K͓̽a͓̽t͓̽

"There you go, angel. Don't worry about anything, alright? You deserve some rest"

Perpetua knew how terrible this past week has been for you. Your work was more stressful than usual, your responsibilities slowly turning more and more exhausting. There were some unexpected problems needing your undivided attention too, making you spend so much time figuring them out, even after your usual working hours. It messed up your sleeping schedule and kept you on pins and needles.

So when you came back from work, yet again looking so tired and worned out, your lover knew exactly what would make you feel better. He himself looked very comfy, without his papal paints and signature mask, dressed up in an old band t-shirt and black sweats. Perpetua intended to make this evening as relaxing as possible.

"Oh, angel..." he pressed a kiss to your trembling fingers. "Let's take care of you, shall we?"

He quickly drew you a bath, warm and steamy, with those expensive salts and scented oils that you loved so much. You chuckled as Perpetua began to slowly undress you in the middle of the bathroom, his slender fingers tickling you slightly. There was nothing dirty and sexual about it. He took each garment off of you like he was handling his precious, perfect porcelain doll.

"You know I can do it myself, right?" you asked with a tired smile on your lips.

"I know." He placed a kiss on your bare shoulder, soft and sweet. "But I want you to relax, hm? Let Papa do all the work."

And really, what kind of relief it was when you soaked your body in that hot, scented bath. He poured a generous amount of shampoo on your hair just to massage it into your scalp, and you just couldn't help yourself but moan to that feeling. It was so pleasant, feeling his claws gently scratch your head. The way he then ran a washcloth over your body was so tender and caring you practically melted under his touch.

"You're spoiling me, you know?" You mumbled as your lover kissed the wet skin just under your jaw.

"Nonsense, you did all of that for me too, remember? After that one shitty show..." He practically shivered at the memory of a particularly fucked-up performance during his last tour. "I'm just giving you the same amount of love that you gave me. And I hate seeing you so exhausted, sweetheart. We can't have that, can we?"

You took his helping hand to get out of the slippery bathtub, a warm, fluffy towel already waiting in his other hand. It felt so nice and soft on your wet skin, tender from the heat of the water. A surprised squeak left your lips as Perpetua lifted you in his arms, his hands placed under your thighs, so you had no other choice but to wrap your legs around his hips.

"Come on, let's go to bed"

You put your arms around his neck, refusing to let go even after he laid you down on your shared bed. He only laughed at that, pleased with the way you clung to him.

"Don't go anywhere..." Your lips, pressed to his neck, muffled your words, making them barely audible.

"Aww, my poor angel," he cooed. "Did you miss me so bad today that you don't want to let me go?"

"Yes..." Normally, you loved the thrill of a clever, playful flirt as a response to his teasing, but tonight you simply had no energy for that. Besides, you wanted to show him how much you appreciated all of his effort to make you feel better. "I did miss you, you know. Couldn't stop thinking about spending a nice, slow evening with you and cuddling up to sleep"

Perpetua looked up at you with something so soft in his mismatched eyes that it almost took your breath away – and indeed, it was taken away from you by the slow, tender kiss he placed on your lips. Oh, how he kissed you... Just like you were the exact centre of his whole world, his sun and stars.

"How could I not grant your wish then?"

You sighed with such relief as if the burdens of the whole world have been lifted off your shoulders – that's how Perpetua always makes you feel when he took you in his warm, soft embrace. That's your safest place, where it's impossible to resist letting all of the bad thoughts go. His long arms held you close, sharp claws slowly tracing patterns on your back, as always careful not to scratch you too deep.

He could smell that sweet scent of your skin, it was almost intoxicating. Perpetua absolutely loved seeing you like this, finally so comfortable right beside him. He took pride in it, knowing how much you trusted him and his ability to keep you safe and sound.

"Would you like something to eat? I can get one of my ghouls to fetch us whatever you want"

"No, thank you," you yawned softly. "I already had something at work. Besides, I just want to go to sleep like that..."

Your hand moved up to his face to touch his cheek – his bare skin felt softer underneath your fingertips without that crusty black facepaint. You adored those little moments of intimacy, being so close to each other like no one else ever will.

"Alright, angel. Go to sleep then, I've got you..." he sighed with content, mesmerised with the way your presence always helped him relax, too.