Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The night was calm and balmy, the perfect night for a moonlit dinner in the garden. And for Copia, it had been perfect. He planned everything out, from the exact location in the garden to have the best view of the sky to the menu to the blanket he brought to sit on. He wanted this date to be absolutely perfect. 

His date, a Sister of Sin he had known most of his life named Maria, seemed to be enjoying herself, which put him a bit at ease. Conversation always seemed to flow easily between them, and tonight was no exception. Copia considered Maria a close friend, though recently, he began to wonder if things could be different between them. He was comfortable around her, and she felt safe. He had always thought she was beautiful, but to become more than friends with her... Perhaps their friendship was why he had felt bold enough to ask her on a date, to begin with, but it still surprised him how quickly she agreed. He had no idea she had ever considered him more than a friend.

As the evening progressed, Copia began to sense a heaviness in the air, a sense of anticipation for… something. In all honesty, Copia had been on very few dates, but he knew enough to realize where this was headed. After they had finished their meal, they sat side by side, gazing up at the clear sky. Copia was so absorbed in trying to figure out how he should end the night that he jumped when Maria's hand suddenly covered his. He looked down at their hands and swallowed hard, his cheeks heating up.

"Tonight was wonderful, Copia," Maria said, looking at him coquettishly.

"Y-you think so? I wanted it to be perfect…"

She smiled and squeezed his hand, leaning into him a bit. "It was perfect. But you know what would make it even better?"

The way she was looking at him was making him even more nervous, but he found himself a bit mesmerized. "What?"

Her gaze dropped to his lips, and she briefly bit hers. "This."

Copia completely froze the second Maria's lips touched his. His brain seemed to short-circuit, and his only rational thought was, "I am finally being kissed." When Maria realized he was not reciprocating, she leaned back, still smiling coyly.

"You can kiss me back, you know."

He nodded jerkily and swallowed hard again. "S-sì."

She kissed him again, and Copia did his best to kiss her back. Or, tried to. Maybe he was too sloppy or too stiff or… something, but the only thing he was sure of was how uncomfortable he was. This was not right. He must have been doing something wrong, but…

Maria pulled away again, giving him a forced smile. "Well… that was… something."

She hated it; he could tell. Copia looked away, ashamed. He did not want to tell her he had never kissed anyone before.

With a shaky breath, he forced himself to look at her. "I am sorry. May I… May I try again?"

She hesitated just for a moment before nodding. Copia kissed her first this time and tried his best to emulate how he had seen kisses go in movies. He tried to be passionate, but perhaps he was a little too enthusiastic. Maria ended up pushing him away.

"Maybe we should call it a night," she said, not quite meeting his eyes. "Before we get too carried away," she added as if to soften the blow.

Copia nodded solemnly. "Sì… I suppose you are right."

Maria stood, and Copia slowly followed. “Thank you for the lovely dinner, Copia. I’ll see you later.”

She hesitated momentarily before giving him an extremely brief peck on the cheek before leaving the garden, leaving Copia to clean up the picnic and pack up the blanket alone. He moved in a daze, totally on automatic pilot. Things had been going so well…

Copia returned to his room; his head lowered in dejection. He should not have allowed the kiss to happen. But he wanted to kiss Maria, he had wanted to for a long time, and then he was presented with the opportunity on a silver platter and… he had completely ruined it.

What was he going to do?

"Bishop Copia?"

Copia looked up to see Terzo approaching him. "Ah, Cardinale. I was not expecting to run into anyone at this hour."

Terzo waved his hand. "I was just on my way back to my room." He then tilted his head with a slight frown. "Didn't you have a date tonight?"

Copia nodded. "With Sister Maria, sì."

"Ah. Then why do you look so glum? Did it not go well?"

"It was going just fine until… until…." He broke off, his cheeks heating up in embarrassment. This was not something he wanted to admit to Terzo, of all people. "Until she kissed me."

Terzo raised his eyebrows. "Is she a bad kisser?"

Copia shook his head and closed his eyes. "No, Cardinale, it is I who is the bad kisser. I, um… do not have much experience kissing…"

Because Copia was looking down, he missed the mischievous smile that crossed Terzo's lips.

"Perhaps I could help you with that."

Copia's head shot up. "You?"

Terzo lifted a hand and chuckled. "Heh, not me, no. But I know someone who would be happy to help you, to teach you how to kiss properly."

"Who?"

"Sister Alexandra."

Copia blinked in surprise. Surely not her… But Terzo would not know about Copia's affections for her unless… Copia's face got hotter. He had admired Alexandra from afar for years, but he always felt like she was entirely out of his league, especially because she was a former flame of Terzo’s. Apparently, she wanted more than Terzo was willing to give, so perhaps….

“Why would she help me?”

Terzo smiled knowingly. “Trust me, Copia; she will help. You want things to work out with Sister Maria, sì? Then you should learn from one of the best kissers I’ve ever known.”

“Really?” She was?

“Oh, sì. If Alex had not wanted to settle down and have a family, I would likely still be with her, but… She deserved better than me.”

Copia looked away. Could he do this? Could he really go to see Alexandra and ask her to teach him how to kiss? Would she even agree?

“I don’t know…”

Terzo placed a hand on Copia’s shoulder. “It is up to you, but I really think this could help. And you know Alexandra. She’s the sweetest and will do everything she can to make you comfortable.”

Copia nodded. “I will think about it. I don’t make any promises! But I will consider it.”

“Bene. That is all I ask. She often spends her free time in the library, so perhaps you will find her there. You wouldn’t want to keep the sister waiting too long. Buonanotte, Copia.”

With a frown, Copia watched Terzo leave. Was he referring to Maria? Or Alexandra? Would Alexandra be expecting him? Panic filled him with that thought. What if Terzo spoke to her before Copia did? How was he supposed to look her in the eye and ask her to teach him to kiss?

Ai, what had he gotten himself into?

Chapter Text

Alexandra smiled behind her book, surreptitiously watching a certain bishop flit from bookshelf to bookshelf, slowly making his way closer and closer to her all the while acting like he was looking for something. She had been expecting him thanks to Terzo mentioning in vague terms that Copia was coming to speak to her sometime soon. It was enough of a cryptic message to intrigue her, and it looked like she was finally going to get some answers.

Copia was now just a couple of shelves away, and during one of his not-so-subtle glances her direction caught her looking at him. He fumbled with the books in his hands, nearly dropping them. Alex raised her own book to hide her face entirely as she laughed. Oh, how she adored that man… Had for a long time now. But he had never seemed at all interested in her. In fact, up until recently, he had not seemed interested in anyone. It hurt a bit when she found out he and Sister Maria were seeing each other. Alex supposed they had been friends for a long time. Perhaps it was only a matter of time before they both realized they wanted more.

Finally, Copia shyly approached, holding the few books he had close to his chest as if they were a shield. “Sorella Alexandra,” he greeted with a nod.

Alex bowed her head respectfully in return. “Hello, Bishop Copia. Would you care to join me?” she asked, motioning to the free seat adjacent to her.

He nodded again and set his books down before taking a seat. There was an awkward silence as he got comfortable — or as comfortable as possible given how nervous he was — until he cleared his throat.

“So… Sis… How are things in the reliquary?”

She could not help but smile, absolutely charmed by him. “Oh, fine. We’re nearly done cataloging the most recent batch of relics from the old Abbey. In fact, that’s partly why I’m here. I’m doing some research.”

“Anything interesting?”

“Yes, very interesting! In fact, you might like to see it. It’s a handbound book full of writing in a language we have yet to decipher. Papa Primo has been pouring over it to no avail.”

Copia nodded. “Sì. I would very much like to see it. Not that I could help translate or anything, but it would be… cool to see it.”

Alex’s smile widened. “I figured you might think so. Father Aldo intends to take it back with him to Italy to let the Ministry scholars take a look at it, but he won’t be leaving for another few days.”

“Then I shall come by the reliquary soon!”

There was another stretch of awkward silence, and from his shifting and reddening cheeks, Alex worried Copia might be about to leave.

“Bishop Copia—”

Copia held up a hand. “Just Copia, please.”

Alex blinked in surprise but was pleased. The only other high-ranking member of the clergy she was on such familiar terms with was Terzo, and they had been in a relationship. “Copia,” she said. “Are you feeling alright? You’re looking a little flushed.”

He seemed startled that she noticed. “O-Oh! Oh, I am fine, Sorella! It is just, um… a little warm in here.”

“I could go get you some water…”

“No, no. It is fine, really. I, um…”

Alex decided to take pity on him. “You didn’t come here to ask about my work, did you?”

“Ah… No,” he said, lowering his gaze and shaking his head, his cheeks flushing an even darker shade of red.

“Terzo mentioned you’d be coming by, but he didn’t say why.”

Copia fiddled nervously with his gloved fingers, his gaze firmly fixed on them. “He said that you might be able to help me with something.”

Alex frowned. If Terzo had said something like that, there had to be some ulterior motive. She would have to have a talk with Terzo later… “Oh? Help with what?”

If the floor could have opened up and swallowed him, Copia looked like he gladly would have gone. “I, um… I seem to have a problem. A-at least, I think I do. I had a date with Sister Maria the other night, and things were going well! Until she kissed me…”

This was honestly the last thing Alex wanted to be hearing about, but if Copia needed her help, she would give it. “And what happened?”

“I am, uh…” He took a deep breath. “Up until the other night, I had never kissed anyone before. I am apparently not very good at it.”

Oh. That was not exactly what she had been expecting. But how did she fit into — She then remembered Terzo’s involvement and nearly rolled her eyes. She knew where this was going now.

“I told Terzo all of this,” he continued, “and he said I should come to you. He says you are the best kisser—”

“—he’s ever kissed,” Alex finished with him, nodding. She then sighed. “He does like to say that, and I suppose I should take it as a compliment. I can’t say whether he’s right or wrong on that front, but I’ll tell you this, Terzo was right: I’ll help, but only if you really want it.”

Copia nodded. “I do. I want to know what I’m doing.”

“And you don’t want Maria to help you?”

“From her response the other night, I don’t think she would do that…”

Then why are you with her? Alex thought.

She gazed back at him, weighing her options. On a selfish level, she wanted to do this, no questions asked. A chance to kiss Copia, even if for the sole purpose of teaching him how to kiss? How could she say no? But at the same time, she would be helping him in order for him to go out and kiss someone else. Sister Maria. She and Alex had never really gotten along, and Alex was not sure what Copia saw in her, but… It was none of her business.

"Alright," she finally said. "Let's do this. Meet me out in the garden tomorrow night on the far side of the greenhouse." 

She assumed Copia would want to keep this as private as possible, but going to either one of their rooms felt too intimate. This isn't supposed to be intimate.

Copia nodded. "Okie dokie, I will be there. And thank you, Sorella. You do not know how much I appreciate this. Both for your help and your discretion."

Alex could not help it. She reached over and covered his hand with hers. "Of course. I know how I would feel in this situation, and I don't want that for you."

He smiled shyly in return. "Grazie, Sorella. I will see you tomorrow."

With that, he took his leave. As she watched his retreating form, a deep longing filled her. Copia seemed like the type who would want to settle down, have a family. He was so sweet and kind… Why couldn't he be interested in her the way she was in him?

Terzo took a sip of his wine, smiling as his office door opened and Alex appeared. He had been expecting her after her talk with Copia. He could tell she was angry, but she was still just as beautiful as ever.

“Alexandra,” he practically purred.

“What are you playing at, Terzo?” she asked, coming to a stop in front of his desk, her hands on her hips.

He shook his head. “I don’t know what you mean, cara mia.”

“You sent Copia to me to ask me for kissing lessons!”

“Did you refuse?”

“No, I didn’t refuse. You know I—” She broke off, a look of understanding coming over her features. “So, you did do this on purpose.”

Terzo smiled smugly. “Perhaps now you will act on your feelings for your dear Copia, sì?”

Alex sighed and shook her head. “Terzo… I appreciate that you’re trying to help, but… Copia isn’t interested in me. He never has been. Especially not now! He’s seeing Sister Maria,” she said with mild disgust.

Terzo chuckled. Oh, if only she knew the whole story, but it was a story that was not his to tell. He would only… guide it along. “Well, come back to me after you have kissed him, and maybe then you will be thanking me.” Alex still did not look pleased, which prompted Terzo to become more serious. “In all honesty, cara mia, I sent him to you because I knew you would not judge him. You would indeed help in any way you could. Copia would benefit greatly from your kindness.”

Alex looked away, her shoulders dropping. “So, what you’re saying is Maria's judging him.” Terzo nodded. “Then why is he with her? She should be the one teaching him how to kiss, not me.”

Terzo shrugged. “From what I heard, she could not get away from him fast enough.” He then leaned forward, catching Alex’s hand in his. “So, what that means, cara mia, is you have to show him what he’s missing with you. For once, he could be himself, with absolutely no judgment."

To his surprise, he saw tears fill her eyes. "That's all I've ever wanted," she admitted quietly. "I've only ever wanted him."

Terzo smiled sadly. "Sì, I know. Which is why I think you should do this."

She met his eyes again. "Why are you doing this, Terzo? Really?"

"Because I want you to be happy. I couldn't give you what you wanted, but if I can help you find someone else who can… then I will."

Alex walked around his desk and stooped to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Terzo," she whispered.

He patted her back. "Don't mention it, cara mia." 

Now, he just had to make sure Copia did not mess this up.

Chapter Text

It was cloudy that night, and it would likely rain later, but Copia barely noticed as he hurried through the hallways, his heart pounding in his chest. 

He was running a bit late to his meeting with Alexandra, but only because everything seemed to be going wrong as he got ready. First, he got toothpaste all over the front of his vestments, so he had to change. Then, he could not find any of his clerical collars, so he nearly decided to just wear a suit until he spotted one that one of his rats had carted off behind the dresser. And then, he thought he had run out of cologne, but he managed to find a new bottle in the back of one of the bathroom cabinets. 

By the time he was ready to leave, he was five minutes late. And his frazzled nerves certainly were not helping matters. He passed a few siblings along the way, who watched him curiously as he hurried down the hallways. He even passed by Terzo and Primo, Terzo with a smug smile on his face, though Copia barely noticed it.

As soon as he reached the garden entrance, he saw Alexandra. She was standing further down the main path, illuminated by the light coming from the greenhouse. He had to take a moment to simply admire her. How often had he spent dinners and other clergy functions gazing at her longingly, wishing he was at her side and not Terzo? Maria was beautiful, but Alexandra was… breathtaking. He would likely never know how he had gotten her to agree to this, but he would savor the opportunity for as long as he could.

Alex turned and saw him there, a sweet smile coming to her lips. 

"Hello, Sorella," he greeted, approaching her.

"Copia."

"I am sorry I'm late. I…"

"Don't worry about it. I was waiting back there where we said we'd meet," she said, gesturing back toward the greenhouse, "but I thought maybe I'd missed you." To his surprise, she took his hand. "Come on."

Copia would have followed her anywhere, but she led him back to a secluded area behind the greenhouse, a place where no one would be able to see them from the main building.

She gazed up at him after she brought them to a stop. "Nervous?"

He nodded. "A bit."

She smiled again, and it put him more at ease.

“Don't worry. We won't do anything you don't want to do. You set the pace. Now… close your eyes,” Alex murmured. “You don’t have to do anything; just let me kiss you. Ready?”

Copia nodded and did as she said, taking a shaky breath, preparing himself. The next thing he knew, he felt the gentle, slow press of her lips against his. It was relatively brief, but then she did it again and again. He felt a little lightheaded, knowing this was Alex kissing him, the woman he had pined after for years. 

He could not help it. With a quiet little moan, he copied her and met the press of her lips with his own. He then felt her smile.

"Good, Copia. For now, just keep doing that."

It was enough encouragement for him to initiate the kiss this time, doing exactly what Alex had done to him. His kisses were light and unobtrusive, and to his immense delight, she did not push him away. In fact, she ended up wrapping her arms around his neck. Copia responded in kind, his hands sliding around to her lower back and pulling her closer to him.

All Copia could think about at that moment was how right this felt. This felt so dramatically different from kissing Maria the other night that he was tempted to not even count that. This, with Alexandra, was his real first kiss. If anyone ever asked, that is what he would tell them.

Alex eventually leaned back, smiling softly at him. In the dim light coming from the greenhouse, he could see a faint blush on her cheeks. Had he done that?

"Not bad, Copia. Not bad at all. You're a quick study."

Copia ducked his head, smiling bashfully. "Grazie."

He wanted to say it was because of her. He wanted to kiss her and do a good job, so she would want him to continue. For the first time, Copia felt no judgement. He had always known that Alex was sweet and kind, and he had always wanted to be on the receiving end of that kindness. And now he was finally getting a taste of it.

Alex's fingers lightly caressed his cheek, and Copia fought with himself to not melt into her touch. "Would you like to try again?"

He nodded, maybe too enthusiastically, but he could not help it. "Sì."

With her hands on his cheeks, she brought him back down, her lips pressing more firmly to his this time. Copia hummed a bit, enthralled by the feeling of her soft lips moving against his. It was a hum that turned into more of a moan the second he felt her tongue lightly touch his bottom lip.

"Alexandra," he breathed, his voice trembling.

"We don't have to," she whispered back.

He hesitated for just a second before diving back in and kissing her with all the passion he felt. Alex hummed into his mouth and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. He did whatever instinctively felt right as their tongues danced together, his hands moving restlessly over her back.

Copia thought he might go out of his mind with the overwhelmingness of having Alex pressed against him, kissing him back just as fervently. This is what it's supposed to be like, he thought as Alex moaned this time, pressing herself tighter against him. If there was such a thing as perfection, this was it.  

They broke the kiss simultaneously with a smack and gazed at each other through heavy-lidded eyes. There was a weight in the look, something heavy and forbidden that neither was able to acknowledge yet. But it was there, and it had them moving in tandem to rest their foreheads together.

"If this was how you kissed Maria, I don't know what her problem was. You kiss just fine," Alex said breathily.

His grip on her tightened ever so slightly. "You think so?"

"Absolutely. But hopefully, this helped you feel more confident."

"It did. Grazie, Sorella, for this," Copia murmured. "I do not know how I will ever be able to repay you." Let me be with you, he thought desperately. Let my payment be my love.

"You don't have to thank me," she replied. "And if I may say so, if Maria doesn't respond well to this, maybe she's the one who needs the lessons."

Copia chuckled. He knew Alex was likely saying that just for his benefit, but it pleased him all the same. "I guess I shall see soon enough."

After that, Alex pulled away from him, putting a little distance between them, not looking at him. It surprised Copia just how cold and bereft he felt without her near.

"Well, if for some reason it doesn't work…" She finally looked back up at him and, to his surprise, rested her hand on his chest. "Come back to me."

Her fingers just barely curled into the fabric of his black cassock as if she did not want to let go, but surely Copia just imagined that… As he watched her leave, he could not help but wonder if there was more to that statement than simply coming back for more lessons.

As soon as she got out of eyesight, it started to rain.

Copia went to Maria the next day, finding her sitting out in the courtyard, eating lunch. He had not spoken to her since their date, but he felt much more confident after last night.

She saw him approaching and looked a bit surprised. "Copia?"

"Hello, Maria," he greeted as he sat beside her and boldly kissed her cheek.

Now she looked even more surprised. "What's going on?"

"I would like to go out again," he replied, doing his best to ignore the nervousness he felt. "And I would be very grateful if you would give me another chance at kissing you."

She raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Sì, really. Last time was a… a fluke."

"Alright… We’ll go on another date. But I get to pick the place this time.”

Copia nodded. “Of course.”

An almost smug smile tugged at Maria’s lips. “Always so agreeable.”

Copia blinked and then cleared his throat. Was that bad? “I, um… I just want you to be happy.”

She leaned into him, still with that smug smile. “Good. And I have a very good feeling about this date.”

The way she said it made Copia a little wary, but he did his best not to let it show as he forced a smile. “Sì. So do I.”

When Alex returned to her room that night after kissing Copia, she could not sleep. At first, she felt like she was floating on a cloud, and she lay in bed, smiling at the ceiling, replaying the kisses repeatedly in her mind. 

Finally. She finally knew what it was like to kiss him. And it was everything she had imagined and more. She had no idea what Maria experienced, but she could not imagine Copia messing up. His tentative first kisses were perfect. And then, once he gave into his passions… Now that she had a taste, she wanted more. 

Maybe Alex had been wrong this whole time. Perhaps he could, someday, be interested in her.

But then came the inevitable thought that he had only kissed her so he could kiss Maria. 

Tears filled her eyes, and she hugged her pillow close.

No. This had solely been for Copia to get a little more confidence, nothing more. In the end, he would always go back to Maria.

Chapter Text

Copia was making his way swiftly to the main entrance of the Abbey, hardly paying attention to where he was going. He was not late, but he wanted to be punctual even if that meant getting there early.

He had no idea where he and Maria were going, only that they were leaving the Abbey, probably going out to eat or something if Copia had to guess. Though, he was not sure how things would progress to kissing if they were sitting in the middle of a restaurant. Maria said she had everything planned, so he would just have to go with the flow.

He rounded the corner, turning onto the hallway that led to the front entrance, when he nearly ran into someone. To his delight, it was Alexandra. She was dressed in her usual habit, a few spots covered in dust, meaning she had likely just come from the reliquary. She also had a box in hand filled with a few odds and ends as well as a couple of books.

“Sister Alexandra,” he greeted with a small smile.

“Bishop Copia,” she returned with a smile of her own. Copia had to fight the urge to kiss her as if it was just an instinctive action. “Where are you off to in such a hurry?”

“I, uh… I have a date this evening.”

“Ah. With Maria.”

Copia frowned a bit, wondering why she almost sounded sad. “Sì. She’s giving me another chance.”

Alex smiled. “That’s good then! I hope it goes well.”

“Grazie.” Though I desperately wish it was you I was meeting and not her…

“And now you can just do what we did, and you shouldn’t have any problems.”

Copia chuckled nervously. “Sì, I will do my best. I would rather not have a repeat of last time.”

“Copia!”

They both turned to see Maria approaching them from an adjacent hallway. She was hurrying toward them and made a point to put herself between Copia and Alex, quickly taking Copia’s arm.

“There you are! You ready to go?”

He glanced at Alex, noting she now looked distinctly uncomfortable. “Sì.”

“Well, I better get this stuff to Father Aldo's office. I hope you two have a good evening,” Alex said, forcing a smile and moving to leave.

“Thank you,” Maria replied, her sickly sweet smile turning into a glare once Alex’s back was to them.

Copia watched all of this with a frown. He had never seen Maria act this way, and Alexandra… Why would she be so uncomfortable?

“I didn’t know you two were friends,” Maria continued and led him toward the entrance of the Abbey.

“I do not know if I would say friends. Acquaintances?”

“Oh, I see… Well, enough about her. Are you excited for our date?”

And just like that, Maria was back to her old self. It confused Copia, and he was not sure he liked this other side of her.

"Sì, of course, I am. Though I wish I knew where we were going."

She grinned. "Oh, you're going to love it! It'll be perfect."

Copia's smile was wary. "I am sure I will."

"You are pouting, cara mia."

Alex's frown only deepened. When Terzo had learned of Copia's second date with Maria, he had asked Alex to join him for dinner that night, hoping to help take her mind off of it. It did not seem to be helping.

"I'm not pouting."

Terzo raised an eyebrow. "Then what do you call that look of displeasure on your face?"

Alex took a sip of her drink as if to cover it up. "I'm fine, Terzo. Will you just drop it?"

He shook his head and took a sip of his own drink. "You need to tell him." She gave him a confused look. "You need to tell Copia you're interested in him. I have known him long enough to know you must be blunt with him; otherwise, he won't get it, especially if he thinks he does not stand a chance with you."

"Why would he think that?"

Terzo shrugged. "Perhaps because you were with me? Copia has compared himself to me for a long time and has never thought he measures up. I had you at one time, cara mia, so he likely thinks he could never compare."

Alex now looked immensely sad. "That's not true. I could never compare you two like that. You're—" She broke off, her cheeks turning pink, making Terzo smirk.

"Not him, I know."

"I didn't mean to offend…"

"I'm not offended! He and I are different enough. Though I am still surprised I was able to get you into my bed after the second date."

"You're very charming," she said dryly.

"Mm, sì, I am that," he replied with a grin. He then turned more serious, his gaze dropping to the table. "Do you… Do you regret what we shared?"

Alex reached across the table and took his hand. "Of course, I don’t, Terzo. I have no regrets."

"Good. But I have to ask this: do you love Copia?'

He covered her hand so she could not pull it away, hoping that would tell her she could answer truthfully.

"I… Yes, I do. I have for a long time now."

"Even before me?"

She lowered her gaze further. "Yes."

Terzo slowly nodded. "I see. Then that is why you never said those words to me."

Now, her gaze snapped up to meet his. "Terzo, that's not—" 

He held up his hand. "It's alright, cara mia. If you had said it, I likely would have immediately run away. But Copia, I think, would not. Trust me, Alexandra, if Copia knew how you felt… Please, at least, consider telling him how you feel."

Alex shook her head. "Why are you being so insistent with this?"

"I told you, I want you to be happy."

"And what about Maria?"

Terzo very nearly told her what he knew but decided against it. No, she must find out on her own. I must not overplay my hand. "What about her?"

"Copia obviously wants her."

"He wants her because she's familiar, safe. I am not saying he is not attracted to her — hell, even I am! But she is his friend, someone he thinks he can trust not to hurt him. You, on the other hand, are an unknown, just as anyone else would be."

Alex stared back at him for a moment. "Does he tell you all of this?"

Terzo smiled. "I have eyes, cara mia. I can see what's going on."

She sighed and looked away. "Fine," she said after a long moment. "I'll consider telling him. But he's an unknown to me, too. What it sounds like you're saying is I have the ability to hurt him by rejecting him. Well, he's got just as much ability to hurt me, too. Did you think about that? It already hurts to love him and see him with someone else."

"Oh, sì, but I think you underestimate your dear Copia. Please, Alexandra, give him a chance to at least answer for himself."

She did not verbally respond, but Terzo could tell from the look on her face that she was considering it. And right now, that was all he could ask for.

Copia had guessed correctly, they did go to dinner, and Maria had managed to get them the single most secluded booth in the whole place. And she sat close enough to him that her hand stayed on his thigh most of the evening. He tried to ignore it as best he could, but then she would lean closer, and her hand would inch up just a bit. Copia would quickly clear his throat and, as subtly as possible, push her hand back down.

Again, the conversation had gone well, as usual, but then when the plates were cleared away, that same heavy anticipation filled the air. He assumed it was nervousness, but now that he was faced with the fact that she would want to kiss him, all he felt was… dread? 

"Maria—"

She kissed him before he could continue.

Wrong, was his immediate thought. This was wrong. Her lips felt wrong against his. They were not Alexandra’s… He went through the motions, much calmer than he had been the last time, but found it difficult to get into it. With Alexandra, it had been so easy….

Maria pulled away from him, frowning. “While that was an improvement, you seem… distracted.” A serious look then came over her face. “Copia, are you cheating on me?”

Copia’s eyes widened. “Ch-cheating?”

“We’re in a relationship, aren’t we?”

“Oh, I, um…. I-I suppose so.”

“Suppose?” she asked with an accusatory tone. “Copia, if you’re not wanting to be in a committed relationship, say so now.”

As far as Copia was concerned, they had been on one date, but that did not amount to them being in a committed relationship. “I… No, I want that. I want to have that with you.” Did he really? Who else was he going to get? He took her hands in his. “I want that very much.”

Before she had a chance to say more, Copia kissed her again, squeezing his eyes shut and doing all he could to pretend it was Alexandra he was kissing. Remember what it was like to kiss her, how she made you feel. Kissing her was the most wonderful thing in the world.

It was enough to get him to kiss Maria more passionately, which she reciprocated. At least she was not pushing him away this time….

She moaned into his mouth and threw her arms around his neck, nearly ending up in his lap. That seemed to be her plan, however. Unlike what Alex had done, Maria forced her tongue past his lips. Copia exclaimed in surprise, a sound Maria likely mistook for approval, for she now climbed into his lap completely and pressed herself as intimately to him as she could. She sucked his bottom lip as she pulled away.

"A definite improvement," she said breathily. Copia’s hands flew to her hips as she began to grind down on him. This isn't what he wanted, not now . She frowned when he would not let her move. "What's wrong?"

He shook his head and kept his eyes closed. "I don't…"

Copia had imagined scenarios like this before, and he expected to be more aroused, and yet… He was not. At all. And he knew Maria could tell. Was there something wrong with him? This was all so new, how could he know? The only thing he knew for certain was that he had felt something when he had kissed Alexandra, something he was most definitely not feeling now.

He opened his eyes when he felt Maria’s hands on his cheeks. At least the smile on her face was sympathetic. "We don't have to go any further right now." She then gave him a slow kiss. "But just know that I want you."

Copia could only nod in response, wishing he could respond with the same conviction. If you were Alexandra, perhaps I would not be having this problem. If you were Alexandra, I would not have wanted to stop…

Chapter Text

Terzo liked to think he knew the inner workings of clergy fairly well. Maybe not as well as Primo, but Terzo paid attention when many thought he likely was not. It worked well that way. People were unsuspecting and would speak in front of him, probably thinking he was not paying any attention. 

Which was exactly what was happening now. A sister of sin was seated to his left, hanging on every word he said, while Sister Imperator and Maria sat not too far away, speaking in quiet tones but loud enough for Terzo to hear if he listened carefully. There were others seated nearby in the refectory, but they knew better than to eavesdrop on Imperator's conversation. Terzo, however, had no such qualms and had a direct view of Imperator from his vantage point.

"Things seem to be going well between you two," Imperator was saying.

"I'd say so, yes," Maria answered. "But he's very… reserved. Always has been. I thought maybe he'd come out of his shell a little bit, but…"

"He is interested, though?"

"Oh, yes. I've got him wrapped around my little finger."

The Sister looked pleased. "So, should we be expecting a formal announcement soon?"

"Well, we haven't exactly spoken about me becoming his Prime Mover, but I'm sure he'll say yes. Why wouldn't he?"

"I've always liked you, Sister Maria. Always ready to serve and do your duty to the church and to the One Below. And with Copia destined to become Papa, he'll need someone like you: ambitious and forthright."

"You know I've always wanted to… serve at a Papa's side, Sister. This is just me following my calling."

Terzo nearly snorted at that. Yes, your calling to gain as much power and notoriety as possible.

"I know. Why do you think I encouraged Copia to spend time with you when you were young? Even then, I could see that you were destined for great things, my dear."

"Thank you, Sister. I just hope no one decides to try to get in the way."

"You think there could be? Is Copia interested in someone else?"

"It's not my place to say…"

"If you know something, Sister Maria, please, speak up."

"Well, Sister Alexandra has been hanging around him more. I know we've never seen eye to eye, but… I worry she might be a bad influence on Copia."

"Hm, yes…" Terzo looked away just as Imperator's eyes cut over toward him. She leaned in to speak a little quieter to Maria. "And after her relationship with a certain Cardinal, I wouldn't be surprised if she tried to make a move on Copia. Maybe she thinks he might give her what she wants."

Terzo stopped listening after that, not wanting to hear more. Hearing them talk about Alex that way made him sick, as if she was the issue and not Maria. It was apparent that Alex had yet to tell Copia how she felt, but Terzo had done all he could. It was up to Alex now.

But she better hurry before Maria got what she wanted. Terzo knew Copia well enough that he would be made to think that this was the only way. Maria was his best and only option to be his Prime Mover.

All for the good of the church.

Alex had every intention of talking to Copia, to tell him the truth about how she felt, but he always seemed to be so busy. Granted, they never had much interaction, to begin with, but whenever she saw him out and about, he was always with someone, usually a member of the clergy. Something was brewing, but it was not her place to know.

Finally, one day, she saw him sitting alone near the garden entrance. She decided that now would be as good a time as any to speak to him, so she mustered up as much courage as possible and began to walk toward him…

…Until Maria came around the corner. Copia stood, smiling at her, and gave her a kiss, one Maria enthusiastically returned.

Alex stopped short, her heart sinking. From the way Copia was holding Maria to the look on Maria's face… Perhaps the rumors were true. She knew they had gotten more serious, but this? Was he really going to make her his Prime Mover when the time came?

Dejectedly, Alex turned and left, heading back to the reliquary. Maybe cataloging would take her mind off things…

A few hours later, Father Aldo shooed her away, telling her she was working too much and needed a break. Alex disagreed, but it would be nice to stretch her legs, maybe grab a snack. It was mid-afternoon, so it was too early for dinner. In all honesty, she was not that hungry.

There was a little break room on the second floor that was usually stocked with muffins and bagels and things of that nature, so Alex went there to grab herself a muffin. As she was leaving, she ran into the last person she wanted to see. Well, no, that was a lie. Despite everything, she still wanted to see him.

She nearly dropped her muffin as she bumped into Copia's chest. His hands immediately went to her arms to steady her.

"Hi," Copia greeted with a small smile. Why did he have to be so damn handsome?

Alex smiled weakly back. "Hi." 

"I'm glad I ran into you. Or…we ran into each other. I, um… I was wondering if you had time for another lesson later."

"Today?" she asked, unable to keep the surprise from her voice. Another lesson was the last thing she expected.

He blinked and began to look nervous. "Uh, sì, if that's okay. If not, I-I can—"

Alex grabbed his arm. She was not about to let this opportunity pass. Maybe she could tell him… "Later today is fine. Though, I have to ask… If you need another lesson… Did something go wrong?"

Copia's cheeks went red. "Oh! Well, there are just some things I would like some pointers on. And since you are such a good teacher, I…"

"I'll help. Where do you want to meet?"

"My office?"

"I'll be there. Tonight after dinner?"

He nodded. "I will be there, too. Thank you, Sorella."

She smiled gently. “Don’t mention it.”

Copia nervously paced his office, continually glancing at the clock. Between Alex coming by at any moment and everything with Maria, he felt like he was being pulled in two separate directions.

Sister Imperator was pushing for him to take Maria as his Prime Mover, a thought that made him inwardly recoil. He liked Maria, but it was becoming more obvious by the day that he did not like her in that sense. If anyone was going to be his Prime Mover, he wanted it to be Alexandra.

He paused and looked out the window. Why was he doing this to himself? He chuckled ruefully to himself. Because it's what your mother wants, and what Imperator wants, Imperator gets.

There was a knock on the door, and he nearly jumped out of his skin. With a steadying breath, he adjusted his vestments and fixed his hair before answering it.

Alexandra stood on the other side, dressed more casually than he had ever seen her. It pleased him to know she was comfortable enough to do so.

"Sorella, come in," he said, stepping back to allow her to pass inside.

As she did, Copia could not help but take in the scent of her perfume. Maria didn’t smell that nice…

“I hope I’m not too early,” Alex said, coming to a stop in the middle of the room and turning to face him.

“You’re right on time,” Copia replied with a smile. He then gestured to the loveseat against the wall. “Would you like something to drink?”

She shook her head as she moved to sit. “No, thank you.”

“Okie dokie.” 

He nervously smoothed his hands over his vestments and sat beside her. Alex watched him for a moment.

"Copia… I have to ask… Are the rumors true?" she asked.

He frowned. "What rumors?"

Alex averted her eyes. "That Maria is going to become your Prime Mover someday."

Oh. Had those rumors already begun? Copia sighed. "Sì. It is what Sister Imperator wants for me."

Now, Alex frowned, meeting his gaze again. "What about what you want?"

"It doesn't matter what I want," he murmured with a shrug. "I am going to be Papa someday, and I must do what would be good for the ministry. And if Maria is who Sister Imperator thinks is the best option, then…"

He hated every word coming out of his mouth, and he was hit with the urge to run, to get away. He didn't even want to be Papa. 

“It's just not right. You'll be Papa. You should be the one to make the decisions." 

Copia was surprised by Alex's conviction, which made him warm to her even more. Even if it never amounted to anything, he was happy to have her on his side. Maria would have agreed with Imperator. 

Alex then shook her head. "I'm sorry I brought it up. Anyway, do you want to tell me what happened that made you want another lesson? Or would you rather just get down to it?”

He debated just for a few seconds. Did he really want to tell her what Maria had tried on their date? I would rather just kiss her… So, he did. With one hand cradling the back of her head, Copia leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. And after their previous conversation, his kisses were insistent. This was what he wanted. He wanted her.

He could tell Alex was letting him lead, which he appreciated. Perhaps, if he did this right, he would be able to convey what he could not put into words…

The difference between kissing Alex and kissing Maria was striking. Just like the last time they had kissed, Copia felt himself begin to get aroused. It drove his passion, prompting him to take Alex’s face in his hands, deepening the kiss. She responded in kind, her hands moving up to grip the front of his vestments.

The need and the urgency he felt now had been lacking with Maria. There had been no desire. There was no doubt that Copia desired Alexandra, but it was also so much more than that, something that was so overwhelming that Copia could not properly process it yet. All he knew was that he wanted more.

"Copia," Alex whispered.

"Please," he whimpered back, tugging on her hip.

Alex quickly moved to straddle his lap, slotting her hips against his. They let out quiet, breathy moans.

"What do you need?" she murmured against his lips.

Copia swallowed hard, his body immediately responding to the press of hers against his. "Grind on me. Please?"

He expected her to question him, but she did not and began to roll her hips against his. Copia's head fell back against the couch, and a pathetic whine left him. This is what he wanted so badly.

Alex then caught his chin and kissed him, their tongues meeting in tandem. He moaned into her mouth, recalling all of the nights he had fucked his hand, imagining it was her. He would be ashamed ever to admit it aloud, but right now, if she asked, he would immediately confess. 

What he was one hundred percent sure of was that he never felt this way with Maria.

Alex broke the kiss to trail her lips down to his neck. Copia's hands, at some point, moved to her hips to aid her movements, and his own hips began to buck against hers. He had always imagined he would enjoy this, but he was not quite prepared for just how much.

"Did Maria try to do this?" Alex asked, breaking him out of his thoughts.

Copia nodded jerkily. If she kept going like this, he would cum. "S-sì. She tried."

"What happened?"

"I could not get aroused."

He felt her smile before she raised up, her hands braced on the couch behind him. "You don't seem to be having that problem now."

He shook his head, a stuttering breath leaving him. "No. But, Sorella… If you continue, I—" 

He broke off with a moan as she began to move her hips more deliberately and quickly over him. His release was approaching more rapidly than he anticipated.

“Sorella, per favore, non fermarti. Sono così vicino... così vicino,” he whimpered, his counter-movements becoming frantic.

"I won't," she breathed.

He did not have time to fully process the fact that she understood him. She kissed him again, and a second later, he came, spilling into his trousers and moaning into her mouth as his hips stuttered.

Alex continued to pepper kisses over his face as he fought for breath, his hands restlessly squeezing her hips. There was so much he wanted to say, to tell her he loved her, that he wanted to be with her and not Maria. He also wanted to touch her, make her cum, but he could barely think straight through the haze of pleasure. For the moment, Copia was content to bask in the affection Alex was bestowing upon him.

They sat for several moments longer, sharing slow kisses, neither one wanting to move just yet. When the clock struck the hour, they broke apart, smiling shyly at each other.

"I hope I helped," Alex said quietly.

"You did."

After that, she climbed off his lap, stood, and offered her hands to him. He took them and followed her.

She looked as though she was about to say something, but instead, her hand came up to gently caress his cheek, and she kissed him again. It was so achingly tender that Copia felt tears come to his eyes. Slowly, they broke apart, though her hand never left his cheek. She then lightly ran her thumb over his lips. It was such an intimate gesture… Was this normal?

"Alexandra," he whispered. "I—" He nearly said it. Those three little words were nearly out of his mouth before he could stop them. "Thank you."

She smiled weakly and nodded. "You're welcome. I'd better go, just in case someone comes by."

"Of course." 

He walked her to the door and very nearly kissed her again when she turned to look up at him.

"I'll see you later, Copia."

"Sì, later. Buonanotte, Sorella."

"Goodnight, Copia."

With that, she left, and Copia rested his forehead against the now-closed door. "I love you," he whispered.

Little did he know that Alex was doing the same thing on the other side, whispering her love into the dark wood, hoping that he would somehow be able to hear her before turning and leaving.

When Alex returned to her room that night, still humming with arousal, she brought herself to completion multiple times to the thought of Copia coming undone under her, her fingers feeling like a poor substitute for the way the rigidness of his cock had felt pressed against her. 

She had not expected the evening to go that way at all, but now that she had been the one to make him cum when Maria had not even been able to get him aroused…. She had to tell him. She just had to. Perhaps even more so now that she knew being with Maria was no longer his choice.

Alex would just have to give him another option.

Chapter Text

Alex did not see much of Copia over the next couple of weeks. He seemed to be caught up in meetings. At least he did not seem to be spending excessive time with Maria. She often had a sour look on her face whenever Alex saw her. Perhaps Copia was avoiding her on purpose…

Whatever was going on, Alex did not have much time to think about it. Father Aldo was keeping her busy before he left for Italy. She rarely left the reliquary except to eat and sleep.

Fortunately, Father Aldo was leaving the next day, so, finally, he was winding things down.

"I'm sorry I have been working you so hard," he said, overseeing her and one of the ghouls seal up a crate. "I just wanted to ensure everything was properly cataloged and packed before returning. Sister Lucetta is very particular when it comes to these things."

Alex smiled at him. "So are you, Father."

He smiled sheepishly. "Sì, I suppose so." He then held up a hand, seemingly remembering something, and began rifling through a stack of papers on a nearby table. "Ah, before I forget! Would you mind taking these forms by Papa's office? I would take them myself, but I must go down with the crates to the loading bay, make sure they are properly stored and stacked for transportation."

Alex nodded and took the proffered papers. "Of course. I'd be happy to. I'll put them on your desk afterward."

"Grazie, Sister, I greatly appreciate this." He then motioned to the ghoul. "Now, ghoul, let's get the boxes moved. I will help."

Alex and the ghoul shared a smile, both knowing that the father would not actually be able to physically lift the crates, but he sure would make certain the ghouls carrying them did not drop them.

She left after that, papers in hand, to go to Papa Secondo's office. She just hoped he would be in; otherwise, she would have to track him down. Fortunately for her, she saw that his door was cracked open.

Or, perhaps, unfortunately… As she approached, she began to hear the distinct sounds of sex, making Alex's cheeks heat up. She would definitely have to come back later.

She was just about the turn to head back the way she came when a feminine voice moaned Secondo's name. Alex froze. Surely not… On impulse, she crept forward and peeked in the door, immediately met with the sight of Maria bent over Secondo's desk, with Secondo pounding into her from behind. Maria was moaning wantonly, her habit opened in the front to expose her breasts, and from the state of Secondo’s papal paint, they had been at it awhile, neither of them seeming to care if they got caught.

Alex quickly turned and left, hurrying back down the hallway in shock. What the fuck? was all Alex could think. She knew Maria likely had ulterior motives, but this? Oh, Lucifer, what is Copia going to think…?

She went straight to the garden, needing some privacy and fresh air to think. Copia needed to know, surely, but that would mean Alex would have to tell him. But then again, was it really her place? Would she be meddling in clergy affairs she had no business to be meddling in?

That was where Terzo and Primo found her, close to wearing a hole in the cobblestone path from her pacing.

“Cara mia?” Terzo prompted as they approached. “What is wrong?”

Alex stopped and sighed in relief upon seeing them. Terzo and Primo would know what to do. “Well… a lot, actually.”

“Has something happened?” Terzo questioned, his tone and expression serious.

“Not to me, no. But… Well… I was supposed to take these forms by Papa Secondo’s office for him to sign, but he was… busy.”

Terzo and Primo shared a look, both smiling a bit. “Busy?”

“Yes… With Maria.”

Terzo looked shocked, while Primo’s smile turned into a grim frown.

“You are sure it was her?”

“Positive.”

“Did you know about this?” Terzo asked his brother.

Primo shook his head. “I only heard a rumor. I hoped it was not true. I knew Secondo was seeing someone regularly, and now his vague comments make much more sense. He was bragging about sleeping with a sibling another clergy member was seeing. Someone of the clergy who… was not satisfying her sexually.”

“You have to tell Copia,” Terzo said, looking back at Alex.

“Is it really my place—” she began.

“Copia needs to hear it from you,” he interrupted. “He might not like Maria in that way, but this will still hurt him. Better that it comes from you and not overheard in gossip.”

“I agree,” Primo said with a nod. “He has a positive rapport with you, Sorella. I believe that will soften the blow.”

Alex left after that, with Terzo and Primo wishing her good luck. She went straight to Copia's office, though she took her time, and went over in her head what she would say. How was she going to break this to him? Hey, your girlfriend, who you're planning on making your Prime Mover, is cheating on you with Papa Secondo. You know, the current head of the church. Someone you probably compare yourself to… 

This likely would not go well…

Alex hesitated nervously outside of Copia's office. She could hear him moving inside, shuffling papers around, so he was there, but that only worsened her nerves. She half wished he had not been in so she would not have to tell him immediately. But Terzo was right. Copia would find out one way or another, and it would probably be best coming from someone he knew.

Finally, she gathered enough courage to knock. Copia immediately bid her entrance. The smile that split his face upon seeing her nearly made her turn and leave. What had him so happy? Was she really going to potentially ruin his day by breaking this news to him?

"Sorella, you are here! I have news!"

"Oh?" Alex asked, watching as Copia rounded his desk to approach her.

"Sì. I have been in meetings all morning — well, all week, actually — but it has finally been made official! I am to get a promotion! Come this time next week, I shall be Cardinal Copia!"

She could not help but smile along at his enthusiasm. "Oh, Copia, that's wonderful news! Congratulations! I know you've worked hard for that."

He nodded. "Sì! All my life."

He then dove forward, scooping Alex up into his arms and spinning her around, laughing. She laughed along with him, delighted by his happiness.

"I could not wait to share this news with you," he said, setting her back down but still holding her close. He was still smiling faintly, and there was still a twinkle of mirth in his eyes, but his expression was soft, softer than she had ever seen him look, especially directed at her. "You are the first person I have told."

Alex blinked in surprise. "You haven't even told Maria?"

"Not even Maria."

The next thing Alex knew, Copia's lips were on hers. His kiss was passionate and deep, the most passionate he had ever been with her. It stole her breath away and made her melt into him with a pleased hum. The only coherent thought in her mind was that this was what she wanted. She wanted him. She wanted to love him.

"Copia," she whispered after they naturally broke apart. Tell him now. Tell him how you feel right now.

Copia rested his forehead against hers and nuzzled her nose with his. "I wish Sister Imperator was pushing for you to be my Prime Mover and not Maria."

Alex leaned back in shock. Surely, she had misheard him. "Copia?"

Copia also seemed shocked, as if he had not meant to say that aloud. "I-I am sorry. I did not mean to—"

"What about Maria?" Alex could not help but ask.

Copia's smile returned, though it was sad. "Surely, you must know how I feel about you by now, Sorella."

Alex could feel her lip trembling as tears threatened at the implications of his words. "But I thought… With wanting to learn how to kiss, I thought that meant you wanted Maria—"

"But I do not want Maria. I want you, Alexandra." Alex made to say something, but Copia continued, looking away from her. Tears were standing in his eyes. "I know you do not feel the same, but I cannot continue pretending. If I am to be Papa, there is only one person I want at my side: you. I want you to be my wife, my Prime Mover, my—"

Alex cut him off by kissing him. Copia made a surprised noise but quickly returned the kiss, his hands returning to her hips. She pulled back after a moment with her hands holding his face, smiling softly at him.

"I love you, Copia."

He blinked, more tears filling his eyes. "You do?"

"Yes," she sighed and sealed her lips over his.

Copia hummed delightedly and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. Kissing him now somehow felt much more intense than before, now that she had said those three words. And he seemed to reciprocate. Please, tell me you feel the same, she thought desperately.

"You mean it?" he whispered against her lips. "You really love me?"

She moved her hands to his face again and stroked her thumbs over his cheeks. "Yes, Copia, I really do love you."

He leaned his forehead against hers. "And I love you, cara mia."

Alex grinned and sighed in relief. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to hear you say that."

"How long?"

"Years. Copia, I've loved you for years."

"Oh, tesoro mio," Copia breathed and began to pepper her face with kisses. "I have loved you from afar for so long. You do not know how it pained me to see you with Terzo, knowing I could never be like him."

"Why did you think you had to compare yourself to him?" she asked gently.

"Because he is… well, he is Terzo. Suave, charming, handsome, and apparently very good in bed. He could have anyone, and yet he had you, the kindest, most beautiful Sister I have ever laid eyes on. How could I ever compete with him, who managed to have someone as wonderful as you?"

Alex smiled bashfully. "You think all of that about me?"

"Sì. I always have," Copia replied with a solemn nod.

"Well, I guess it's a good thing I've always thought the same about you, admiring you from afar. I never thought I'd have a chance with you since you're technically my superior. But I've always thought you were so handsome and sweet… and so incredibly kind. The man of my dreams."

He ducked his head, smiling. "You really think so?"

She kissed him gently. "I know so. And it killed me when I heard you were planning on asking Maria to be your Prime Mover. That seemed so serious and… permanent."

"I only want you to fill that role, cara mia, if that is what you want, too."

Alex pressed herself to him. "I do, Copia. More than anything. But how about you take me on a date first."

He chuckled. "Sì, I would like that very much." He then cleared his throat nervously. “Perhaps it will go better than my previous ones.”

That reminded Alex of why she was there, to begin with, making her smile fade. “I know it will, but Copia… There’s something you should know. About Maria.”

He frowned and shook his head. "What is it?”

"Father Aldo sent me to get some forms signed by Papa Secondo, so I went by his office, and… Well, let's just say he was rather, uh… busy. I was about to just leave and come back later, but then I heard a voice that sounded familiar. The door was cracked open, so I looked through and… saw Maria. Bent over the desk. With Secondo…" She gestured vaguely. 

"Oh," Copia said. While his arms stayed around her, his hold went slack. "I see."

"I'm so sorry, Copia. Terzo and Primo thought you should hear it from me—"

"They know about this?" Copia questioned.

"Primo said Secondo hinted at it. He—" Alex broke off, realizing what she was about to say.

Copia shifted. "He what? Tell me."

Alex looked down. “Well, he apparently said something to the effect of… that he was satisfying her, implying that she… wasn't getting it elsewhere.”

His arms fell completely now, and he stepped away, his head lowered. Alex wanted to reach out to him, to comfort him somehow, but she refrained. He needed a moment.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”

“No,” he said with a shake of his head. “Thank you for telling me.” He then let out a strained laugh. “I am not even upset to find out she was seeing someone behind my back. I suppose I should have expected it. What bothers me is…” He sighed. “Is that she had to go elsewhere… That I wasn’t good enough or brave enough to—”

“Bravery has nothing to do with it,” Alex said quickly, her hand on his arm. “You didn’t want her like that. You weren’t attracted to her in that way. That’s not your fault.”

Copia kept his head down but lifted his gaze back to Alex. “I want you like that,” he admitted quietly.

Alex smiled. “And you’ll have me. But we’ll take this as slowly as you want.”

He hesitated momentarily before hooking his arm around her waist, pulling her to him again. "There's something I would very much like to do now."

She rested her hands on his chest. "Oh? And what's that?"

His cheeks flushed pink. "After what transpired between us last time, I… I would very much like to return the favor," he said shyly.

“Would you like to touch me, Copia?” Alex whispered, bringing his head down to brush her lips against his.

“Sì,” he breathed. “Please, tesoro mio, I want this more than anything.”

"Take me back to your room."

Copia swallowed hard and nodded, taking her hand and quickly leading her out of his office. Fortunately for them, they met no one in the hallways or on the stairs.

His room was nice, bigger than hers since he was a higher-up member of the clergy but sparsely decorated as if he did not spend much time there. Alex wondered if he would be getting a bigger room with his promotion. And how much time will I get to spend there, she thought with a blush as Copia led her over to his bed.

She could sense nervousness rolling off of him in waves, so she quickly freed her hair from the veil of her habit, laid down, and pulled up the skirt of her habit to her thighs.

"Come here, Copia."

He hesitated for a moment before he toed off his shoes and stripped off his cassock, leaving him in the shirt and pants he wore underneath, and climbed onto the bed. She smiled at him as he came to hover over her.

"Go ahead," Alex murmured, gesturing to her habit.

With shaky hands, Copia pushed her habit up over her hips, fully exposing her legs and underwear. He hesitated again, making her soft smile widen.

"You can take it all the way off if you want," she said.

"Sì, I want to. I want to see you."

She helped him get her habit off the rest of the way, reveling in the feeling of his hesitant touch. He sighed when she lay back again, now only in her bra and underwear.

"You have no idea how long I have dreamed of this," he murmured, his hands now hovering just above her skin.

Alex took his hands and pressed them to her stomach, slowly sliding them up her sides and then finally coming to rest over her covered breasts.

"I hope it's as long as I've dreamed of it. I've wanted to feel your hands on me for so long."

Copia groaned and lowered his head to capture her lips in a passionate kiss. With her hands still over his, he kneaded her breasts, eventually becoming bold enough to push his hands up under her bra.

He broke the kiss with a gasp. "I want to see all of you."

Alex arched her back, letting him unhook her bra and remove it to let it join her habit on the floor. Copia breathed shakily as he ran his hands over her breasts, watching his fingers tease her nipples. Alex arched into his touch, sighing breathily and bringing him down to kiss him briefly again.

"Touch me, Copia," she begged, lifting her hips, becoming desperate for more.

Copia kept his lips just barely touching hers. "I have never done this before."

Alex smiled, her hand coming up to hold his cheek. "I'll guide you."

He leaned back just a bit. "Please, I want to make you feel good," he murmured, looking at her with pleading but lust-filled eyes. "Tell me— show me how to touch you, cara mia."

Alex took his hand and guided it down between her legs, lightly pressing on his fingertips so he put a little pressure over her clit. Copia took a shaky breath. 

"Touch me here like this and just gently rub for now. Just like that." She sighed in pleasure as she guided his fingers in little circles, her eyes falling closed at the feeling. "Just like that."

When she opened her eyes again, she found Copia looking at her a bit in awe.

"You are so beautiful," he breathed.

Alex smiled bashfully and leaned up to peck his lips. "So are you."

To her delight, he blushed. She adored this man so much…

She then moved his hand a little lower, guiding his middle finger between her folds to her entrance. Copia locked eyes with her as he eased his finger into her. She moaned quietly.

"Satana mio," he breathed, his gaze dropping to watch his finger disappear within her. "You are so warm, so wet."

"Thanks to you."

Copia groaned, beginning to thrust his finger. Alex had dreamed about this for so long that it was hard to believe it was actually happening. It was as though she had to keep reminding herself that it was real, that Copia was actually here in bed with her, that she was in his bed. He was real, hovering beside her, watching breathlessly as he figured out how to touch her to make her come undone.

He then shifted, moving his leg over hers to straddle her thigh. She gasped lightly at feeling the swell of his erection pressing against her leg.

"This is even better than I imagined," he said in a strained voice.

Alex chuckled breathlessly. "You think about this often?"

"More often than I care to admit. Oh, amore," he groaned, easing in a second finger to slip in and out of her.

She moaned in response as his fingers felt so much better than her own.

“Is this okay?” he asked quietly.

Alex smiled and tangled her fingers in his hair. “Yes. Oh, Copia, it’s perfect. Please, don’t stop.”

Copia whined and continued to pump and curl his fingers, figuring the latter bit out on his own, driving her wild. Alex could feel just how aroused he was from simply touching her, the hard outline of his cock trapped within the confines of his pants rubbing against her thigh as he subtly rolled his hips. He was holding back.

"You can move, Copia. Use my thigh. Make yourself cum."

Copia whimpered, dropping his face to her neck, but he did as she said and ground his hips against her thigh. "Simply touching you is going to make me cum."

"Oh, yes, Copia, please. I want you to!"

"Amore mio, I'm— I'm—" he groaned into her neck, the movements of his hips becoming erratic. "Cazzo, sto—" he whined. "Sto venendo!"

He buried his fingers deep as his hips stuttered, and a broken moan left him. Alex smiled and peppered his forehead and the top of his head with kisses as he gasped for breath. She very nearly came with him, but she needed just a bit more…

"I'm sorry," he whispered, resuming moving his fingers.

Alex huffed out a laugh. "You have nothing to apologize for. Just don't stop." She moaned quietly and rolled her hips to meet the movements of his fingers. "Oh, I'm so close."

She moved her hand to press her fingers over her clit, the feeling combined with his fingers pushing her right to the edge.

"I'm cumming, Copia!" she gasped. "I'm cum—"

She broke off with a moan, her walls squeezing his fingers as she came around them. Copia watched raptly, slack-jawed, his gaze flicking between her face and between her legs. Through her haze of pleasure, she heard him murmuring something, but she could not make out what it was until he leaned down to press kisses to her cheek.

"So beautiful," he was whispering between kisses. "So perfect, amore mio. So much more than I ever could have dreamed."

Alex still felt desperate, like she needed more. It was not enough yet.

"Copia," she whined, taking his hand and guiding his fingers back up to her clit. "More."

He nuzzled her cheek as he did as she requested, bringing her over the edge again with quick movements of his fingers. Alex shuddered through her second orgasm with quiet gasps and whines, her back arching.

Once she relaxed back, fighting for breath, Copia snuggled against her, his face tucked into her neck. Now, it was enough. Now, she was sated. After a few long moments, she felt him begin to smile.

"I made you cum," he said.

Alex grinned, pleased that he was pleased. "Yes, you certainly did. You were wonderful."

He pressed his face closer, and she was sure she could feel the hot blush on his cheeks. 

"If it was not three in the afternoon, I would ask you to stay in bed with me the rest of the day and night," he murmured, his hand caressing her side and hip. "But I have another meeting this evening."

Alex gently kissed his forehead. "And I still have to get Papa's signature."

She felt Copia tense at that and then move away, rolling onto his back. Alex quickly followed him, straddling his hips, her hands braced on his chest.

"Please don't let what he said bother you."

Copia gazed up at her, a sad look in his eyes. "But it's true."

"No," Alex said sharply. "No, he was wrong for taking advantage of the situation. And Maria is wrong for what she’s doing to you." She took his hand again and brought it up to kiss his palm. "You satisfied me just fine. In case you forgot, you made me cum twice."

He smiled bashfully and ducked his head, his cheeks flushing an even darker shade of pink. "Sì, I suppose I did."

Alex leaned down and kissed him deeply, part of wishing he had stripped down as well so she could feel his bare skin against her own. But feeling his hands smoothing over her back and sides was good enough for now.

Reluctantly, she broke the kiss and leaned back just a bit to look at him. "Don't let anyone try to convince you otherwise, either. Everything you did was perfect, and I want you again."

Copia sat up, both of their arms wrapping securely around one another. "I wish I had the rest of the day free," he murmured. "I want nothing more than to continue to learn everything about you."

"You will. We'll find the time."

"Promise?"

She smiled and kissed the tip of his nose. "Promise." She slid her hand to his cheek. "I love you, Copia."

He grinned and tightened his hold on her. "I love you, too, Alexandra."

Chapter Text

Copia was angry. Well, annoyed. But also angry. Most of it was directed at himself for not seeing it sooner, but he was also angry with Maria. Her comments about him always being so agreeable were really chafing him now, making him want to throw all caution to the wind and announce to the whole clergy that he would be taking Alexandra as his Prime Mover when the time came. But while Copia might be awkward and perhaps a bit forgetful at times, he was not stupid. He knew this was serious and needed to be handled with tact. That would not stop him, however, from confronting Maria.

He found her in the little observatory, a stack of papers sitting on her lap. No doubt the work Sister Imperator has her doing, Copia thought as he approached.

Maria looked up at him and smiled. She set aside the papers and got to her feet, moving to throw her arms around his neck and kiss him, but Copia stopped her before she could get that close.

She frowned at him, likely noting his own displeased expression. "Copia?"

"When were you going to tell me?"

"Tell you what?"

"About you and Papa."

Copia saw the faintest flicker of panic on her face before she covered it up with a nervous laugh. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"There's no use denying it, Sorella. You were caught." His anger won out over his annoyance, and he advanced on her. "You accuse me of cheating when I simply talk to another woman, but you? I dread to think what you would say you are doing."

Maria shook her head. She knew she had been caught and was now trying to come up with a way to talk herself out of this. Copia knew her well enough. Or so he thought…

"It was just a little fun, that's all. It didn't mean anything."

"I thought we were in a serious relationship!"

"We are!"

"And yet you go sleeping around behind my back?!"

"Well, it's not like I'm getting anything from you!"

Copia blinked, and Maria looked shocked that she had admitted to that. Now, hurt replaced the anger he felt.

"Then why are you with me? I know what you want, and yet—" He broke off as realization hit him. "You want the status of Prime Mover, but Secondo has seen to it that he will never have any heirs."

Maria shrugged. "The clergy has deemed Primo too old, and they're not going to force Terzo if he doesn't want any… So, that leaves you."

Copia's shoulders sagged. "I thought we were friends, Maria."

"We are."

"Were. We were friends. You don't treat friends like this. And then to be my Prime Mover… You know how important that is to me, how much I want a family."

Her expression hardened, and she took a step forward. "Don't put all the blame on me, Copia. Your mother had a hand in this, too! Why do you think we were forced together so often as children? We were set up from the beginning!"

Copia shook his head, not wanting to believe this. "Did you ever even like me?"

Maria sighed and at least had the decency to look mildly apologetic. "No. But that doesn't matter. The clergy expects us to be together, so that's how it's going to be."

"No, it isn't," Copia replied firmly. "I will not have the clergy or my mother dictating how I should live."

"You don't have a choice," Maria spat. "When you become Papa, I'm going to be your Prime Mover whether you like it or not. No one else will get to have that distinction. Only me. "

Her words shocked him, but he did not outwardly show it. Instead, he set his shoulders and inclined his head. He was tired of being a pushover. It was time he grew a backbone and stood up for himself, even if it terrified him.

"We will see about that, Sorella."

Copia quickly left after that and stalked to his office; his fists clenched at his sides. He blamed Maria, yes, but his mother… Why would she do this?

He ran into Terzo about halfway to his office. The cardinal's smile fell when he realized Copia did not look happy.

"Bishop? Are you alright?"

Copia glared at him. "You knew about Maria and Papa."

"Ah… Well, no, not exactly. I didn't know it was Maria he was seeing."

He stared at Terzo for a long moment, working his jaw. "Why did you tell me to go to Alexandra?"

Terzo visibly relaxed, and his smile returned. "For starters, I knew she was quite fond of you but would never say anything, just as I knew you were fond of her but were too scared to admit it. So, I… gave you both a little push. From what I hear, it worked out well."

"But you did not know about Maria?"

He shook his head. "No. I only knew that she was not the one for you. You would have never been happy with her, even if Secondo was not in the picture."

Copia sighed and fell back against the wall. "I do not know what to do… The clergy and my mother expect Maria, who has been preparing her whole life, apparently, to be my Prime Mover, but… I do not want that."

“You will be Papa!” Terzo exclaimed. “You can do whatever you want! This is too important for you to just accept outright. This is your future, the rest of your life! You deserve to be with someone who will make you happy!”

“Alexandra would make me happy,” Copia murmured.

“Does she know this?”

Copia nodded. “Sì.”

“Then go be with her, Copia.” He looked up at Terzo, whose smile had turned somewhat sad. “Go, make yourselves both happy. The clergy and your mother will just have to adjust.”

“I hope it’s that easy, Cardinale.”

“You’ll never know until you try.”

Alex had only seen Copia once since their time together the other day, and it had only been from opposite ends of the hallway. He had smiled warmly at her and looked as though he wished he could at least speak to her, but he was with Primo. Official ministry business, Alex thought, hoping they could have another moment alone together. But he was in for some big changes with his promotion, so Alex understood. That did not mean she liked it, but she understood.

She was in the reliquary, having taken over for Father Aldo while he was away, overseeing the storage of items that had recently been brought in from another branch of the ministry. Ghouls had been going in and out, helping her move things, but right now, she was alone. She welcomed the reprieve as it gave her a moment to sit and relax.

However, that moment was cut short.

Alex recognized the click of heels on the steps leading down the reliquary, making her jump to her feet the moment the door opened, revealing Sister Imperator. The woman looked furious.

"Just what game do you think you're playing at, girl? "

Alex frowned. "I'm sorry?"

Imperator shook her head. "Terzo wouldn't give you the status you wanted, so now you move on to Copia."

"Status? I'm sorry, Sister, but I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't play dumb. I know you're not this stupid. I know your relationship with Terzo ended because he doesn't want children. And when you couldn't claim the coveted position as Prime Mover with him, you moved next down the line."

Alex bristled at the accusation. "I'm not with Copia just to be his Prime Mover!"

Imperator pointed at her. "So you admit you are with him!"

"What does that matter?"

Imperator sneered. "Because, girl, at the end of the day, it won't matter. His Prime Mover will be Sister Maria, and there's nothing you can do to stop it. She was chosen for him a long time ago. So, to avoid getting hurt, I strongly suggest you leave Bishop Copia alone and keep your nose out of official clergy business. I took you in, Sister Alexandra; I can cast you out just as easily."

Alex stared back at Sister Imperator with tears in her eyes, unable to stop them. The older woman seemed to take Alex's silence as a victory, for she smiled smugly before leaving. Alex slowly sank to the floor, her tears spilling over.

That was where Copia found her nearly fifteen minutes later. Apparently, a ghoul had returned, saw her crying on the floor of the reliquary, and went immediately to find Copia.

Copia rushed to her side, shocked and grieved to find her in the state. He sat on the floor next to her and pulled her into his arms, cradling her close.

"Amore, what's happened?"

Alex laughed ruefully, though she gratefully accepted his embrace and leaned into him. "Your mother is what happened."

Copia frowned. "She was here?"

"Yes. She claimed that I only wanted to be with Terzo to become his Prime Mover. And when that didn’t work out, I moved on to you.”

He scoffed. “I believe she is confusing you with Maria. Maria all but admitted it to me not even an hour ago.”

“You spoke to her? About you and her? And… us?”

“Sì. She more or less told me I did not have a choice in the matter, that she was to be my Prime Mover whether I wanted it or not.” 

Alex looked away. “Then what Sister Imperator said really was a threat. She told me if I don't leave you alone, she'd cast me out."

"She couldn't!" Copia exclaimed.

Alex leaned back to look at him. “Couldn't she? She oversees the siblings, so it wouldn't take much for her to decide she doesn't think I'm cut out for this anymore.”

Copia shook his head adamantly. "I will not allow it. And neither will Terzo or Primo."

"What about Secondo?"

"I doubt he would stand for it either. I may not like what he’s done, but he is not a bad man; he just… takes his sins very seriously. Listen to me, amore," Copia said, cupping her cheek and wiping away a stray tear with his thumb. "I will not let her or anyone do anything to you. I am blessed by Lucifer and in line to be Papa. I may not have the rank yet, but my voice still has sway. And if I want you to stay and be my wife, then that is how it will be."

Fresh tears filled her eyes, and Copia momentarily panicked, thinking he had just made things worse, but then Alex smiled. 

"I love you, Copia."

Copia returned her smile and sighed in relief. "And I love you." An idea then struck him. "Meet me in the garden tonight, tesoro. I want us to go on a proper date."

Alex nodded. “I'd love that. I'll be there.”

Copia chuckled. "Funny. I did not expect that to be so easy."

He watched, pleased, as blush colored her cheeks. "Well, we have been rather intimate already. And we've been kissing for longer than that. I hope you feel pretty comfortable around me."

"I am, and yet, I am not. I feel as though I can tell you anything," he said, pressing her hand to his chest. "And yet my heart races when I am around you, and I worry I will say the wrong thing or do something you do not like."

“There’s no chance of that,” Alex whispered.

Copia smiled and kissed her. Alex happily kissed him back, and neither worried they might be caught. Reluctantly, Copia pulled away.

“I must go, amore. I have another meeting with Primo. But I will see you tonight, sì?”

The smile Alex gave him warmed him and gave him the sense that all of this was worth it. She was worth it, and he would fight for her until the end. 

“Yes, see you tonight.”

He touched his nose to hers. “Until then, amore mio.”

Copia told Primo about his date with Alex that evening, and the elder Emeritus ended their meeting early so he could help Copia set up something nice in the garden — much nicer and more romantic than his first date with Maria had been. It would certainly go much better than his date with Maria. Of that, Copia had no doubt.

He wanted them to forget about their troubles and responsibilities for a while, and while they were not leaving the Abbey, the least Copia could do was make it seem like they were far away. And so, he dressed for the occasion in a simple black button-up and slacks. Nothing too fancy, but nice enough for a date. He hoped Alex would like the way he looked.

Alex seemed to have the same idea. When she appeared on the garden path before him, her habit was replaced by a knee-length, black dress. It was nothing fancy, but she still looked beautiful, enough to steal Copia’s breath away.

“Cara mia, look at you,” Copia murmured, looking her over.

Alex smiled and twirled around for him. “You like it?”

He returned the smile. “Sì. You look absolutely beautiful.”

“Thank you,” she replied bashfully. “This is the first time I’ve gotten to wear it anywhere.” She then stepped up to him, rested her hands on his chest, and pecked his lips. “I’m glad the first time was for you.”

“So am I, amore.”

“And you look very handsome tonight,” she added, lightly rubbing his chest.

“Eh-heh, grazie. I figured that even though we’re still at the Abbey, we might pretend we’re not if we were not wearing our usual clothes.”

“I was thinking the same.” Alex’s smile softened. “Thank you for this, Copia. We both need it.”

“Sì, I agree.” He offered his arm to her. “Shall we?”

Copia led her out to the secluded area Primo and his ghouls had helped him set up. He could not help but smile at Alex’s gasp. Between the fairy lights strung between the trees and the elaborate spread on the picnic blanket, it was one hundred times better than last time.

“Oh, Copia, this is perfect!”

He smiled bashfully. “I wish I could take all the credit, but Primo and his ghouls did most of the work.”

Alex looked at him. “So, Primo knows about us?”

He heard the slight worry in her voice and patted her hand. “Sì, but he is very supportive.” Copia gestured around them. “Obviously.”

She nodded and then forced a smile. “Come on. Let’s eat. I don’t want to waste a second.”

It honestly surprised Copia how comfortable he felt around Alex. He thought being friends with Maria for so long would have eased his nerves with her, but all she did — particularly on their dates — was put him on edge. Alex, however… The ease the two had conversing had Copia warming to her even more, falling in love with her even more.

“I’d like to hear you sing sometime,” she said at one point, grinning.

“For you, anything,” Copia replied, raising his glass to her. “My mother made sure I had lessons, hoping someday, the Ghost Project would begin again, and I would be at the helm. I must admit, that is the only part I am looking forward to about becoming Papa.”

“And what about becoming an actual papa?”

Copia lowered his glass and swallowed hard. In all honesty, he had not given it much thought beyond finding a Prime Mover because the idea scared him. What did he know about being a dad? Primo was the closest thing he had, and only because the elder Emeritus brother took pity on the fatherless boy whose mother expected so much of him solely because of his Lucifer-blessed destiny. 

Copia had always wanted a family. It was something he had always dreamed about. But now, faced with it becoming a reality likely sooner rather than later, it terrified him. And yet, looking at Alex smiling up at him, the prospect was not quite so daunting. With her at his side, he could do this.

He took her hand and kissed the back of it. “I look forward to having a family with the woman I love.” He took a deep breath as the enormity hit him. “More than anything.”

Alex’s smile faded somewhat, her expression becoming more serious. “And this is really what you want? You want us?”

“Sì,” he replied, nodding adamantly. “I love you, Alexandra, and nothing will ever change that.”

Alex kissed him gently but with enough underlying passion that he knew she wanted more. But how far did she want to go? With all this talk about family and becoming an actual papa, did she want to get started now? He was not ready to go all the way yet, but he would not be opposed to more of what they did the other day—

His line of thought was broken off by Alex's hand drifting down to rest on top of his pants.

"Copia," she whispered against his lips. “You’re thinking too much.”

“Am I?” he asked, his voice trembling.

“Yes. Just relax. I want you to… I want…” she trailed off, her other hand toying with the buttons on his shirt.

"W-what do you need, amore?"

"You. I want to forget about what happened earlier by getting lost in you."

Copia thought his heart might just beat right out of his chest. He swallowed hard and nodded. "I will help, amore. Just tell me what to do, and I'll do it."

Alex kissed down his cheek to his jaw and neck. "Just let me… I want to make you feel good."

Copia tilted his head back, giving her better access to his neck. "You are, Alexandra. You are."

He gasped as her hand moved lower and cupped him through his pants. As if he was not already getting aroused from her kisses, his body responded immediately to her touch, his pants becoming tight as his cock hardened. 

"Amore," he breathed, rocking his hips up into her hand. "I do not think I can stand being teased."

He felt her smile. "Then it's a good thing I don't plan on teasing you."

The next thing he knew, she had his pants undone and his cock in her hand, stroking him. Copia could not help but moan, his head falling back. No one had ever touched him like this before.

"Then I'll try not to disappoint," Alex said with a smile in her voice.

Copia's eyes snapped open. He had not meant to admit that out loud. He chuckled nervously.

"Impossible. You could never disappoint."

She pecked his lips. "Just like you could never disappoint me."

Copia watched, wide-eyed, as she moved down. He had a pretty good idea of what she was about to do, but nothing could have fully prepared him for the feeling of her tongue lapping at the tip of his cock followed by her lips wrapping around him. He could not help the pitiful whine that left him or the way his hips bucked on their own accord in response. Sweet Lucifer, he was not going to last long at this point. He was overwhelmed with the feeling of her hot, wet mouth around him, something he had never experienced before.

Alex took it slow as if to not overwhelm him further, but between the bobbing of her head on him and her gentle sucking to get him used to the feeling, Copia already felt like he was nearing his climax. It was too new, too much. He wanted to push her off to last longer, but when she added her hand to the mix, pumping his shaft near the base, he was gone. His orgasm surprised him as much as it surprised Alex, but she kept her lips around him, swallowing every last drop he had to offer.

He reached for her with trembling hands. "A-amore."

Alex tucked him back into his pants and kissed up his body until she reached his lips. He could not help the pitiful whimper that left him upon tasting himself on her lips. He had not expected it to be so… erotic.

"Did you enjoy that?" Alex murmured against his lips.

Copia laughed breathlessly. "Sì, I did very much. Grazie."

She smiled and stroked his cheekbone. "You don't have to thank me for that."

"Perhaps not, but I don't think I would have been comfortable with anyone else doing that."

"Then I'm glad I got to give you your first blow job."

They both chuckled.

"Then… perhaps you will let me… return the favor?" Copia kissed her gently, his hand skimming down her side. “I would very much like to taste you , amore.”

Alex smiled up at him as she leaned back onto her elbows. “Go ahead.”

“You will tell me what to do, sì?”

"If you need help. Something tells me you won't have any issues."

Copia was not so sure, but he appreciated her faith in him. He followed her down and kissed her, his hand slipping under the hem of her dress and trailing up her thigh. Alex sighed through her nose, wrapping her arms around his neck.

When his fingertips touched her underwear, he immediately noticed the damp fabric, making him hum against her lips.

"You became this aroused simply by going down on me?" he asked, pushing her panties aside and lightly running his fingers through her folds, gathering up her slick.

"You arouse me, Copia. Just kissing you arouses me."

He sighed heavily. "Then I am glad I'm not the only one."

He then moved down her body, trying to keep his hands steady as he removed her underwear. As he kissed her thighs, he inhaled the scent of her. 

"You are… intoxicating," he murmured. "And so perfect, amore."

Alex hummed in response and tugged at his hair, trying to draw him closer. He gladly acquiesced. 

Copia breathed out her name and gently kissed her intimate flesh. If he thought her scent was intoxicating, the taste of her was even more so. It spurred him on, prompting him to lick a stripe up her slit. To his delight, Alex moaned.

"Was that okay?"

"Perfect. Do it again."

Copia smiled at her breathless tone and repeated the action. In practice, this was new to him, but he had read things and heard things, so as he worked his tongue and lips over her, he racked his brain, trying to remember what he had learned over the years. Alex guided him with her words, hands, and hums of pleasure.

"That! Do that!" she exclaimed when he lightly sucked over her clit. "And use your fingers, too." He pushed a finger into her, making her sigh. “Yes. Oh, Copia, you’re doing wonderfully.”

The praise gave him a surge of satisfaction and made him feel a little more sure of himself.

And so, with his mouth on her clit and two fingers buried within her, Copia had her coming undone in no time, his name falling from her lips, her back arching off the picnic blanket, and her hands holding his head firmly in place. He wanted to continue, to drown in her, but once he had lapped up all she had to offer, not letting a drop of her essence go to waste, Alex was pulling at his arms. He went willingly and moved up until he met her lips in a frantic kiss. She kissed him passionately, her tongue sweeping into his mouth to taste herself on him. Copia groaned, well on his way to becoming aroused again, and now, with his hips settled between her legs…

Alex wrapped her legs around his hips and pulled him tightly to her, making Copia break the kiss with a gasp. He wanted her so badly, but not now, not yet. He wasn’t ready.

“Alexandra,” he rasped, his need and trepidation so great, he felt tears stinging his eyes.

“Please, Copia,” she quietly begged, rolling her hips against his.

He shook his head, his tears threatening to fall. “I can’t. Not yet.”

The next thing he knew, Alex had rolled them over so he was on his back, and she was caressing his cheeks and peppering his face with kisses. The sheer amount of tenderness she was treating him with had his tears falling.

“No, Copia, please don’t,” she whispered, catching his tears with her lips. “We don’t have to go any further.”

“But I don’t want to disappoint you,” he whispered back. “I want you, amore; please do not think it’s because I don’t.”

“You’re not disappointing me, I promise. Everything you’ve done tonight was wonderful. Perfect!” She leaned back to look him in the eye, her thumb stroking his cheek. “You are wonderful and perfect. Thank you for trusting me.”

Copia brought her down to kiss her, hoping to convey his thanks that way. Alex returned the soft but insistent kiss.

“Stay with me tonight,” he breathed against her lips. “Let me hold you. Let me wake up with you at my side in the morning.”

She smiled and nodded. “Yes. I’d love nothing more.”

He kissed her again and continued to kiss her for what felt like hours until they finally decided to return to his room.

Perhaps they should be more careful, but as everyone kept telling him, he was going to Papa one day, and no matter what anyone else said, Alex was going to be at his side. Damn the consequences. 

Chapter Text

Alex and Copia stole every moment they could together, and, so far, no one in the Abbey seemed any the wiser. Sister Imperator and Maria had obviously not announced anything, likely hoping this would blow over, that Copia would come to his senses and go back to Maria. It was not going to happen, of course, but Alex assumed they probably did not want to make a scene just yet. However, it worried her what they might have planned if they did not get what they wanted. She highly doubted they would force Copia to do something he did not want to do, but at this point, who knew? The only thing she was sure of was that she would not come out of this unscathed.

But during their time together, Copia was still hesitant about going all the way. Alex did not push him, but she would admit how endearing she found his flustered state when things started heading in that direction. He obviously wanted more but was holding back for some reason. She had no idea why he was so nervous about it beyond him not wanting to disappoint her, but in the end, she did not care. If he was not ready, then he was not ready. Besides, she still enjoyed what they actually did. She would not change that for the world. Still, she made it clear that there was no rush, that they would take things at his pace.

But, of course, their stolen moments were few and far between, thanks to the date of his cardinal ordination quickly approaching. Just three more days, and he would become Cardinal Copia. Alex was so proud of him.

She smiled as the thought crossed her mind again as she wrote up a tag for an item in the reliquary. Copia was going to look so handsome in his new cassocks and the eye paint he would finally get to wear…

She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she nearly jumped out of her skin when a pair of gloved hands suddenly covered her eyes.

“Copia!” she exclaimed, immediately recognizing the scent of his cologne.

He chuckled softly and turned her around, giving her a quick peck on the lips. “I am sorry, cara mia. I could not help myself.”

Alex sighed and smiled along with him. “I suppose I deserved that. I was lost in thought when I really needed to be paying attention to what I was doing.”

Copia raised an eyebrow, pulling her closer. “Oh? May I ask what you were thinking about?”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, pleased by this amorous turn. “You, and how proud I am of you.”

“You’re proud of me?” he asked with a bashful smile, his suggestiveness melting into shyness. It was one of the many things she loved about him.

“Of course I am. Immensely proud.”

Copia sighed and kissed her. She imagined he was pouring his thanks as well as his love into the kiss. She tried to put her feelings into it, too, making it known beyond a doubt that she loved him, that nothing would keep them apart. Not Maria, not Sister Imperator, not the Clergy, not anyone. They were in this together for the long haul, no matter what happened.

Reluctantly, they broke apart, both needing to catch their breath before they got too carried away.

"I will never tire of that," Copia murmured with a smile.

“Mm, neither will I." She pecked his lips once more and shared a soft, tender smile with him. Somehow, it all still felt new. "What are you doing down here, anyway? Besides to see me, of course.”

They chuckled.

“I missed you, amore mio. Is that not enough of a reason?”

“Of course, it’s a good enough reason, but I figured you’d be busy today.”

Copia glanced away, nodding. “I was. Am. But I would like a break for a few minutes.” He then looked behind her at the workbench. “What does Father Aldo have you working on this time?”

“Oh, just cataloging.” Alex then smiled. “And seeing as you finally came down here, I can show that book! Father Aldo brought it back with him with a cipher.” She took Copia’s hand and led him through to the back of the barred-off area of the reliquary where Father Aldo had a desk stacked high with various books and papers. In the middle sat the handbound book. Alex donned some gloves and gingerly picked it up, opening it. “Here, look at this. We haven’t been able to get a more exact date, but it’s at least seven hundred years old, likely bound back at the old Abbey in Italy that burned down in the fifteen hundreds.”

She looked up at Copia, finding him watching her with a tender smile. She blushed a bit.

“What?” she asked, smiling shyly.

Copia shook his head. “I love you.” He sighed happily. “Your enthusiasm and passion about your work is… very endearing. I could listen to you speak about these things all day. Though, you could speak about anything, and I would love hearing it.”

Alex set the book down and leaned in to kiss him, her eyes filling with tears. “I love you, too, Copia.”

He swept her up into his arms and kissed her passionately. Alex hummed and pressed as close as she possibly could to him, basking in the feeling of being in his arms. She longed for a time when they would not have to hide their feelings, when she could openly shout to the world that she loved him without fear of Sister Imperator and the Clergy making life hell.

Copia then pushed her up against the table, his intentions clear with the press of his hips to hers. It surprised her that he was being so forward, especially here, but it still thrilled her. Maybe he was finally ready… 

However, just as soon he began to pull up the edge of her habit, the sound of the door opening behind them startled them apart.

Father Aldo stood in the doorway, a knowing smile on his face. "Ah, I apologize for interrupting. I forgot my notes."

Alex and Copia glanced at each other. He had obviously seen, but… 

"Father, we—"

"Don't worry, Bishop Copia, Sister Alexandra. I am not like my colleagues. If this is what makes you happy, then that's all that matters. No one but yourselves should dictate who you spend the rest of your life with. Your secret is safe with me." He then bowed his head toward Copia. "And since you're here, Bishop, allow me to extend my congratulations on your ascension to cardinal. I know you will make us proud."

Copia returned the bow. "Thank you, Father."

He bid them farewell, leaving them alone once more. Alex looked back at Copia, stepping back up to him and resting her hands on his chest, noting the thoughtful look on his face.

"Copia? What is it?"

"I was going to ask this anyway, but Father Aldo cemented it. I want you to be the one to anoint me during my ordination ceremony. It is my choice who does this, and I want it to be you, amore."

"I'd be honored, but…" She bit her lip. "Wouldn't that be a public announcement of our relationship?"

He smiled. "Exactly. What better way to announce to the Abbey that we are together than when I become Cardinal?"

"You're sure about this?"

"Positive, but only if you are. We don't have to do this if you don't want to."

Alex sighed. "I want to. You know I want to. If you're not afraid of the Clergy, then neither am I."

"I am not. And also do not want anyone to think I am ashamed of you, that I'm hiding you away." He cupped her cheek. "I want to be able to hold your hand as we walk the halls together, to sit next to each other during meals. I want to return to our room at night and hold you while you sleep. I am tired of hiding, amore."

She blinked back tears. "Then let's do it. Just tell me what I have to do."

Copia nodded. "It is not much, but… Before I am given my new vestments and title, I must be anointed. There are some lines you must recite."

"Anoint you how?"

He raised his hand, palm up. "You must slice my palm and use my blood to draw the sigil of Lucifer on my chest during the reciting of the vows."

Alex swallowed hard. "I have to cut you?"

"It will be fine, amore," he said with a smile, taking her hand and kissing the back of it. "I promise. If not you, it must be someone else."

Alex did not relish the idea, but she nodded. "Alright. I want to be a part of this for you, even if it means I have to hurt you… What happens after that?"

"Then, Secondo will present me with my vestments, and you may help me dress in them if you would like. I would like that… Though I will warn you, there are a lot of buttons."

They shared a chuckle, helping lighten Alex's worry. She toyed with the buttons of his current vestments.

"I can't wait to see you in them. That’s the other thing I was thinking about before you came here. You're going to look so handsome in your new cassock and paints."

Copia blinked in mock surprise. "Am I not already handsome?"

Alex grinned and leaned into him, tucking her face against his neck. Copia held her tight, his cheek against her head.

"You're right. You're already handsome as Bishop Copia; I don't know if I'll be able to handle Cardinal Copia."

"Mm, just wait until I am Papa."

She tilted her head back and caressed his cheek. "You're going to be wonderful."

He gave her a bit of a sad smile. "I hope so, amore mio. I will try to be."

"I have no doubts."

And she did not. He was born for this, and she had every confidence in him, even if he struggled sometimes to believe in himself. And with the way he was looking at her now, he seemed to believe her.

"With you at my side, Alexandra, I feel as though I could do anything," he murmured, his eyes shining.

Alex wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling softly. "Kiss me, my Cardinal."

Copia returned the smile. "With great pleasure, tesoro mio."

Chapter Text

Copia nervously paced outside the chapel doors, waiting for Primo to summon him. Everyone who would be attending was already inside, including Alex. He could faintly hear Secondo’s voice, announcing what was to be this night, that they would be welcoming a new cardinal into the fold. 

Copia wanted this more than anything, truly. It was as though he was finally being seen, recognized. He was ascending to Cardinal. And the next step after would be Papa.

That he was not ready for. Not yet. But with Alex at his side… As his wife and Prime Mover… Copia felt a sort of giddy excitement about it all. It scared him, sure, but this was a life he had always wanted but never thought he would get. But there was still the little caveat of everyone finding out about his intentions.

No use worrying about it now, he thought, pausing in his pacing to look at the door. Everyone will find out tonight just how serious I am about Alexandra.

The chapel doors suddenly creaked open, pushed outward by two cloaked ghouls. Primo stood just beyond them, thurible in hand. “It is time.”

Copia took a deep breath and nodded. “I am ready.”

Primo smiled faintly. “Bene. Come.”

Copia followed the elder Emeritus down the nave. The congregation stood, watching as they processed. Secondo stood at the altar, the implements for the ceremony laid out behind him. Copia half expected to feel anger towards the man for what had happened with Maria, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. It meant nothing to him. 

Alex stood nearby, smiling proudly at Copia. Seeing her eased his nerves a bit, as he knew she was likely more nervous than him. He would be strong for her. 

Copia also saw Sister Imperator and Maria near the front, both with sour looks on their faces. Let them stew, he thought a bit smugly. This is my life, and it is time I take control of it. This is the first step.

Secondo inclined his head as Copia came to a stop in front of him. “Bishop Copia,” he said in his commanding voice, which usually made Copia nervous. Not today, though. Copia would not let it. “You have been called to serve our Dark Lord, His Infernal Majesty, ascending to the position of Cardinal, a coveted position within the Clergy, a position many lust for. Are you prepared to accept the responsibilities bestowed upon you with your ascension?”

“I am,” Copia answered, his voice stronger than expected.

“And who have you chosen to guide you through the Rites?”

Copia glanced at Alex, who subtly nodded at him. “Sister Alexandra.”

Secondo nodded. “Very well.” He extended a hand to her. “Sister.”

Alex stepped up to Copia, a jewel-encrusted ceremonial dagger lying across her palms. Secondo explained what she had to do, to slice Copia’s palm and draw the sigil of Lucifer on his chest, and how this was his vow to uphold Lucifer’s Will. Copia could tell Alex was even more nervous now, her hand trembling slightly as she held his hand. He gazed at her, hoping to convey with his eyes that it was okay, that he trusted her. But even so, he still winced at the cool sting of the blade as she dragged the blade across his palm. There was a faint grimace on her face, but Copia was likely the only one that noticed. She then set the dagger aside and closed his hand into a fist.

Secondo held a bowl underneath Copia’s hand, letting the blood drip into it.

“Your lifeblood, given in service and sacrifice to the One Below,” Secondo said.

With his free, uninjured hand, Copia unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt, exposing his chest where Alex would draw the sigil. He could not help the faint smirk — or the faint blush that colored his cheeks — that crossed his lips when he noticed Alex’s intent focused on the newly exposed skin. It was in that moment that he made up his mind. Tonight would be the night. Tonight, he would make love to her, make her his, and give himself completely to her. He held no more doubts in his mind. He was ready.

Alex tore her gaze from Copia’s chest and dipped the tip of her index finger into the bowl, coating it with his blood. He saw her take a steadying breath as she touched his skin, tracing the sigil in the center of his chest. Secondo was muttering a Latin chant under his breath, his eyes closed.

When Alex was done, she locked eyes with Copia. Without really thinking — and going against the traditions of the ceremony — Copia caught her hand before she pulled it away. With his gaze still locked on hers, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed her wrist. The congregation murmured at the action while Alex watched Copia, her lips parted in surprise. He might as well have just proposed to her in front of everyone. His intentions were undoubtedly clear now. There would be no Maria, only Alex.

Even Secondo seemed surprised, probably that Copia had it in him, that he was being so bold. Part of Copia wished he could see Sister Imperator and Maria’s faces, but they did not matter anymore.

He let go of Alex’s hand. She hesitated for a moment before taking a step back. Two other Siblings stepped up, one holding his cassock, the other his biretta.

“And now for the vestments,” Secondo said, though mostly to Alex.

She took the cassock and slipped it up Copia’s arms. She then set about buttoning it up, all of her focus on the little buttons. Once she was done with that, she took the little pot of paint from the altar and dabbed the black pigment around his eyes. He kept his eyes open as long as he could, smiling softly at her, a smile that widened when she lightly caressed his cheek after she finished. 

And then, finally, Alex took the red biretta in hand. Copia knelt before her and bowed his head. This was it, the last piece.

“Before the eyes of the Clergy,” Secondo began as Alex slowly lowered the biretta to Copia’s head, “and the eyes of His Infernal Majesty, rise Cardinal Copia.”

Copia stood, still looking at Alex for as long as he could before facing the congregation. As one voice, they said a prayer over him, led by Secondo. Copia gazed out over them, purposefully not looking at Imperator and Maria. 

“Nema!” Secondo called, echoed by the congregation.

Primo stepped in front of Copia again, his head held high. “Cardinal.”

He then turned and led Copia out of the chapel. Alex followed while Secondo brought up the rear. Copia could feel the congregation's eyes on him in judgment. Not in a bad way, but more… assessing. How will he measure up now that he is one step closer to becoming Papa?

Copia wanted to say something to Alex, but he was whisked off to Primo’s office, where he spent the next thirty minutes signing various documents and doing some other final things, specifically because Copia was not just a cardinal, he was a cardinal destined to become Papa. The three Emeritus brothers, surprisingly, wanted to wish him well.

Terzo was the most smug out of all of them, likely knowing Copia would be going straight to Alex after this. After all, they had a lot to talk about.

And Copia could not get to her fast enough.

Alex lost track of Copia after the ceremony. She knew he had other things to tend to, but she was impatient to see him, to congratulate him in her own way. He had looked so good in his cassock and paints, but with her nerves, she had not really gotten to enjoy it.

An hour after the ceremony, Alex finally found him in his chambers. He was standing in front of the mirror, looking at himself in his new vestments. Copia’s face lit up when he saw her reflection and turned to face her. “Amore. I was coming to find you, but… I got distracted.”

Alex could only stare at him in awe, fully taking in his new red cassock, red biretta, and black paint around his eyes, all signifying his new rank. “Look at you,” she breathed.

Copia smiled a bit and looked down at his clothes. “You like it?”

“Like it?” She stepped up to him, her gaze trailing over him. “You look… incredibly sexy.”

He swallowed hard, his cheeks turning pink. “Grazie, cara mia. I feel… good. Powerful. Important.”

Alex rested her hands on his chest. “You are. You’re one step closer to becoming Papa.”

“Is it bad that I do not care?” he asked quietly. “That’s not to say I do not want this! But…” He drew her closer to him, his arms around her waist. “What I want most is you, amore mio. I want you and a family… I will do my duties as Papa when the time comes to the best of my abilities, but in the end, my being Papa is nothing compared to the life I want with you.”

Alex smiled and brought his face closer to hers. “I have no doubts that you’ll make a wonderful Papa in both meanings of the word, but I’m glad we agree. You becoming Papa has no bearing on what I want for us. You could have stayed a bishop, and I’d always want you, Copia.”

“Sì, I know,” he replied and returned her smile. “I have never been overly ambitious. But as I have said, if I am to be Papa, I want you at my side.”

“You have me,” Alex breathed, the love she felt for him welling in her chest. “You’ve always had me.”

Copia lifted a hand to her cheek. “I do not want to waste any more time, amore. Let me make love to you.” He then smiled shyly. “Or, perhaps, show me how to make love to you.”

“Copia…” she whispered.

“Amore mio…”

“Take me to bed, my cardinal.”

He gazed at her for a second longer, his love and lust shining in his mismatched eyes, before he scooped her up in his arms. “Sì, Alexandra.”

He carried her to his bed and gently laid her down. Before either of them did anything, Copia shed his cassock as quickly as he could, given all of the little buttons. Once he was in his black button-up and pants, he climbed atop Alex and kissed her. Alex hummed and wrapped her arms around him, keeping him close. 

“Copia,” she whispered against his lips.

“May I?” he asked quietly, tugging at her habit.

Alex nodded, smiling softly. “Please.”

Slowly, almost reverently, they undressed each other, their hands exploring each new bit of skin revealed. They had never seen each other completely naked before, but once they were skin to skin, they never wanted to exist any other way.

Alex slid her hands down his back as Copia pushed a hand into her hair, his tongue tangling with hers. She parted her legs further so his hard, throbbing cock was nestled against her folds. He moaned into her mouth as he began to grind against her, slicking his cock with her juices.

“Amore mio,” he gasped into her mouth.

“I want to feel you inside me, Copia,” Alex breathed with heat, trying to get him lined up with her entrance. 

He leaned back to look at her, his breath ragged and his pupils blown wide with lust. “S-sì. Oh, cazzo, amore, I want to be inside you… I want to be one with you.”

After lifting up just enough, he let Alex guide his cock to her entrance, lining him up before encouraging him to push in. She watched his face closely, watching his expression crumpled in intense pleasure as he eased himself inside her. Alex echoed his moan upon the feeling of him filling and stretching her.

“Fuck, Copia,” she gasped, holding on tightly to his arms.

He was trembling hard, each small roll of his hips pushing him in deeper and deeper until he was fully sheathed within her. He then dropped his face to her neck, muttering curses and praises in Italian, telling her how good this felt, how good she felt around him, how much he loved her… Alex clung to him tightly in return, hardly believing this was real, that they were finally one. Her wonderful man, her sweet Cardinal…

“You okay?” she asked quietly, easing his head back to look at him.

Copia sucked in a breath and nodded. “Sì. Just…give me a moment. It is...overwhelming...”

She smiled and pushed her fingers into his hair, bringing him closer to kiss his face. “I love you.”

That seemed to help bring him back to the present. He took a deep breath and slowly began to move his hips, starting with short thrusts, getting used to the feeling.

“Alexandra,” he moaned shakily. “Oh…”

She bit her lip, the feeling of him moving within her sending little jolts of pleasure through her. “Does it feel good to you?”

Copia nodded frantically, speeding up just a bit. “Sì! It feels so good…” He opened his eyes to look at her. “Am I doing this right?”

“Yes! Oh, Copia… Fuck, you feel so good inside me… Keep going, just like that!”

He moaned and pressed his forehead to her shoulder. “Amore… Cara mia… I will not last. It's too good.”

“That's okay, baby,” Alex breathed, stroking her fingers through his hair. “I'll be right behind you, I promise.”

That seemed to be all he needed. He drove into her faster and with more purpose, focusing on chasing his pleasure now. Alex reached between them to rub her clit to make sure she’d be right there with him. Copia watched what she did, and that seemed to be what pushed him over. She hooked her legs around him so he had no choice but to cum inside her.

His breath caught, his body tensing, before he moaned wantonly, his hips snapping against hers as he spilled inside her. “Alexandra, amore, I am cumming!”

“I’ve got you, baby. I’ve got you,” she panted. The feeling of him cumming and the noises he made sent Alex over the edge a few seconds later. “Copia!” she cried, clinging to him.

“Amore,” he nearly sobbed, holding her tightly as he sagged against her. “Yes! Cazzo… That was amazing. I love you so much. Amore mio...”

She laughed breathlessly as he peppered her face with kisses. “Copia,” she whispered.

He looked so happy and content, even if the paint around his eyes was smeared, and the sigil she had drawn on his chest in his blood had mostly transferred to her skin. Alex eased him onto his back, letting him bask in the afterglow, while she got up to grab a warm washcloth from the bathroom. She cleaned off her chest before going back out to clean up Copia. He watched her with the softest look on his face.

“My Cardinal,” she murmured, kissing his lips.

He chuckled weakly. “That will take a lot of getting used to…”

She settled down next to him, cuddling up to his side and tracing patterns on his chest. “People will be talking tomorrow if they aren’t already about what happened earlier. The fact that it was me and not Maria helping you.”

Copia’s expression became more serious. “I will speak to Sister Imperator. I will set her straight once and for all, that my life is mine. I choose how to live it and who I want to live it with.” He brought Alex’s hand up to kiss her knuckles. “We belong together, Alexandra. Everyone else will just have to get used to it.”

It warmed Alex's heart to hear him say that, but she knew it would not be that easy. In the end, though, Copia was worth it. This life they wanted to build together was worth it. Sister Imperator, Maria, and the Clergy be damned.

Chapter Text

To Alex’s surprise — and wariness — things seemed to be normal around the Abbey. She expected some fallout after Copia’s ordination as cardinal. Throwing their relationship in the faces of the clergy might not have been the smartest thing, but she didn’t regret it a bit. She also didn’t regret Copia flat-out telling Sister Imperator to get out of their lives. He hadn’t told Alex exactly what was said, likely sparing her from some insults Imperator had thrown her way, but Alex was proud of Copia for standing up for them and himself.

She hadn’t seen Maria in weeks, which was surprising. Usually, she saw her at dinner or just around the Abbey as Alex went about her duties. But Maria was nowhere to be seen. That worried her. Something was wrong, but Alex had no idea what it was. And that was why she hadn’t brought it up to Copia. She felt like she was being silly, getting worried over probably nothing. But that did not stop the nagging feeling in the back of her mind.

Primo and Terzo were the most supportive of both Alex and Copia. Perhaps they were helping keep the Clergy at bay. Secondo was aloof as usual, but as far as Alex knew, he didn’t seem to have an opinion either way. So long as he got to keep doing what he wanted to do, he didn’t care what Copia was up to.

But it was the lack of response after everything Sister Imperator and Maria did and said to try to keep Copia and Alex apart that bothered Alex. And maybe, as the weeks passed, she got a little too used to that calm, too used to the uneasy feeling she felt, like she was waiting for the other shoe to drop. 

She’d been working with Primo in the garden most of the morning, enjoying the cool, clear day. She wasn't the only one out there, as other siblings and ghouls were milling around, attending to their own duties. Later, Alex would realize she had strayed too far from them, but in the moment, she was far too focused on her work, humming under her breath as she pruned and weeded the flowerbeds near the back of the garden to notice.

Alex was so engrossed in her work that she didn't notice the figure approaching until it was on top of her, and a garrote was already around her neck. She immediately began fighting against her assailant, trying to get them off of her, half flailing, half fighting. Somehow, she managed to off-balance her attacker, which allowed her to stumble away.

She tried to call for help when she was suddenly struck on the side of the head, the blow knocking her to the ground, her elbows scraping against the stone pavers of the path. 

Alex cried out in pain, her vision swimming. However, even through the pain, she managed to look up in time to see Maria grabbing the garden shears Alex had been using. Part of her thought she should have known it was Maria attacking her, but this? Trying to kill her?!

“Maria,” Alex said, her voice shaking and weak. She could feel blood trickling down the side of her face from the wound near her temple. “Stop.”

Maria's smile was manic. “I don't think so. You and I have unfinished business!”

“You don't know what you're doing—”

“You took everything from me!” Maria screamed. “It was supposed to be me!”

Alex scrambled back further along the path, groping around for anything she could use to defend herself as Maria advanced closer with the shears. “Copia was never yours to begin with. You made sure of that from how you treated him. You only wanted him because he's going to be Papa one day.”

The manic look in Maria's eyes seemed to grow wilder. “Damn straight, I did! I deserved to be his Prime Mover, not you! You're nobody! Nothing!”

Despite knowing Maria was saying these things out of pure hatred and not facts, that didn't stop the tears from stinging Alex's eyes. Sometimes, she did feel a little undeserving, but then she remembered that Copia loved her, and she loved him, and that was all that mattered. “I'm going to be his wife,” she said resolutely.

“No,” Maria replied, shaking her head and coming ever closer. “No, Sister Alexandra, you're going to be dead.”

With that, Maria lunged with the shears, and Alex managed to roll away just in time, making Maria strike the stone path instead. Alex then kicked out, hitting Maria's wrist and knocking the shears from her hand. They clattered off into a flower bed, but Maria didn't go after them, even as she yelled in rage.

Instead, she lunged again at Alex, this time with her bare hands. Alex was too slow to dodge this time and ended up on her back with Maria on top of her, her hands tight around Alex's neck.

Alex fought and kicked and screamed as much as she would with the hands squeezing her neck. If she could cause enough commotion, hopefully a ghoul or sibling or even Primo would hear. Maria wasn't exactly being quiet either, still yelling curses and insults at Alex.

Then, blessedly, there was shouting from elsewhere in the garden and the sound of running feet against the stone path. Alex could no longer scream, and her flailing was getting weaker with black spots appearing in her vision, but she still felt relief that someone had heard.

The next thing she knew, Maria was ripped away from her. Alex rolled over, coughing and spluttering, gasping for breath as she rubbed her neck. Arms went around her, and she was pulled against a solid chest.

“I am here, amore. You're safe now.”

Now, Alex sobbed in relief, pressing closer to the warm body of Copia, who held her securely in his arms.

She then looked over at Maria, who was still trying to put up a fight as Terzo and two ghouls held her at bay. Primo was coming up the path with three more ghouls flanking him.

“What should we do with her?” Terzo asked.

Primo’s expression was deadly calm. “Take her to the dungeons. I shall deal with her later.”

Maria stopped struggling at that. “Papa, I—”

Primo held up a hand, silencing her. If looks could kill… He said nothing else, but motioned for the ghouls to take her away. He then looked at Alex and Copia, giving them a solemn nod, before following the ghouls.

Terzo stepped closer to Alex and Copia. “Cardinale, we must get her to the infirmary.” 

Copia nodded and carefully picked Alex up in his arms. She hadn't really been fully aware of the wounds she'd sustained during her fight with Maria until now. The adrenaline was ebbing, and the pain was making itself known. Her head pounded, and she could still feel the warmth of blood on the side of her face. Her elbows also stung from where she'd hit the stone path. There were other wounds, like the marks on her neck, but those were dull pains compared to the others.

But now, Alex was safe in Copia’s arms. She tucked her face against his neck and let his familiar scent and warmth wrap around her like a blanket.

Now, it felt like it was over.

Copia was furious.

He paced incessantly outside the infirmary, muttering under his breath and fighting the urge to go down to the dungeons himself to deal with Maria. But more than that, he wanted to go to Sister Imperator. He wanted her gone, banished. Actually, he wanted worse than that — her being his mother or not — but he didn't give in to those thoughts, especially not after Terzo pointed out that Alex needed him right now, and if he went off the deep end, he'd only be hurting her more. 

So Copia stayed there, angry, worried, and feeling totally helpless. There was nothing he could do at the moment, and he hated it.

As it turned out, he need not have gone in search of the Sister because she came to him. He didn't stop his pacing as she came to a stop a little ways down from him, leaning against the wall.

“Have you come to gloat?” Copia growled, his fists clenching at his sides.

“You should have expected this,” Sister Imperator said, her arms crossed.

Copia turned to her, glaring at her. “Only because you let it happen.” He stepped closer, his expression brooking no room for argument or backtalk, his stance threatening. “And if I find out you had anything to do with Maria trying to kill Alexandra, I will make sure you regret it for the rest of your days.”

Sister Imperator stared back at him cooly. “Sister Maria acted on her own volition, and she will be disciplined accordingly.”

“Sì, she will,” he bit back. “Primo will be overseeing it along with his ghouls. And take care, Sister, or they might come after you next. You know how… intense Primo's ghouls can be.”

That seemed to rattle her a bit, and she backed off, making Copia feel a little smug. “I am your mother, Copia. You will not speak to me like this.”

He got right in her face, his hands itching to wrap around her throat, his teeth bared. “You are no mother of mine.”

Before she could respond, someone called to him.

“Cardinal?”

He turned to face the doctor standing in the doorway. 

“A moment?”

Copia sent one last glare at Sister Imperator before heading over to the man. He stepped back, allowing Copia to walk into the room.

“There's been a… development.”

“Oh?”

The doctor led him over to Alex's bed, which was shielded by a screen. Copia let out a relieved sigh upon seeing his love sitting up and alert. All of his anger left him in an instant.

He noted immediately, however, that she looked nervous but better now that the blood had been cleaned off her face. He'd hated seeing her like that, knowing he had failed in keeping her safe.

“Cara mia?” he questioned, hurrying to her side. “What’s happened?”

She rested a hand on his arm. “Nothing bad, I promise.”

He looked over her bruised face, wondering how that could be possible, but he listened intently. Alex glanced at the doctor, which only made him even more wary.

“I’ve known this for about a week, but I was waiting for the right moment to tell you,” she began. “And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. Copia…” She took his hand and looked him in the eye. “I’m pregnant.”

Copia stared at her, blinked, and stared some more. “Pregnant,” he slowly repeated. “You are… with child? My child?”

There were tears in her eyes as she smiled fondly. “Yes, my love.”

He sank down onto his knees next to the bed, her hand tightly clasped in his. “You're sure?” he asked in awe.

“She's sure,” the doctor answered, a smile in his voice. Copia tore his gaze away from Alex to look at him, his question obvious on his face. “And everything still looks good, even after her ordeal today, but I'd like to keep an eye on her over the next twenty-four hours just to be safe.”

Copia nodded, turning back to Alex. “I will stay here with you, amore mio. I will not leave you.”

When tears filled Alex's eyes and she turned toward him, Copia moved instinctively. In the next second, he was in the hospital bed with her, holding her close. The doctor slipped out of the room, unseen, leaving them alone.

“A little one,” Copia whispered, nuzzling Alex's hair and resting a hand over her lower abdomen. “I can hardly believe it…” He then smiled. “I suppose we should have been more careful, no? We have not yet had the Prime Mover ceremony.”

“I don’t regret a thing,” Alex murmured.

He threaded his fingers into her hair, mindful of the wound on her temple. “Neither do I. But it’s all over now. We have nothing to fear from Maria or my mother anymore. I promise you that, amore mio.”

Alex lifted her head to look at him. “What will happen to Maria?”

“She will be… dealt with,” Copia said slowly. “Do not worry yourself over it. Primo has it all in hand.”

She sighed and rested against Copia again. They were both silent for a long while, content to hold each other and bask in the relief they both felt. When Alex spoke again, Copia could tell she was smiling.

“To think… This all started with kissing lessons.”

Copia chuckled and kissed her forehead. “Mm, sì… We should thank Terzo. I would not have come to you if not for him.”

“I know it hasn’t been easy, but… If we had to go through all of this to get here? I’d do it all over again.”

He looked down into Alex’s eyes and caressed her cheek with his gloved hand. “While I do not want you getting hurt, I would do it all over again, too. You have made me…” He shook his head, a broad smile overtaking his face. “So happy, Alexandra.”

Tear shone in her eyes. “And you’ve made me so happy, Copia. And I can’t wait to find out what more joys our future holds.”

He leaned his forehead against hers and touched her lower abdomen again. “Neither can, amore mio. Neither can I.”