Work Text:
The Ministry was quiet, as it always was after hours. The soft ambience of a candle's crackle echoed throughout the grand hallway. The kind of quiet that feels steady rather than ominous. No one had to perform, or rehearse for a ritual, they could just rest.
The ghouls were settled into their respective rooms, some sleeping, some getting up to Satan knows what kinds of trouble, but a peaceful tranquility lingered in the atmosphere. However, Terzo was sat at his desk, lost in thought and quite obviously stressing.
His brows furrowed and his lips were pressed tightly together, slightly pursed. He looked tired, and the creases in his bare face seemed much more prominent. His trembling fingers held a pen that just barely touched his paper, one that held a strand of lyrics written in cursive elegance. A soft sigh escaped his lips as his mind deliberated under pressure, desperately trying to think of a new album idea. Being The Ministry's papa came with an abundance of responsibilities, song writing being one of them. it was quite agitating, to say the very least.
The weight of this stress seemed to be taking a toll on his sleep schedule. He couldn't remember the last time he had managed a full night's rest. There were times he would attempt to get some sleep, only to be disrupted by the lingering thoughts of imperfections on his mind, urging him to get up and work. He felt like he wasn't good enough, like his role as Papa would be taken away at any given moment. He had to strive to be better, to please his fans and The Clergy. Some may say he was quite the people pleaser, but truly, he was more-so fearful of what may or may not happen if he slipped up.
Terzo let out a sigh of frustration, desperately trying to come up with at least something. Perfection is desirable, diligence is necessary. When he stepped into this role, he was obligated to gain traction and attention. On stage, he was always so attentive to the audience's wants. Occasionally cracking a joke or two, being charismatically flamboyant, and looking like hell itself graced his beauty. But, behind stage, he had to hold himself to an exceptional standard; consistently maintaining a dignified reputation and staying practical. It wasn't just his job, it was the life he must live. And besides, he didn't want to know what Sister Imperator would do to him if he released a failure of an album.
Just then, his anguished worries were thankfully interrupted by a sudden knock at his office door.
He turned his head to look at the door and saw you, his lover. You looked groggy, like you had just rolled out of bed.
"Oh, my love.."
You murmured, carefully approaching Terzo. You brushed your gentle fingers against his calloused knuckles, a small gesture that carried so much weight.
"You've been overworking yourself."
You stated, sleepiness anchoring to your voice as you spoke.
A free hand crept up to cup his face. Your soft hands were grounding, a sweet distraction from the straining stress that was eating away at your darling's mind.
Terzo subtly leaned into your touch, letting out a deep exhale he didn't know he had been holding.
"I know."
He spoke softly.
The small, defeated 'I know' was enough to remind you and himself that he was drained.
"I apologize, amore. Allow me a few minutes and I will be with you." he said as he placed his hand against yours.
You shook your head, not taking his workaholism as an answer.
"You've been working entirely too much, you need a break. Come to bed, dear."
Those gentle words landed like a soothing balm on Terzo's heart. He looked up at you, his mismatched eyes softening through his tired gaze. You seemed to always be the one to pull him out of his rut. He remained silent for a moment before dropping his pen, and allowing himself to be held.
"As you wish, tesoro."
And with that, Terzo stood up from his desk, taking your hand in his.
"But only because you asked so nicely."
He teased, earning a breathy laugh from you.
The two lovers made their way to the bedroom. The walk was quiet, yet peaceful. It was a nice change of scenery that calmed the loud storms brewing in his head. He turned to look at you and smiled, which you hadn't seen in what felt like forever. The crinkle in the corner of his eyes and his smile lines creasing was the prettiest form of art you had ever seen. It was nothing like the cocky smirks he threw on stage, or the polite turn of his lips when he passed by the Ministry workers. It was your favorite feature of his to admire, because it was real. It assured you that he was Terzo, Not 'Papa'.
You gave him a tender smile of your own, your lips curving into the apples of your cheeks. His eyes seemed to sparkle at the sight of you so fond. You can never get used to that.
As you both reached your shared bedroom, he finally let his body hunch over, his head hanging low. The stress he had endured on a daily basis looked like it had shot him directly in the chest, leaving him limp and sluggish. His usually proper posture had slumped as any remaining tensions were given away by his exhausted body. Not dramatically, but enough to say that he needed rest more than anything.
You frowned, seeing the effect his job had on him.
"Come here, sweetheart."
You spoke soothingly, stretching your arms out and offering to let Terzo lean against your chest. He looked like he could barely hold himself, his knees buckling and ready to give out.
Terzo didn't even bother to refuse, or attempt to present himself as independent. Right now, he needed you.
He dragged himself over to you and allowed himself to be held. The world didn't matter right now. Not The Clergy, not his responsibilities, just you and him together. Terzo, who usually ruled a stage and commanded tens of thousands of people with hypnotic charisma and energy, spreading enthusiasm and theatrics like it was an infectious disease throughout the crowd of fans, melted like putty in your nurturing arms.
You smiled adoringly, a rush of affection washing over you. You were honored that he, the Ministry's Papa, let you see him in such a vulnerable state.
"I've got you."
You whispered softly into his ear.
Terzo barely gave a hum of acknowledgment. He could possibly fall asleep right then and there if you had let him. His legs were just about ready to give out and collapse. Not only had he been overworking himself into exhaustion, but he also hasn't been eating properly. There were numerous occasions where he'd politely skip a meal, offering a kind, yet noticeably tired smile to The Ministry's Sisters of Sin who attempted to have him eat, only to be returned with an excuse. Eventually, they had stopped appearing at his door and inviting him to eat, instead leaving a plate of food on his desk that would inevitably be neglected. He knew it wasn't healthy to continue down this rocky path, but when you're sleep deprived and overworked to the bone, you could hardly think straight.
You let out a sigh of sympathy, your hands moving to undress him. You gently peeled off his clothes, removing every layer with precision and care. Usually, Terzo would make a suggestive remark, teasing you for how eager you were to take off his clothing. But right now, he needed you to take the lead, to catch him when he wanted nothing more than to fall apart in your arms. And of course, you were always there to put back the pieces of his fractured authority.
You folded his clothes neatly on a nearby nightstand, ready to be washed by a Sister of Sin. You swiftly grabbed a comfortable pair of elegant pajamas you knew Terzo would enjoy.
Terzo picked his head up to watch as you maneuvered around the room to help attend to his nightly rituals, his dark, usually slicked-back hair falling loosely in front of his face. His lips tugged into a small smirk as he eyed the pajamas you held in your hands.
"Even when I am not quite myself, you still manage to dress me in such divine flair, Si?"
You rolled your eyes, but the smile that refused to leave your face reflected just how fond you were of this man. At the end of the day, no matter when or where, Terzo is still Terzo.
"Hush, before I decide not to dress you at all."
You chuckled, and yet your snarky comeback had naturally backfired.
"I am sure you would enjoy that, tesoro. You and me both."
Your cheeks heated subtly at the flirtatious remark, your movements freezing in their place.
"You know, caro. If I weren't so tragically spent, I would certainly take you right here and-"
A hand was placed over Terzo's lips, effectively silencing him...for now, at least. Even after the entirety of your relationship with him, you still find yourself getting flustered and caught off guard by all of his flirting, like it was the first time you've heard it.
"Terzo!"
You squeal in exasperation, your cheeks flushing a bright red.
"Behave yourself, it's bedtime."
You ordered, your tone bossy, save for the embarrassed cracks in your voice. What were you to do with your manbaby boyfriend?
Terzo gently removed your hand from his lips, but he didn't offer another one of his suggestive comments. Instead, he cupped your hand and brought it to his lips, kissing your knuckles with affectionate warmth.
"As you wish, bellissimo."
You smile and shake your head. You were very much used to how charming he could be, and somehow you could never grow tired of it. With careful consideration, you began to dress him in his nightly attire.
"You're such a sap."
You replied, your expression softening into a playful glance as you pulled his night shirt over his head, helping him lift his arms into the arm holes.
"You know me best."
He chuckled, reaching for the pants and dragging them on.
After he was dressed, you swiftly changed into your pajamas, exhaling contently at the contact of the cozy material. Your wardrobe was noticeably less exquisite than your dramatic lover, but that was the least of your worries. Besides, you were going to sleep, who cares about what it looked like? Terzo on the other hand had the most elegant, royal garments. Each material was a delicacy of lace, and fashionable silk. Every individual piece looked as if it costed more than one's average rent cost.
'it must be fit for a Papa'
Is what he replied with when you had asked in stunned curiosity.
You smiled at Terzo, who looked just about ready to crash at any given moment. You gently took his hand in yours and led him to the bed.
Both of you slipped under the covers and immediately pressed against each other, your limbs entangling with his as you both embraced one another. Your hand reached up to cup his face, your thumb caressing his smile lines. His eyes seemed to grow heavy, and his eyelids fought against closing to settle into a peaceful slumber.
He would've fallen asleep, he needed to, desperately. But, he wanted to show his appreciation.
"Thank you,"
He started.
"-for being there to catch me when I fall, to care for me like no other."
He spoke sincerely, his tone filled with adoration rather than his usual flair.
His lips pressed a warm kiss to the top of your head, his gentle hand placed against your neck.
You melted at his gratitude, and your gaze melted into a warm glow. You guessed he hadn't been shown this much care in years, if ever. Being served like a prince and receiving bouts of idolization from fans were not equivalent to pure, unconditional love and loyalty. You were immensely devoted to him. Eternally.
"You don't need to thank me. I love you, and you being taken care of is a priority for me."
Your hand trailed to his shoulder, and your thumb rubbed small, affectionate circles that seemed to express silent passion with unsaid words, yet with so much meaning.
"Rest, my love."
You said tenderly, assuring him that the promise of sleep was near and welcome. Your voice was enough to lull him to sleep.
Terzo didn't need to be told twice. Hs eyes fluttered shut as he held you in his arms. He buried his face into the crook of your neck before letting out a breath of what felt to be foreign relaxation.
"Right."
He spoke tiredly, a heavy yawn escaping his lips.
"I love you, mio belleza"
He spoke against your skin, in which you responded with a drowsy 'I love you' back.
After a few moments of silence, he had spoke again.
"Meliora."
His voice broke the silence. You cocked your head up, a confused expression plastered on your face.
"..what?"
You questioned, unable to understand what that had even meant. You've never heard that word in your life, and he just uttered it so abruptly.
"Meliora. The album will be titled...Meliora."
He announced, a sense of pride evident even through his tired tone.
You blinked in surprise before settling back into your position, pulling him closer to your limp body.
"Yeah? That's a perfect name, honey."
You replied with a fond smile, and you swore you could feel a smile of his own. He didn't reply, and instead his hand trailed up your shoulder and rested in your hair.
At last, the two lovers drifted off to a much needed peaceful sleep. Safe and content in each other's embrace, and without worry of any other nasty stressors.