacuzzi.”

Copia grinned.  “Oh no no, I’m completely there to support mi fratello.  Not at all trying to seduce you into a bubbling hot bath where I can ravish you senseless after which we order room service on the Ministry’s dime from the comfort of a giant California king bed.” 

It was your turn to raise a brow.  “You’ve not put any thought into this at all have you?”  You said as you both stood up. 

He was still smiling when he took your bag from your arm, the other wrapping around your waist and pulling you close.  “Only for the past 48 hours or so…” He replied kissing you softly. 

You couldn’t resist letting your fingers slip into his hair while he kept kissing you in a way that sent heat ripples all along your nerves and straight down to your core.  Copia’s kissing techniques should be studied for the good of mankind or womankind…or both.  He was able to nibble between sucking your lip between his teeth and it drove you crazy.  His mouth was really nimble, and he’d alternate between your upper and lower lip while doing this with a skill that was…well…devilish. 

You couldn’t stop the small moan that came from your throat.  Honestly it was embarrassing how quickly he could do this to you.  You heard him drop your bag onto a nearby chair and then both his arms were around you, pressing you against him as he angled you to where the back of your legs knocked against the table.  Your fingers grasped the lapels of his black satin jacket as you pulled away for a much-needed breath.

“When…when’s the next meeting scheduled for this room?”  You asked nearly gasping as his forehead leaned against yours. 

“It’s right now.”  Copia replied, voice a rough whisper, already undoing the buttons of his jacket.  His mouth went to your throat as he tossed it over one of the chairs.  He grasped your waist and sat you up on the edge of the table, quickly positioning himself between your legs.

Your eyes were rolling backwards as his teeth made a trail down your pulse while his hands busied themselves slipping beneath your shirt.  “You…you totally planned this.”  You sighed as he pushed you back onto the tables black surface. 

Copia nearly growled as your fingers pulled at the buttons of his shirt, trailing wet kisses down your neck and then back up your jaw as his own fingers found the front of your jeans.  You nearly bucked off the table as he slid them against you.  “We have business to discuss tesoro…isn’t that what this room is for?”

Nearly the full hour block of time allowed for the room later you were trying to fix your rumpled shirt and ruffled hair.  There was nothing to be done about the very obvious hickey on your neck, thankfully the others were hidden beneath your t-shirt.  Copia was very chew prone today.   As you were redressing and noticed the mark on your neck in the reflective décor on the wall you gave him a glare while he fixed his red jeweled broch back in place.

“You know Dracula, not all of us have a bedazzled collar to cover up certain activities.” 

Copia gave you a self-satisfied smirk and smoothed out his jacket sleeves.  “Ah, la mia amata scatola di succhi, it is not my fault you are so delicious that I must taste you so vigorously.”

You shook your head and pulled your bag over your shoulder.  “Someday the smooth charm isn’t going to work you know?” 

After one last check in the mirror to ensure his hastily reapplied lip paint was in place (the little shit had brought it KNOWING what he was going to do you noticed) he grabbed your hand and pulled you into his arms.  “Ah amore, you should be proud to wear my mark.  Let them all know you are well and truly loved by a spry vampire.” 

You grinned, kissing his chin to ensure his lips stayed pristine.  “So the vampirism isn’t just on the Perpetua’s side of the twindom?”

Copia made a face of disgust.  “Bah, the wannabe stole my schtick.  His giant fucking wings are trying to make up for the lack of something in the…eh…fang department.”

You laughed and he held you closer, happy to hear the sound and glad that your rendezvous helped to alleviate the fears that the meeting had created.  When you nestled your nose against his neck he sighed. 

“Be that as it may,” you said, drinking in the scent of his cologne, “hickeys aren’t considered very professional.” 

Copia reached down and gave your jean clad behind a squeeze causing you to let out a squeak of surprise.  “I know your boss.  I’ll have a talk with him about his ideas on professionalism.”  He paused for a moment, then whispered into your ear, “He agrees with me, hickeys are more than okay.”

You lifted your head from his shoulder, “You’re a menace.”  You couldn’t stop the grin when you said it.

“Ah, no bella, I’m YOUR menace, si?”  He went to kiss you, and you placed a finger against the dimple in his chin. 

“No kisses, your lips are perfect.”  You told him.

He narrowed his eyes in a scowl.  “Your lips are perfect which is why I must kiss them.”  He tried again and you backed away, scurrying to the other side of the conference table.

“Frater, you don’t have time and neither do I.”  You told him reaching for the door. 

Copia growled.  Oh there would be payback for this.  “Oh, titles now, eh?  Well…VP of Press we will be seeing each other later and discussing this behavior.”

You gave him a wink and blew a kiss at him which he caught and as you watched in a mix of amusement and more than a little arousal, pretended to eat it with a snarl.

 “Promises…” you said in a sing song voice and headed out into the hallway.

Copia stood there watching his vixen leave and took a deep breath.  The air still smelled of your perfume, the one he’d bought you.  It was a one of a kind he’d had made based on things you’d said over time that you loved.  Roses, sandalwood, just a hint of citrus.  He could get drunk on it when it mixed with your skin. 

Sometimes it terrified him how he felt about you.  This love built on a friendship he felt blessed by Satan to have had, becoming this.  You’d wrapped yourself around his heart and he knew if something were to ever take you away from him, he’d die from the loss of it.  You were his heart now he supposed, and you couldn’t live without a heart.  And he knew he wouldn’t be able to live without you.

As he picked up his leather-bound notebook, slipping his monogramed pen inside, he could still see the look in your eyes, that dark fear in the back of them.  You tried to hide it from him, but he could read you.  He’d seen the look in too many of his flock.  It was the job of a Papa…or now a Frater…to know the signs. 

You’d opened up to him about many things before and after you’d become lovers.  You’d allowed him to tell you things as well about his past.  Now, not so much of the romantic variety.  For some reason, you seemed to think any of that mattered now.  He knew it wasn’t all jealousy, though it did make him a little chuffed to think there was some jealousy mixed into it.  But no, you were just afraid that somehow you couldn’t live up to his experience.  Copia still was trying to figure out how you could even think this. 

You had given him something no one in 50 plus years of life had ever been able to do.  Complete and utter love and acceptance.  There was nothing more important in his church than this.  There was nothing so rare to find as that.  And you had brought it to him when he’d thought it was too late for him to ever find it.  One day, there you were, answering a job listing that didn’t quite give all the details.  Sister Imperator had quickly discovered that giving the full width and breadth of what and who the job was for made the talent pool VERY shallow.  Maybe he should thank his mother’s ghost for that actually.  Wasn’t Mothers Day coming up? 

Copia walked out of the conference room and headed back to his office, the image of your face still in his mind.  He’d get you to talk more eventually about what had happened in your past, it would just take time.  But he was celebrating a victory today, getting you to agree to go on the tour stop.  He was looking forward to it, even If he wasn’t the one seducing a crowd and prancing the stage.  He’d get to see the fans again, even if it was from a distance and he’d get to spend some time with you away from the ministry and the duties that kept you both apart.  Also there was a jacuzzi involved.

He knew you were still uneasy, but Copia vowed to himself he’d keep your mind occupied away from the worries.  He’d make sure you relaxed and enjoyed yourself.  And perhaps it would help you heal some of the scars he knew were inside you. 

The tour date came quicker than expected.  And as Copia knew you would you attempted to talk your way out of going but he talked you back into it.  Well, there was some talking involved along with other activities.  He also promised to stop by a comic book store you’d heard of in the area which also had a record store attached to it called Sleeves.  This was obviously quite a sacrifice for him…and by that he meant “My wallet dolcezza…you want me broken?”

You’d given him the biggest puppy eyes he’d ever seen on a human or well…a puppy.  He was at your mercy as much as he would be the stores when he stepped inside.  Your excitement for this outing was now overriding your fears and that’s all he could have asked for really. 

St. Louis was as humid as you remembered it from the last time you’d been there.  Copia was not really prepared for it.  “Cazzo….it’s like walking into a bucket of water.” He’d said as you left the blessed air conditioning of the airport. 

Copia had decided as a “just in case” so he wasn’t mobbed by fans to dress a bit out of the norm.  He was wearing black jeans, a Scorpions t-shirt, black aviators and a hat with the Imperial Logo on it.  He did look good in all black you had to say.  No one recognized him, which you think he was actually disappointed in. 

“Welcome to the mid-west.”  You’d said laughing.  “I thought you were a fan of hell?” 

He gave you an unamused glare.  “Amore, hell will be a dry heat, not whatever this is.” 

You leaned up and kissed his cheek.  “Well, at least you don’t have the Papa paints to melt off now.”

“Please, add to my misery tesoro, I insist.” Copia reached over and took the handle of your bag, ever the gentleman, and rolled it along with his own.  “There should be…” he looked around.  “Ah, there is our ride.”  A black SUV was pulling up right then, with a silver masked ghoul behind the wheel.  Sometimes having hell magic fueled minions was even more of a perk.

The ghoul jumped out after stopping the car and grabbed the bags as well as your backpack.  Copia opened the back door for you before the ghoul had a chance and you clambered inside the nearly blessedly, or infernally, freezing interior.  Copia settled in next to you.  The ghoul closed the door, hurrying to the front seat and smoothly pulling out into the street. 

You watched as cars, buildings, and the familiar landscape zoomed by the window.  Copia was busy removing his hat and making sure his hair was in order, hooking his sunglasses on his shirt.  He glanced over at  you, watching the mix of emotions cross your face.  He tossed the hat to the side and reached over to lace his fingers with yours.  “Amore, come back to me.”  He said softly.

You turned and gave him a melancholy smile.  “I’m here Steve Rogers.”  You said, squeezing his fingers.  Copia lifted your hand to his lips.

“Cara, you can judge my disguise all you like but it works in all the movies.”  He kissed your knuckles and kept hold of you.  “We’re going to enjoy ourselves while watching Perpetua try to entertain a crowd.  We’ve earned the fun, si?”  He scooted closer to you, pulling you nearer to him.  “And we’re going to make my ministry credit card cry while we beat it to death all in the name of vinyl and graphic novels.”  While he was saying this, he was planting very Gomez Addams like kisses up your arm and it was making you squirm. 

When he spoke again it was in a whisper that was as hot as the breath used to speak it.  “Finally I’m going to lick and taste every inch of your delicious skin until you beg me to stop due to the amount of ecstasy or never stop…which is the choice I will always make.”  Here he placed a kiss against your neck, teeth nipping just slightly.  He heard the little gasp you made at this, and it made him grin, his nose brushing against your jaw. 

“Copia…we literally just got here.”  You managed to say, almost embarrassed by how easily he could work you up and make you almost as damp as the air outside the car.  “Also…” He was nibbling on your ear lobe now.  “ghouls have good hearing…”

The Frater kissed your ear where he’d just been suckling it.  “Mmm…they’re used to it.  We can’t shock them tesoro.” 

You turned to face him, meeting his eyes and seeing his pupils were already wide.  You really wanted to enjoy his attentions.  This was supposed to be a fun break with a little work involved.  But you needed to just let your emotions settle.  You glanced towards the front of the SUV to see the ghoul was not looking anywhere but at the road then met Copia’s gaze again. 

He could see it in your face, in your eyes, you weren’t completely there just yet with him.  Copia huffed, lips thinning as he squeezed your fingers.  “You’re not in the mood for my playing are you cara?”

You sighed, looking at you linked fingers.  “Copia, you know I’d be crawling on top of you like a spider monkey normally…I just need a bit to deal with the déjà vu of being here.” 

His eyes were kind as they found yours.  He lifted your fingers to his lips and kissed them again.  “Si, I understand amore.  I can’t resist you, but I shall try.”  He slipped an arm over your shoulders and pulled you close, looking out the window with you.  “Just remember, if you get lost in the past that I’ll find you and will bring you home, si?”  He softly said as you settled against him. 

You glanced up and kissed his jaw.  “I know you will.” 

The ride to the hotel was uneventful as the check-in was, with only a momentary double take by one of the hotels employees at Copia’s eyes.  You were on the top floor of the hotel which had a revolving restaurant that your Satanic boyfriend was eager to try for dinner that night.

The room of course had a jacuzzi which Copia immediately checked out while you fell across the giant bed.  It had been a long flight, but you had plenty of time to take a nap and hit the comic and record store before the tours buses arrived in town.  You’d talked Copia into actually going to dinner with his brother even if things were still a bit tense.  Hopefully no one wound up stabbed tonight.

“Amore, do you think Mr. Bubbles would be a bad idea?”  You heard Copia ask.

“Not unless you are okay with paying for cleaning the entire room.”  You sat up and walked over to where Copia was pondering all he could do with the in-room perk.  “I did that once and it turned into an I Love Lucy gag.”

Copia gave you a look.  “Bah, fine…no Mr. Bubbles.  Someday though…maybe I can sneak it into the budget.”  He muttered to himself.

You shook your head and smiled.  “You could always say it was for a dark baptism or something.  Like “the hot water jacuzzi is a homage to hells fire and Lucifers grace.”  You told him while leaning against the wall and watching the wheels turn in his head.

Frater Imperator turned to you, a look of awe on his face.  “Cara, you are both beautiful and brilliant.  A dark baptismal jacuzzi…Lucifer would be proud!”

You gave a slight curtsey.  “Feel free to bubble your wobble.  I’m going to take a nap before we raid the racks.”  You turned and kicked off your shoes before laying on top of the comforter, closing your eyes with a sigh. 

The sounds of Copia moving around the room were quiet and barely there to your ears.  It was obvious he was trying to be quiet.  You felt, more than heard him come near the bed, the light tap of his phone being set on the nightstand.  The bed dipped slightly, and his arm slipped around you, pulling you close. 

You turned and faced him, nuzzling against his chest while the scent of his cologne hit your nose pleasantly.  “Mmm…thought you were in jacuzzi mode.” 

Copia wrapped both arms around you, snagging your legs too until he was surrounding you like a blanket.  “Jacuzzi mode doesn’t activate until you are there, naked and being bubbled.” 

You laughed.  “Being bubbled sounds terrifying you lunatic.”

The Frater sighed, content for this little island of quiet you both had.  “It’s like being wobbled…but with…more fluid, eh?”

You faux shuddered nearly cackling.  “That sounds so much worse…I’m leaving.”

He immediately tightened his hold.  Copia still had the thigh muscles from touring, obviously.  “Not allowed cara.  Nap mode is activated, non alzarsi dal letto.  The eh, floor is lava until deactivation.”

You laughed and burrowed in closer.  He didn’t really loosen his arms which was fine with you.  “I’m going to start calling you Copiconda.”  You murmured against his shirt. 

“As long as I don’t have to eat Jon Voight…I am all good with being the serpent to your Eve amore.”  Copia let his fingers trail up and down your spine, his own eyes growing heavy. 

“No Syfy originals.  I’m your agent.  No Copiconda vs Pope Shark.”  You yawned, the familiar warmth and feel of him soothing away the rise of anxiety and making your body immediately go into nesting mode.

Copia grinned, his sharper than normal incisors glinting in the now dimmed rooms light.  “Capito.  Copiconda would beat the fins off Pope Shark too quickly for a feature length run time anyway.”

You were so sleepy then you couldn’t help the crazy that was coming from your brain.  “Get Manilow to do the theme…At the Copi, Copiconda…”

Copia opened one eye and looked down at you.  “You’ve put too much thought into this dolcezza…” He chuckled, though now he had the damn song stuck in his head.  “Rest my baby, I’ll spoil you with comics later.”

“Frozen custard?”  you asked before finally fading away.

“Si, frozen custard.”  Copia rested his cheek against your hair, humming “Her name was Angie, she was his daughter…fuck…it’s stuck.”

[azimuth135]

poor copia can't even watch his favorite show in peace anymore

[radioactive-yuri]

he's so much softer, isn't he. do you remember prequelle? the anger, the justified rage and vindication that defined copia from the moment we met him; the first thing we knew about him was that he was mistreated, he was an outsider, and he was finally getting the appreciation he deserved. but perpetua? he doesn't have that edge. skeletá is all love and joy and gentle mystery, this sense of him taking his first steps in the limelight, much more nervous than he is proud. it gives you this image that where copia was raised in overwhelming noise, perpetua was raised in silence. a child of the clergy, and a child sent far away from the clergy. who raised him? who spoke these lessons into him, who taught him how to worship? it must've been someone kind, but distant. with the way he speaks about his faith, he was taught to love satan on a personal level.

copia being a clergy kid, raised deep inside this community, inside the church, gives me the general image of a child raised by a village; he knows everyone's name, he's used to constant noise, he runs around with important papers in his hands and dodges the young ghouls chasing each other through the halls.

but perpetua gives me the image of a child raised in the woods. a quiet, faraway mansion somewhere, with no other kids his age around. empty corridors that he'd explore on his own, tall portraits of antisaints that he'd pray to every night before going to bed. he was never roughed up by his peers the way copia was, he never learned to resent or to covet what others had. all he has in his heart now is fear and love, and that's what he walks out onto the stage with. he's eager. he's nervous. he's so much softer, isn't he.

[inkymillie]

justified crashout

[ppebejef]

I actually have an entire Ghost roguelike game in my head where Copia is forced to exorcise the spirits of his brothers bc they’re causing a ruckus in the abbey. But I feel like the Hades art style is perfect for a crossover OK!!! More to come bc I have sprites ready for the other emerituses… >:)

[sug01s3al]

I couldn't get my brain to work on anything serious so I just did a series of ghost doodles to try and get back in the groove ~

in other words- woe, emeritus' be upon ye

[probably-impossible]

A dumb sequel to this dumb post.

[xeroxcage]

THEY'RE BROTHERS DON'T TOUCH ME I'M NOT EMOTIONAL

[incorrectcats]

So many words to say. None of them are in the Bible.

[jessicafangirl]

The Birthday Gift Chapter 2

Well, I got inspired so Papa V Perpetua shows up in this chapter and things DO NOT go as planned. My philosophy of the more I love a character the more they have to suffer is on full display here. Have I mentioned how much I love Copia? Also I love our poor gal who has to deal with the emotional roller coaster that is being in the middle of these two and their biggest dick contest.

If you want to read on AO3, please click here

If you like it please comment, share, kudo me hard, or send me a life size Copia to hug and nibble on occasionally. I'll also accept chocolate Perpetuas.

You were on edge the rest of the day.  You should have realized the minute you told Copia your idea this was going to happen.  You had no idea how the discussion of it would go and when your mind went there during your meetings and even your break, you’d turn 10 shades of pink and have to drink some water.

“You have a fever or something?”  Sister Lacy had asked you during a meeting with the company reps wanting to do some new figures of Papa V.  They’d asked to do one of Copia as well which he would be happy to hear no doubt.

“No I’m just sort of distracted.”  You replied, taking another gulp of water. 

“Well, you are looking sort of flushed.  Maybe take some vitamin C.”  She replied, gathering up her files.

Vitamin C.  You couldn’t help but grin stupidly at that.  Getting some vitamin C in you did help often.  But right then C was also the problem because you were in anxiety mode mixed with a healthy dose of lustful thoughts. 

Phil popped up in the doorway.  “Hey, just a reminder we have a lunch date with V and his assistant in like 10 mins.”

You nodded.  Ah, the new prince.  You hadn’t really spent that much time around Perpetua or his assistant Brother Dave.  Well you had been around Dave previously.  Dave was as sarcastic as they came, smart but he knew it, but seemed to be dedicated to whatever his job was.  You’d seen V in the halls from a distance and even though your job was promoting him and the project you hadn’t had 1:1 time with him.  This was an opportunity to fix that you supposed.

You slid your files into your bag and headed back to your office to deposit them.  Lunch was going to be in one of the conference rooms on the top level.  After a quick look in the mirror to fluff your hair and make sure you weren’t a total mess you headed up. 

You were a fan of V’s darker sort of style; you weren’t going to lie.  You tended to love the gothic, the mysterious…look who you were dating.  It made things interesting in the publicity realm but you thought you were getting a handle on how to promote this new Papa.  Of course Copia’s still present smarting pain at having to let go of his role on stage did make it awkward sometimes…but he seemed to have come around from most of that.  At least it seemed that way.

The conference room was at the end of the hallway where Copia’s own office and apartment was.  You thought for a minute to check on him, but you’d be late and you didn’t want to make a bad impression.  So you slowly opened the door to the room and glanced inside. 

The table had been covered in a black cloth and dishes with covers sat in place with sets of silverware.  You were impressed, someone had really gone above and beyond.  There was a large vase of black roses and white lilies in the center with two black, lit tapered candles on either side. 

You’d been the first to arrive but from the scent of warm food you could tell that it had just been delivered.  You were surprised Phil hadn’t appeared yet.  You wandered over to the wall to kill time, checking out some of the various posters from the days long gone when Papa Nihil had been rocking out as the frontman. 

A slight chill suddenly prickled the skin of your neck, and you shivered, even though you were still wearing your hoodie.  “The past was a simpler time…or so I’ve heard.”  A soft, velvety voice spoke close by you, and you nearly yelped. 

You turned and found Papa V Perpetua standing next to you, as quietly appearing as a specter.  He was looking at the posters too, eyes fixed on one showcasing his father in full regalia.  As it was, Perpetua himself was decked out in an immaculate black silk shirt and cravat, topped with a shimmering black suit jacket that was tailored with precision.  His paints were just as immaculate, showcasing his perfectly shaped lips in black, the silver half mask giving him a visage that belonged in a graveyard or upon the reaper himself. 

He was wearing cologne that smelled expensive, carrying the scent of black pepper mixed with wood smoke and musk.  When he turned to you, his eyes grabbed hold of your gaze, and you felt suddenly very much alone with him.  The fifth Papa gave a slight bow, his eyes still not letting go of you.

“Papa Perpetua The Fifth,” He introduced himself and you were again struck by his voice.  “And you are…”

You held out your hand to him and gave him your name.  He took your hand but instead of shaking it he brought it to his lips and placed a kiss on your knuckles.  His lips were surprisingly warm, and he lingered for a moment.  Still holding your fingers he spoke.  “Si, I have heard your name but never had the pleasure.  I shall have to ensure that is rectified for the foreseeable future.” 

Oh, he was a smoothie just like his brother.  You gave a nervous laugh.  “It is nice to finally meet you, Papa.  And I have to say I truly love the new record.  Fantastic actually.”  You replied, noticing he still hadn’t let go of your hand. 

He smiled, his black lips tilting upward, showing one or two little laugh lines on either side of them.  “Grazie cara.  I am happy to continue the work mi fratello did so well.”  His dual-colored eyes, so much like his brothers, glittered in the light as they stared out of his silver mask.  “If I’m not mistaken you and he are…close…si?”

You swallowed, your mouth suddenly going dry.  He still hadn’t let go of you.  “Yes, we are…quite close.”  You replied.  “He’s very special to me.” 

Perpetua’s gloved thumb swept along the skin of your hand for a moment then he released you.  “Bene…he is a lucky man, and I hope he knows so.  And please bella, you may call me V.  You have more than earned the right with all the work you have done in my name, si?”

You smiled and nodded.  “Thank you Papa…I mean…V.  I truly appreciate the honor.”  You replied just as Dave and Phil entered the room, causing you both to turn at the sound of the ghoul and the brother discussing the newest intake of sisters apparently. 

When they noticed you both looking at them they stilled as if caught…which they were.  “Oh…hello.”  Phil nodded at you and then turned to Perpetua.  “Papa hello.”  He gave him a slight bow.

“Phil.”  Perpetua nodded back and then gestured for you to take a seat which he pulled out for you.  You sat down and he pushed it back in, taking the seat next to you.  You were now facing Phil, Dave, and the door. 

You all settled in and, much to your delight, discovered that the lunch was a delicious risotto made with sage and what you thought might be pumpkin or squash of some kind.  As you all ate you began discussing next steps and strategies. 

You wanted to get a feel for V, what would work best for how he spoke and communicated.  You started asking him questions about himself and discovered he was smart, quick-witted, and charming.  He very much had an issue with religious groups that pushed their doctrine on others, especially children.  Bigotry and racism were hot buttons for him.  V spoke with a fire when it came to those topics.  He was also, much like Copia, a movie nerd.  Where Copia’s likes tended towards the 70s on, V was a classics fan being able to talk James Whale and German Expressionists with ease. 

You didn’t notice the look that crossed his features when he realized you could keep up with him on those types of films, having grown up watching a lot of PBS replays of them.  You didn’t notice how he scooted his chair a bit closer to you or how his eyes stayed on you for most of the lunch. 

But Phil did.  The ghoul started getting nervous as things progressed.  He did not want to deal with a Frater already on edge going full vengeance mode against the new Papa due to what he knew would be blood raging jealousy.  They needed at least one of them to remain alive and Phil was Copia’s creature first.  He didn’t really want to have to kill anyone this month.

As lunch went on and a ghoul came by with some glasses of wine you declined stating you were still on the clock.  Perpetua looked at you amused as he swirled his own glass of red.  “Ah bella, you should not deny yourself a pleasure such as this.  I’m your…how should I say…supervisor.  You are allowed to indulge.” 

You laughed, shaking your head.  “You’re trying to tempt me to the dark side.  I’m noticing a pattern here in this place.” 

Perpetua smiled, a chuckle escaping his throat that was almost a purr.  He clinked his glass against yours.  “Si cara mia, we have a quota to meet.” 

Copia was walking back to his office after a day filled with reports on some of the further flung locations of the ministry.  He was expected to visit them soon, one of them actually in Australia which he was dreading.  It wasn’t the country at all, he loved the place.  It was the plane ride of doom that took hours and always took him at least two days to acclimate to after the jet lag. 

He’d had a hard time concentrating on what was being said during the conference calls and constant sitting in on Zoom meetings.  His thoughts were of you and your gift.  Scenarios were going through his head throughout the day, some causing him to nearly daze off into a stupor of longing.  It had almost created an embarrassing situation once or twice, but he managed to free himself from the hold the images in his head had on him.

Copia was no stranger to handcuffs or the sort of play that came with them in the bedroom.  The difference was he was never the one being tied up or cuffed.  He’d never actually been on the receiving end of the manacles so to speak and the idea both intrigued him greatly but also made him nervous. 

This was a level of trust he’d never had with previous lovers.  He’d been in control because he felt the need to be as he’d not had much control of his own life over the years.  Here was a way he could be.  Being that…exposed for want of a better word…was difficult for Copia.  The years of harsh treatment had made him want to keep the upper hand, to be the one in charge.  But your request, your wish had thrown him.

He knew why you wanted it, there were many reasons actually and he understood them.  You, for whatever reason, loved him.  You wanted to share this with him.  You wanted him in the most carnal ways which he was more than happy to let you have him in.  But you’d also had a life filled with restriction and you had had very little control during it.  You hadn’t been able to partake in the various ways love could be shared and again…he was happy to be the one to share it with you, to show you all the things he’d learned over the years.

But this went against Copia’s instincts…giving up the control he had was hard.  Especially now with everything that had changed  in his life.  Giving up being Papa to become a desk jockey.  Granted he was the head desk jockey over everyone, but this was again something he had had no control over in his life.  His mother’s death he had been powerless to stop, again out of his control. 

Yet, Copia had made it through all this because you had been there.  Your love, your caring, you had helped him find his way through it all.  And now when you asked him for the wish only he could grant you…he was afraid?  No…it wasn’t fear…was it?   Well, maybe. 

When the old elevator opened upon the top floor with a jerk and rumble of the doors he quickly stepped out.  He had had way too many visions of himself getting trapped in the moldy smelling contraption or it just plummeting down into the basement with him on it.

Was he afraid to be that vulnerable with you of all people?  How could he deny this request that was made out of love and your own trusting of him?  He sighed heavily, a slight headache starting between his eyes as he walked down the hall. 

And that’s when he heard you laughing.

Raising an eyebrow Copia followed the lovely and familiar sound to a door that was partially open to a conference room.  When he peered through the crack, he saw you holding a glass of wine and sitting next to…his fucking brother.  Copia’s mood immediately plummeted like the elevator in his nightmares. 

You were smiling, laughing, and talking to the usurper of his title like you were old friends.  As Copia watched, his fingers curling into fists as it went on, he saw the way V’s eyes watched you as you spoke about The Bride of Frankenstein animatedly.  Copia knew that look...he’d looked at you the same way only that morning.  He felt a growl growing in his chest as the little shit moved his chair closer, clinking his glass in a toast to yours.  This…this couldn’t go on. 

Copia took a deep breath, plastered what he hoped wasn’t too fake a smile on his face, and opened the door fully.  “Hello there.”  He spoke from the doorway, his appearance stopping a response from Perpetua about the connotations between Mary Shelley being played by Elsa Lanchester as well as the Bride herself.

Brother Dave quickly stood, ever the ass kisser.  “Frater, please join us.” 

Perpetua had to hold back the rolling of his eyes.  Of course his brother would appear now…he was fairly certain Copia Emeritus had radar when it came to him enjoying himself too much. 

“Ah, grazie alas I do not have all the time.  But I overheard the familiar voices and wanted to say hello.”  Copia glanced over at you, seeing the smile on your face as your eyes watched him with that familiar glimmer.  He looked at his brother and narrowed his gaze.  “I hope things are going smoothly for you fratello.” 

Perpetua wasn’t an idiot.  He saw the hardness enter his brothers eyes as he asked him the question.  Not one to pass up an opportunity, the Papa smiled.  “Si very smoothly.  And much of that is due to the bella donna here.”  He grabbed your hand and placed another lingering kiss near his last. 

He’d glanced at Copia for a brief moment and had to control the laughter that wanted to pour forth from him.  His brothers jaw was so tight he was shocked his teeth hadn’t cracked in two.  There was the slightest tremor in his now closed fist.   “Yes fratello, please do feel that crawling worry up your spine that I might steal her, just as you stole all of the opportunity that should have been mine.”  Perpetua thought to himself with more than a bit of satisfaction.

You were shocked by the praise.  “Oh, no, Phil and the team are as much a reason we’re doing so well.”  You sat your wine glass down, pulling your hand from Perpetua. 

The Papa shook his head, dark curls bouncing against his neck.  “You are too humble dolcezza.  I have heard all the praises coming from the clergy about you.”  He turned fully to Copia this time.  “You are a lucky man fratello.”  He said, his smile nearly predatory now.

Copia wanted to jump across the table and pound a few more dents into his silver mask.  He noticed now you had two of the fanculo faccia’s lip marks on your hand.  He’d kissed you once already and now again to rub it into his face.  And you’d let him…

Copia felt himself spiraling down, his vision going red.  He could see nothing but the mocking black lip prints that were burned into your soft skin. 

“Si, I know.”  He managed to say,  “Speaking of…cara would you be so kind as to join me in my office?  I’ve something we need to discuss.”  Copia’s voice was tight, strained.  He was barely hanging on to his control. 

You noticed he seemed a little on edge, but he had been dealing with the clergy all day.  “Of course.”  You replied. 

“Bene, if you will excuse me.”  Copia gave a slight bow and then headed down the hall, the sounds of the heels of his dress shoes echoing as he practically stomped his way. 

You turned back to the table, seeing Phil’s tail was whipping around nervously.  The ghoul had noticed Copia’s mood change, the scent of jealousy and barely restrained anger burning into his nostrils.  He sighed quietly.  He really didn’t want to kill someone this month.

“If you will excuse me.”  You said pushing back your chair and standing.  All three also stood politely.  You were looking around for where to put your plate and utensils. 

“One of the ghouls will take care of that, don’t worry.”  Brother Dave said, noticing your actions. 

“Grazie again bella for an entertaining discussion.”  Perpetua gave you a slight bow.  “Perhaps you will join me some evening watching one of my collection.  I do have a stunning copy of The Man Who Laughs.  You did say Conrad Veidt was a favorite, no?”

You made a point of keeping your hands in the pocket of your hoodie.  “I do love Veidt, but I am very busy, so I’ll let you know Papa.”  You said, feeling nervous suddenly.

“V please bella.  And I will look forward to it.”  He replied and you saw a little smile grace his face that was just shy of naughty. 

After saying goodbye to Phil and Dave you headed down the hall to the now familiar location of Copia’s office.  You were suddenly nervous for some reason as you stood outside the door.  Of course you remembered one of the last times you’d been here which hadn’t been fun by any stretch.  You shook the thoughts free, rolled your shoulders and after taking a breath opened the door. 

The curtains had been closed to the windows, so the room was darker than usual.  The only light was coming from the desk lamp on Copia’s large, dark wood desk and the glow of his screensaver…which was a group of dancing rats in a ballroom.  You looked around and finally noticed Copia was sitting on the chair next to his desk, the dark of his suit blending him into the shadows of the room.  He was staring, seemingly lost in his thoughts with his gloved fingers steepled together.

“Hello?”  you asked, your voice not able to really go above a whisper.  The nerves were suddenly back in full.  Maybe you had missed something.

“Do you love me tesoro?”  Copia’s words were low, barely there in the dimly lit room. 

“What?”  You asked him, not sure if you heard him correctly.  What sort of question was that?

Copia might be considered middle aged and hadn’t been gearing up for a tour any longer, but he was fast and graceful when he needed to be.  And right then he was a blur as he stood from the chair and was pressing you up against the office door in the next moment.  He looked into your now wide eyes for a heartbeat before his mouth was on yours.

The kiss wasn’t gentle, it was wet, hot and desperate in a way you hadn’t felt from him before.  It caught you off guard in not only the suddenness of it but the ferocity.  His gloved hands held your wrists while his hips pressed into yours, grinding against you and making you gasp into his parted mouth. 

He was growling against your lips, a moan slipping from him and into your own throat as he tasted you.  Wine from the meal on his tongue as it lapped away at yours.  He managed to break away from you, sucking in a breath as he leaned his forehead against yours.  “I said…do you love me?”  He spoke, his voice deeper, rough against your ear.

“Of course I do.”   You replied, trying to breathe normally. 

Copia took a step back from you, releasing one wrist and keeping hold of the other while he glared at you suddenly.  “Then why…why did you let him touch you like this?”  He held your hand up, the one with the smears of face paint still visible.  “Silver and black…the colors of his new fucking reign.”  Copia reached into his breast pocket and pulled the black handkerchief from it, unfurling it with a quick flip of his wrist and then roughly wiping away the marks from your hand.

“Copia what the hell?”  You asked him finally, realizing what this was.  No, apparently he wasn’t over there being new Papa.  “What was I supposed to do, slap him in the face?”

He tossed the handkerchief aside, still holding your wrist and glaring.  “You don’t let him touch you is what you do!”  Copia’s voice grew louder, the anger evident in every word.  “He’s taken everything that was mine and now he looks at you like another fottuto trofeo to add to the list!”

You yanked your arm from his grasp, your own anger growing by the second.  “He’s my boss just like you are if you forgot.  I have to get along with him because HE’S THE JOB.”  You spat the words at him.  “What is wrong with you Copia?”  You rubbed your wrist where he’d held you, feeling the bruising that would be there.  Some part of your brain wondered, had he wanted to leave a mark of his own after wiping V’s away. 

The Frater turned, swiping an arm over this desk and knocking away a pile of paperwork into the floor.  He was almost snarling.  “What is wrong tesoro??  Everything is!  I saw it, I saw him looking at you.  He’s wanting to take you like he took everything else.  My own mother died in front of me and then I lose the stage to this…fucking guy…that’s supposed to be my brother?  I have no family save for this reject from The Haunted Fucking Mansion!  And everyone loves him!” 

For a moment it looked like Copia had lost the energy for his tirade.  He placed his palms flat on the desk, shoulders drooping and breathing heavy.  “Even you…I saw you…laughing, smiling at him.  You…you...are all that I have, and I can see it happening.”

You felt tears in the corners of your eyes as you heard him.  Each word was like a slap to the face.  You thought you’d been through enough together that he’d know…that he felt it that you would never hurt him.  That you loved him so much that even the thought of hurting him was never going to enter your mind.  But here you were hearing Copia tell you that he basically didn’t trust you at all.  That you were no better than what the now gone sisters and brothers had been saying about you.  It was that realization that made your heart break as you stood there, holding your wrist and barely able to breathe due to the pain in your chest.

You managed to take a shaky breath.  “What about me Copia?”  You asked him then.

He turned to glance at you, still leaning on the desk to give him strength against the weight of hurt pressing down on him.  “What?”

You swallowed then, moving a step away from the door.  “You think so little of me that you expect me to just jump Papa V’s bones immediately.  After standing by you through all of this and everything we’ve been through…that I would just hurt you like that?  You think so little of me, doubt me so much that you expect me to…”  Your voice broke then, the tears falling in earnest down your cheeks.  You managed to swallow the sob, but the sound was still there.

Copia turned then to face you, his own cheeks wet with tears, streaks of his eye paints leaving trails.  His expression told the story, and it was yet another punch to your heart.

You knew he had been through hell.  You knew he had issues with trusting and being left behind.  But you thought he’d seen the truth in what you felt, how much you loved him.  How you just wanted him to be happy and your goal was to ensure that.  You thought he knew enough about your life to know better than to every think you’d cheat on him.  But apparently you were wrong.

You wiped at your cheek with your sleeve, barely able to take a breath.  “I thought you knew me Copia.  I thought I knew you… I’d…I’d never cheat on you.  I’d never hurt you like that.  I know that hurt from experience.”  You gave up on trying to stop the tears.  They weren’t going to be over for a while.

You sighed.  “I know you’ve been with a lot of people…I never cared…other than I wanted to be good enough for you.  I hoped I was enough to make you happy.  I trusted you which was…so hard after…after what I went through.”  A small laugh escaped you, but it was like breaking glass, jagged and cutting.  “You made me believe in fairy tales.  Here you were the prince that I didn’t think could ever be real.  And somehow you loved me back.  Or…I thought you did.” 

Copia slumped heavily against the desk.  Each word you were saying a cut into his soul.  Seeing you crying…it was breaking through the haze of his anger and anxiety, and he was slowly realizing he’d done something very, very bad.  He took a strangled breath, his throat tight, so tight he wanted to rip away the studded collar that was around it.  He said your name, the sound barely audible, like it came from a drowning man and in a way it did.

You shook your head, licking your lips and tasting the salt of your tears there.  “No…I can’t…I can’t do this.”  You reached over and grasped the doorknob.  You took another breath to try and steady yourself for what you were about to do.  You glanced back at him, seeing his head lift up just barely as if he wanted to say something.  But you spoke first.  “I love you Copia.  I’m sorry I wasn’t enough.”  And with that you opened the door and left before he could say anything more.

Frater Imperator Copia Emeritus stood in silence for a moment, lips parted but with no voice coming from them.  As what just had happened truly hit him his shaking fingers finally reached up and tore away the collar at his neck, tossing it aside.  He fell to his knees, wishing he could scream, could cry out for you to come back but he knew it was too late.  The damage had been done.  And the only sounds were his sobs as reality hit home.  Perpetua hadn’t been the cause of losing you…Copia himself was. 

[ashthewaterghoul]

How have I JUST noticed Frater’s Clergy collar is fucking BEDAZZLED????

[zanncom]

duality

[ghuleh-recs]

HOW. how is he so expressive? like it's just eyes and body language at this point. his whole ass head is covered. forever confounded by this.

[yirima-chai]

I got inspired by this poste by @krakintakin

(sry I had to draw it) Happy pride month everyone! Go listen to some gay music 🏳️‍🌈

[palesweetsdeer]

Princess Bubblebutt over here, tsk. Honestly, not a day goes by that I don’t think about the “nice ass” guy. What a legend

And Copia choking V so you guys don’t think I’m a total pervert

[bribinart]

hear me out hear me out hear me out..... dracopia but it's the dracula (1992) rendition (prints!)