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Something isn’t right when Papa Emeritus IV opens the door to his chambers, only to be met with a dark room full of silence. Often you would return from your duties far earlier than him, always there to greet him with a warm hug and kiss before settling in for a relaxing evening. But you are nowhere in sight. What he does see however, is a large mass of blankets and pillows stretching over a large section of the bedroom.
“Caro?” Calling out seems to elicit no response, so Copia creeps closer until he stands at the edge of the mountain.
Copia reaches a blind hand into the cavern of blankets, hoping to meet the solid warmth of your body against his palm. But instead he is met with a sharp pain in his fingers.
"Cazzo! What the...?" Yanking back, Copia looks down at his hand to see the clear imprint of teeth along his middle and index finger.
Something stirs within the blankets, shuffling around and causing layers of fabric to shift and cascade to the floor. For a moment Copia worries that perhaps some wild creature has managed to somehow slip into his quarters unnoticed. But then a pair of twin eyes emerge from the shadows within the mound of plush fabric. Very human and very familiar eyes.
"Amore?" There is a flicker of recognition. Holding his hand close to his chest, out of your reach, Copia crouches until your eyes are level. "Amore, you bit me,” he dares a look of disbelief at the mentioned wound before looking back at you. “What is going on with you?"
A low growling rumble comes from the blanket cave, all the warning that Copia gets before a hand strikes. Fingers close around his wrist and pull until Copia loses balance. With a surprised yelp, he tumbles onto his backside, quickly dragged into the dark depths.
It takes a moment for Copia's eyes to adjust to the dim light, but when he does, it is a surprise to him how spacious the nest of blankets actually seems. Certainly not enough to stand, but three or four people could easily sit inside without touching. For a moment, Copia forgets your presence, too caught up in admiring your craftsmanship. But the soft grumbles from across him draws back his attention.
Any other situation, Copia would find the way you're on your hands and knees dressed in your most comfortable clothes adorable. But with your hair wild, sticking up in every direction, and the visible tension in your shoulders, all he can feel is concern.
"Hey, come to Papa," his voice is soft and soothing, the way you would speak to a spooked animal. Copia opens his arms, staying low to the ground and waits for you to make the first move. "Come tell Papa what is wrong so he may fix it, eh?"
Within seconds you are perched in Copia's lap, hands clutching at the front of his shirt as you forcefully nuzzle your face into his neck. Trying both to absorb his scent and leave yours on him. Gentle hands rub whatever parts of your body they can reach, trying to work the tension out of your body. It seems to help as you begin to practically purr in Copia's arms.
"I'm grumpy," you finally mutter, tone curt and very much portraying displeasure. Not with Copia of course, but at the world itself.
"Hmm, would you care to tell me what caused this mood?" Copia leans into you, giving you as much physical connection as he is able.
"No." Shifting, you move to wrap your arms and legs around Copia's torso, clinging to him. "I growled at Sister Imperator.”
Copia can’t help the thunderous laughter that erupts at the thought of you growling at Sister, one of the high ranking members of the clergy. You mewl at the vibration of Copia’s chest, somehow seeming to pull him even closer. A hand settles in your hair, blunt nails lightly scratching your scalp in a reassuring manner.
“I’m sure there are many siblings that would love to do the same,” Copia strokes the space between your shoulder blades, “they just aren’t as brave enough to do it like you.”
He can feel your head nod in agreement against his shoulder where you have nestled. A startled gasp leaves him when he feels your teeth clamp down on his shoulder, though not a harsh bite like before. No, instead you simply hold him there for a few minutes before releasing and rubbing your nose against the same spot.
“If I didn’t know any better, I think I would have mistaken you for one of the ghouls amore mio,” with tone light and teasing, Copia presses a chaste kiss to your temple. You give a happy chirp, glancing up at him while baring your teeth in an adorable manner. “Someone has been spending a bit too much time with Swiss.”
That earns Copia a soft giggle, and he knows that he is breaking through your sour mood. Whatever it takes, he will have you happy and smiling by the end of the day.
“I love you,” Copia gives more kisses, moving to hold you better in his lap and beginning to gently rock you. “My sweet, feral topolino.”