⸸ 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂 ⸸

it’s in vampiress’ best interest to stay her fangs and relax as copia awkwardly grasps at nothing. he’s so quick to recover from his folly that it almost leaves her blindsided. observant little thing, isn’t he? verona’s lips relax into a more natural smile at the sound of her name rolling from his tongue. she gives him the benefit of the doubt, hardly makes a reaction out of his boyish charm. she’s still deciding herself where they stand now, two strangers dancing around each other and prodding for both excitement and answers. dark brown eyes soften as he feeds the question in her mind - “there were other papas before you? fascinating. and you are not bitter like them, amico?”

a second attempt is made at taking her hand and it succeeds, though she is sure she wouldn’t have allowed a third failure. her grip tightens only slightly before he surprises her again. “fun?” she can’t help but laugh. her free hand immediately rushing to hide her open smile as it flows from her. “i am not laughing at you, my dear,” she feels the need to clarify. doesn’t want him to shrink with embarrassment. “it’s just that out of any word to describe me, fun is not something that would come to mind. not at all.” verona is sure that her spouses would agree.

copia leads them out as she reclaims her hand to her side. curiosity gets the best of her as she glances around. the artwork, the architecture, the stray siblings that meander off to…..whatever is next for them. a fire for more burns in her chest. his words register a second later and a sly smirk aims itself in his direction. “my, my, how about treating a lady out to a drink first, papa?” she takes his humor as diffusion and raises it with her own direct way. “just kidding, of course, let’s start with the library, shall we?” she brushes off the rest of her tease and motions with her hand for him to lead on. her mind wanders to the possibility of expanding her occult knowledge, reading rituals in old latin, and diving deep into a pool of unexplored knowledge. if he paid close enough attention - there is a certain giddiness in her step.

                                                  ⸸  “Others?”  Caught  up  in  his  own  dance  steps,  the  front  man  nearly  trips...literally  and  mentally.  A  tug  at  her  grasp  as  he  does  so,  catching  himself  before  disaster  strikes,  only  to  straighten  and  pat  the  back  of  her  hand  reassuringly.  “My  apologies,  signora.  Sermons  can  be  dizzying  to  deliver....and  si,  of  course.  You  think  antico  Jorge  was  the  first  of  his  line?  We  go  back  the  same.”  He  explains  easily,  gaining  his  stride  once  more  as  they  approach  the  east  wing  staircase.  “Not  yet  bitter,  no.”  Papa  chortles  lowly  as  if  he  were  joking.  He  is  not.  

“How  can  I  be,  eh?  When  I  have  the  privilege  of  meeting  strangers  like  you.”  Again,  a  raised  brow,  inviting  her  in.  She  truly  is  the  most  interesting  creature  he’s  laid  eyes  on  in  several  years.  She’s  putting  a  pep  in  his  step  as  he  ascends  the  stairs,  heading  in  the  direction  of  the  library.

“I  think  you’re  funny...well,  fun.  I  think  that  is  how  I  would  describe  you.”  Once  more,  he  searches  for  a  reaction.  This  Verona  guards  herself  well,  playing  close  to  her  chest.  He  can’t  blame  her.  In  fact,  this  is  the  way  of  things  within  the  Abbey.  She’s  already  well  adjusted!  ⸸

                                                  “A  drink  after  your  tour  then,  bella.”  He  answers,  trotting  ahead  to  push  open  the  double  doors,  making  a  rather  grand  show  of  it.  The  smell  of  books  greets  them  immediately,  the  space  empty  and  all  their  own  after  a  sermon.  “Ta—da!”  Open  arms,  Copia  turns  back  to  face  his  guest,  indicating  the  extensive  collection  surrounding  them.  “The  Royal  Library  has  nothing  on  us...well,  maybe  they  do,  but⸻”  Arms  fall  to  his  sides  as  he  twists  on  his  heel  to  gaze  at  the  rows  upon  rows  of  manuscripts  himself.  “They  have  no  taste.  The  space  looks  shit.”  

Already  has  it  been  decided…The  instant  that  the  Cardinal  had  fled  his  grace  he’d  take  INITIATIVE  (  perhaps  for  the  first  time  in  a  long  time  ),  and  actually  tidy  up.  Wheels  in  motion  stir  the  Papa  into  a  state  of  anticipation,  an  eagerness  for  the  Cardinal  to  leave.  Though  such  isn’t  clear  in  the  way  he  behaves⸻A  tired  brow  with  the  faintest  smile  as  he  fixes  the  Cardinal’s  tea  which  is  quickly  passed  over  with  accompanying  scents  of  citrus  after  a  DASH  of  sugar…and  for  his  own  cup  he  puts  a  rather…generous  amount.

❝  Burdened  is  CERTAINLY  a  word  for  it.  ❞  Brows  lift  with  an  accompanying  shrug  as  he  slowly  sips  on  the  tea,  his  gaze  slowly  lifting  to  watch  the  brunette  take  a  sip  and  once  satisfied  with  a  mouth  full  of  warm  tea  his  mug  is  lowered.  ❝  If  the  majority  of  thrift  stores  weren’t  in  the  pockets  of  the  church  I  would  consider  a  donation  to  those  less  fortunate  since  it’s  faceless,  but  reality  is  a  cruel  mistress,  mio  amico.  I  can’t  excatly  take  it  in  myself  either,  the  Ministry  would  be  most  DISPLEASED.  ❞  Terzo  attempts  to  seem  humble  despite  the  reality  that  he  was  a  dragon  and  his  THINGS  were  his  horde.  ❝  Some  of  the  clothing  is  too  valuable,  and  tailored  specifically  for  me…but  a  lot  of  it  could  go  and  I  think  I’d  be  quite  okay  with  it.  Perhaps  getting  rid  of  things  would  allow  me  ample  space  for  a  pet⸻Cardinal…Do  you  have  any  pets?  ❞  Another  lengthy  sip  from  the  ornate  teacup  as  he  observes  the  Cardinal  closely,  his  free  gloved  hand  drumming  idly  against  the  countertop.

The  Papa  grows  quiet,  allowing  Copia  the  floor  in  hopes  he’d  prattle,  fill  their  time  with  something  more  fulfilling  then  his  own  embarrassing  ramblings.  It’s  strange,  being  humbled  (  of  his  own  volition  nonetheless  ),  he  never  really  was  burdened  by  such  awareness  outside  of  being  a  blatant  disappointment  to  his  brothers.  .  .Far  as  he  could  remember  everyone  dusted  off  his  shoulders  and  pushed  him  on  his  way,  never  caring  to  provide  much  critique  of  the  things  he  actively  participated  in.  Desires  of  improvement  were  abandoned  in  his  'old’  age,  but  having  the  Cardinal  around  afforded  him  the  desire  to  DO  better.  The  third  Emeritus  son  is  unsure  of  what  makes  the  Cardinal  function,  how  he  was  so.  .  .content  with  who  he  was,  how  he  held  himself  in  such  a  regard  that  he  paid  no  mind  to  insult  or  injury.  .  .and  his  work  ethic⸻just  how  did  he  tick  ?

⸸

The  cardinal  brings  the  cup  to  his  lips  almost  immediately  as  if  to  shield  himself  from  the  embarrassment  of  the  situation,  placing  a  wall  between  himself  and  the  current  pope.  The  tea  warms  his  tongue  with  a  mild  mint  and  the  lull  of  the  chamomile  might,  in  any  other  circumstance,  cause  his  lids  to  faulter  until  closed.  In  the  tornadic  environment  that  is  Terzo’s  suite  however,  it  simply  makes  him  feel  drunk  with  unwanted  sharing.  He  licks  his  lips,  nodding  silently  to  thank  him  for  the  tea.  He’s  determined  to  drink  it  quickly  and  make  his  exit...however  the  prince  of  darkness  seems  to  want  to  drag  the  moment  on.  Of  course.

                          Satan  below,  let  him  leave.  Leave  and  forget.  

“I  see  your  point,  Vostra  Eminenza.”  The  formality  of  the  phrase  seems  out  of  place  here,  yet  he  refuses  to  let  go  of  it,  using  it  as  a  talisman  to  ward  off  the  third’s  unsettling  aura  just  as  he  uses  the  tea.  

When  had  Terzo  ever  considered  giving  anything  away?  Is  this  too  an  unknown  facet  of  the  man  behind  the  music?  He  seriously  doubts  it.  Why  lie  now?  Here?  To  his  face?  “Although,  I’m  sure  I  can  arrange  something...if  you...want  that.”  Copia  says  pointedly,  taking  another  sip  of  his  drinks,  peering  over  the  lip  of  the  cup  expectantly.  “You  have  many  fabulous  pieces.”  

Pressing  on  as  quickly  as  possible,  the  cardinal  considers  the  question.  “Pets?  Like  ah...a  little  dog?  No?  No,  I  don’t.”  He  certainly  has  the  pack  of  rats  that  scurry  through  the  Abbey’s  walls,  however,  Copia  does  not  consider  them  pets.  They  have  autonomy  beyond  that  of  a  simple  cat  or  bird.  They  have  their  own  minds.  It  is  tempting  to  fill  the  uncomfortable  silence  with  a  comment  on  these  very  creatures...but  he  doesn’t  think  it  will  go  over  well.  

The  silence  drones  on,  causing  his  jaw  to  tighten.  Why  does  he  torture  him  this  way?  For  his  own  amusement,  usually,  yes,  but  are  either  of  them  enjoying  this?  From  the  occasionally  pained  expression  flung  his  direction  by  the  older,  he  thinks  not.  

“Papa.  Forgive  me.”  Copia  clutches  the  half  full  cup  with  both  hands.  “Are  you  well?  As  in⸻”  Why  should  he  ask?  Just  leave,  goddamnit.  “You  seem  upset.  If  this  is  about  earlier⸻”  

There’s  a  desperation  that  builds  gradually  within  his  stomach,  a  pinch.  If  he  can’t  escape  the  grasp  of  the  third,  he’s  determined  to  right  him.  Steady  him  somehow.  The  sight  of  a  vulnerable  Terzo  is  simply  unacceptable,  he’s  decided.  

                                                                                                                          “It  is  in  the  past.”  

“ yeah, papa!? –” head turns for one moment, but he loses grip on the screw. “m'sorry!! – i almost got it, i swear. just give me five more minutes!”

ghoul smiles idly. brows narrowed flippantly - nonchalantly - whilst he sits on the rafters above the stage. with legs spread & boots idly swinging in his concentration, tongue pokes out of his mouth whilst veins in glamoured hands tighten & flex in attempt to fix the busted light. though his expression does eventually begin to tighten, with the mounting pressure…

“c'mon..” impatience hauls a booted foot up onto the fixture, as he hops a little on his rear to twist, in accordance with his desire to push the light into place. moving both feet up, & crouching low. though he ceases, when papa calls out again.. he keeps a hold of the light, hunched whilst peering over the rafter. dejection comes almost immediately, at the insinuation of his failure. frowning heavily, with brows brought inward. tight ball of white hot disappointment coiling in his gut. he more-less drops the heavy lamp, & lets it fall with a long creak. shuddering the rafter he stands on, with a clang of finality. hands now hanging off his knees, as he continues to couch there petulantly. bug eyes peering over masked individuals, twisting in their giggles to avoid his ire. he was embarrassing him, now? “ – y-y'sure?” he calls down, a bit meekly. making his expression tighten even further in annoyance, as he throws his head back with a roll of goggle covered eyes. scowling, to himself. multi-ghoul’s own neck is beginning to prickle with sweat beads, in his own right. the heat of his element not as much of a burden here, yet he felt like he was burning up regardless. he’s embarrassed. desperate, to please.&greedy to be the one who solves this problem. “– s'alright papa! like i said, i almost got it. i can stay! ‘sides, who else is gonna make sure dewdrop gets his precious fifteen minutes…”seeming to be over the lead’s side of the stage. swiss grumbles, & moves to limberly hold himself up by large hands. swinging long legs over the side, & lowering his back to hang (harness-less, & very much without ghoulish defenses) from the rafter. getting a better view of the problem.

“don’t worry so much! – when have i ever let you down, before?”

⸸  “Yes!  Swiss...I’m  sure⸺Guai!”  Papa  throws  up  his  hands,  warning  the  multi-ghoul,  continuing  to  gaze  on  as  the  light  creaks  ominously.  Like  a  train  wreck,  he  can’t  help  but  watch  when  Swiss  is  on  the  job,  unable  to  look  away.  His  enthusiasm  is  always....a  delight,  very  appreciated,  but  Copia  never  knows  exaclty  what  the  guy  is  gonna  do  next.  He's  a  mystery  in  these  moments.  What  is  his  obsession  with  fixing  the  light  anyways?  Like  he  said,  it’s  the  fire  ghoul’s  side  of  the  stage  and  Copia  doesn’t  guess  he’s  doing  him  any  favors...not  with  the  way  he’s  mocking  both.  

Speaking  of  which...

Papa  WHEELS  around  in  time  to  catch  the  ghoul  in  question  give  Swiss  the  finger  in  response,  sticking  out  his  tongue.  “Shut  up,  Dew.  You  know  it’s  true.”  He  snips  dismissively,  knowing  just  as  well  as  anyone  else  how  much  the  lead  NEEDS  his  few  minutes  of  fame  to  keep  trudging  through  the  tour  without  dramatics.  

He  doesn’t  want  to  argue  with  the  multi-ghoul,  especially  not  in  front  of  an  audience  of  snickering  stage  personnel.  “Don’t  you  guys  have  some’thing  to  do?  Go.  Shoo!”  Copia  disperses  the  small  crowd  before  it  becomes  a  mob,  walking  back  closer  to  where  Swiss  works  as  soon  as  the  stragglers  wandered  off.  

“Come  down  here.”  Hands  on  his  hips,  Papa  demands  his  attention,  craning  his  neck  to  get  a  look  at  the  ghoul.  “Fuck  the  light,  I  need  to  talk  with  you.  ⸺and  be  careful,  eh?”  

Moments  of  silence  fill  the  venue.  

@saintsreign​

​

⸸  Cryptic  or  not,  it’s  true,  and  the  third’s  nonchalant  response  only  fuels  his  agitation.  How  and  when  would  he  escape  the  looming  shadow  of  the  Emeritus  line?  Death  had  seemed  to  be  the  final  solution,  but  even  something  as  concrete  as  mortality  unraveled  at  the  hands  of  Terzo.  THE  GOLDEN  BOY.  

How  dare  he  come  back  as  if  nothing  had  happened?  As  if  HE  hadn’t  happened...and  lecture  him  like  a  child.  ❝Misfortune,  HA⸺!❞  Copia  eyes  the  doughnut  box  with  apparent  disgust.  ❝Those  are  bad  for  you,  you  know.❞  He  says  haughtily,  having  already  had  his  share  of  a  box  a  few  hours  previously...but  the  third  doesn’t  need  to  know  that.  

He  wants  to  SNATCH  his  phone  and  hurl  it  out  the  nearest  FUCKING  window.  

@paledeath - Copia/Papa Emeritus IV  (Currently most active)

@thirdemeritus - Terzo/Papa Emeritus III (Active)

@secondemeritus - Secundo/Papa Emeritus II (Low activity)

@firstemeritus - Primo/Papa Emeritus I (Low activity)