Danse_Macabre_Ballerina @danse-macabre-ballerina - Tumblr Blog

RESOLUTION

18+ Explicit (5,695 words) Copia x fem!afab!oc, Copia x Perpetua x fem!afab!oc

Ongoing brotherly drama between Frater Imperator and his twin Papa V Perpetua collides with a growing attraction between Cardi and the new choreographer

What happens at the cast party...stays at the cast party I guess?

Also Cardi & Pet aren't together together in this...that's fine if you're into that, I don't judge, but incest doesn't do it for me.

[Religious Imagery & Symbolism, Brotherly Angst, Smut, Semi-Public Sex, Public Hand Job, Fingering, Gangbang F/M/M, Oral Sex, Cunnilingus, Blow Job, Doggy Style, Missionary Position, P in V Sex, Multiple Orgasms, Romantic Fluff]

Read on AO3

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Frater Imperator paced back and forth along the hallway outside the rehearsal studio, his heels clicking against the marble floors in an erratic rhythm. He felt petulant, agitated, like he did most of the time these days. He tried to tell himself that, logically, he should be very pleased with how the rehearsal had gone, that any success for Ghost was a success for him and a sign of his strong leadership, but the constant all-consuming heaviness in his chest said otherwise. Mira had done a wonderful job with the choreography and the addition of that layer brought up the level of the entire production. It was a bonus that the Ghouls and dancers seemed to get along so well and that Mira and Perpetua had a real creative rapport...but he didn't have to like it. He knew he was getting worked up about nothing, quite literally hot under the collar. He decided to duck into the communal dressing room to splash some cold water on his face in an attempt to cool his temper. Don't have to worry about ruining the face paint anymore, he thought with a heavy sigh.

.

When he opened the door he could hear the sound of a running shower in the background along with a faint, almost angelic voice...a song he knew all too well, but had to admit he hadn't been able to bring himself to listen to in a while. He found himself humming along as he leaned over the sink, a little louder as he grabbed a handful of paper towels, dabbing at the water he'd sprayed across his smart jacket.

"You'd never want me to appear...you'd never want it to be over..."

The singing from the shower stopped abruptly, mid-verse when two voices were so clearly echoing off the tiles. He heard the water turn off, and a tentative head peeked out from the shower curtain, nervous at first but then beaming with an affectionate smile.

"Why Frater, how lovely to hear you sing again," Mira said with genuine enthusiasm.

"Didn't think I still had it in me, eh?", he said, studying his tired-looking reflection in the mirror.

"Nonsense," she chuckled, wrapping a towel around herself before stepping out. "You know, I would never say this in front of Perpetua...but you were always my favorite Papa."

He scoffed, "Not fucking V?"

"No really," she continued, stepping in closer. "You might be surprised how many fans are still not over your promotion."

"Promotion...huh." He sat down on a nearby bench, visibly deflated. "Right."

She observed his vulnerable state, not something she was used to seeing. She was still such a new addition to the Ghost project, but she could tell he was going through...something, sitting down timidly next to him on the bench, pausing for a moment to collect her thoughts, to find the right words that might comfort him. "You know, when I retired from dancing, it hit me really hard. It took me almost a decade to feel like myself again because I couldn't wrap my head around who I was anymore without that being my whole identity. I was really sad, really lost for so long. I pulled away from my family and friends and I felt like I couldn't enjoy anything any more. But gradually, other things filled the holes in my life that were left empty. And now I get to do things that I never would have gotten to do before...like all of this."

He was quiet, visibly considering what she was saying.

"What's the expression...," she continued. "When God closes a door he opens a window?"

"Let us not bring him into this," he said, raising his hands in mock-offense.

"Sorry," she giggled. "No, I mean we don't exist in a vacuum. When something that's such an important part of ourselves is taken away, something inevitably takes its place. When you thought your purpose was one thing and suddenly it's gone...it just takes a while sometimes to find your new purpose. It's okay to feel a little empty, a little aimless...but you can't keep punishing yourself for it."

He took in her words with a shaky sigh and she could see his shoulders relax slightly. "Maybe it is you should be Frater."

"No, thank you. I am quite happy in my current position," she chuckled.

He took her hands and squeezed them earnestly. "In all seriousness, Mira you give very sound advice and you have given me much to think about. Thank you."

"Anytime...Papa," she said with a wink, standing and heading to find a clean set of clothes, seeing him out of her peripheral vision making his way to the door.

"Oh, Mira," he turned back to her just before exiting. "I would like to host a proper cast party this weekend, for you and your dancers. The Ghouls have their own typical way of celebrating that I fear would be...inappropriate. Do you think that would be something they would enjoy?"

She flashed an enthusiastic smile, "I think that's a wonderful idea, Frater. It will be so good for morale."

"Good. Good stuff. I will make that happen," he mumbled as he made his way out the door, suddenly a little self-conscious that such a long conversation had transpired between them with her only in a towel. "And Mira...thank you again."

.

Frater put together quite a subtly elegant affair, hosting a lavish meal with the company of dancers sitting at small round tables scattered around the ballroom, music and dancing, and most importantly a fully stocked bar. He usually found it a tedious chore constantly having to make the plans for the debauchery that was a big part of life at the Ministry, but his new-found friendship with Mira in recent days gave him extra incentive to put extra effort into making it an evening that would express to her how much her support was helping him, better than he ever could in words.

"Is Perpetua not joining us tonight?", she asked as the first course was being served.

He flinched slightly. He hated to hear that name come from her mouth, hated to think that he was on her mind. "No, he is joining in the Ghouls' celebration tonight at my request. They require...supervision."

"Ah, I see," she giggled. "So, you get me all to yourself then?" He looked up suddenly from his plate, taking in her playful, flirtatious expression, a wry smile spreading across her tempting lips. She chuckled to herself at how easy it was to take the wind out of him. It was gradually becoming her favorite pastime.

As dinner wound down, the glow from the chandeliers dimmed giving way to the flashing, colorful lights over the dancefloor in the center of the room. The tempo and volume of the music changed and glasses of wine were replaced with lines of shots. Mira and Frater sat at their table in a dim corner, sipping cups of coffee, observing the writhing, groping bodies of the other guests that seemed to make the entire room sexually charged, an electric buzz hanging in the air that was infectious.

"Are they always like this at a cast party?", he asked, leaning in to Mira's ear to be heard over the loud thumping of the music.

She rolled her eyes and sighed, "I'm afraid so, Frater. I did ask them to try to keep it professional tonight, but once the drinks start flowing...let's just say I hope you have a sturdy lock on the wine cellar and your clean-up crew isn't easily shocked."

He laughed, leaning in closer. "Perhaps I was being naive to worry about keeping them separate from the Ghouls, eh? And please, Mira...we are off the clock, no more of this Frater shit...call me Cardi." He punctuated his last words, placing a hand casually on her bare thigh and for a moment they were both frozen. For the first time all night they were both silent, faces almost close enough to make contact. Even though there was still the leather of his gloves as a barrier between them, the heat from his hand felt scorching hot against her skin.

He was the first to break the stalemate, dropping his focus to her lips, letting his hand drift higher and slightly between her thighs, gripping gently as if he were afraid she might try to escape. "Everyone can see us," she whispered, her voice low and husky, and he could feel her breath hot and ragged against his lips.

"I do not give a shit. Let them see how much I want you." He slid his hand higher, barely grazing her clit through her lace panties and even through the leather of his gloves he could feel the heat radiating off of her. The sudden contact made her gasp, shifting slightly in her seat and spreading her legs to give her better access. It was all the cue he needed, dipping his hand under the thin fabric to run the tips of his fingers through her wet folds. "Look at me, Mira. Stay with me and no one will know that we are having anything more than a conversation...unless you want to give them a show, that is." He circled her clit in lazy, teasing circles, watching her circling her hips slightly, itching for more pressure.

She could feel the heat building within her quickly, the leather against her tender flesh a new sensation that left her feeling both vulnerable and exhilarated. The room around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them. He smiled watching how responsive her body was to his touch, how eager. He slipped a finger inside her, curling it to hit the spot that sent sparks of pleasure coursing through her, through her limbs to her fingertips that gripped the edge of her seat, white-knuckled and shaking. "You are so wet, Mira," he murmured, his voice a low growl against her ear. "I can feel how badly you want this." Before she could respond, a second finger joined, pumping in a steady, relentless rhythm, driving her closer and closer to the edge. She could feel her orgasm building, her body tensing as his thumb pressed against her clit. "Come for me, Mira," he commanded, his voice a husky whisper. "Let me feel you come." With a final thrust of his fingers her body shuddered as waves of pleasure washed over her and he caught her lips in a searing, possessive kiss to stifle her cries. He held her in the lingering kiss as she rode out her orgasm, her body trembling in his embrace. When she finally came back to herself, she looked up at him with heavy-lidded eyes and smiled at him affectionately.

"I think perhaps we should get some air," he whispered, leading her out into the night.

.

The moon was full so the paths through Primo's garden were well lit even at this late hour. Mira and Cardi walked hand-in-hand in a comfortable silence in spite of the passion they had shared just minutes before.

"Cardi, can I ask you something?", Mira finally started quietly.

"Mmm hmm," he answered, lost in his thoughts.

"Why is it that you dislike Perpetua so much?", she asked, her voice full of concern. "I mean, I know you're not happy about him replacing you in the band, but...he is your brother after all."

"Brother....humph," he huffed. "I never even knew I had a brother before. What good does it do me now?" She waited silently for him to continue, seeing the pain wash over his face. "I was not raised by my mother, my father never wanted me, and even my own twin was kept from me. It was so damned...lonely."

"Oh, Cardi...I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have-" Her thought was interrupted by the sight of a slender black-clad figure in the distance, instantly recognizable. "Speak of the devil..." she said, waving him over before he could stop her.

"Are you not supposed to be watching the Ghouls?", Cardi hissed.

"I just now stepped away, C," Perpetua said indignantly. "I am not a fucking babysitter."

"Alright, that's enough. Both of you." Mira stepped between them. "Can we just call a truce already? You're both acting like children."

They stood in a tense silence, tempers smoldering with an underlying pain that was palpable.

"I just...I just do not understand...why you hate me," Perpetua finally said quietly, a slight tremor in his voice.

Cardi's angry expression softened. "I do not hate you. I know none of this is your fault any more than it is mine."

For the first time in the months she'd been working with them, Mira saw the brothers letting their guards down around each other. "It seems to me, that whatever happened to both of you in the past, the people responsible are no longer around to be held accountable or to give you the explanations you're looking for. You have to find some way to heal without that kind of closure. And you have to stop taking it out on each other."

They paused, considering what she had said until Cardi extended a hand to Perpetua, who took it tentatively before an impish grin spread across his face and he wrapped his arms around his brother's waist, pulling him in for a bear hug. Cardi pat his back a few times with a roll of his eyes and Mira giggled at their endearing awkwardness.

Perpetua pulled away abruptly. "Oh shit...the Ghouls. I need to get back before they wreck the place."

"We should head back too," Mira said. "Who knows what kind of mischief the dancers have gotten into by now."

.

As they got closer to the ballroom, Cardi, looking visibly more relaxed, much to Mira's satisfaction, released his grip on her hand, taking a few steps ahead to open the door for her. When he did, his eyes widened dramatically before closing the door quickly.

"What is it?", Mira asked, rushing to catch up to him. "What did they get into this time?"

He cracked the door for her. "Oh, sweet Lucifer!", she exclaimed, clasping both hands over her mouth.

Perpetua ran up, out of breath, a rare look of worry on his face. "We have got a problem, C," he panted. "The Ghouls...they are gone...I do not know where they went..."

"I think we found them," Cardi said, trying his best to be dead-pan, opening the door again. Perpetua peered inside at a sea of pink and grey bodies writhing across every table, chair, and available surface, the unmistakable sounds and smells of sex hanging heavy in the air. Both brothers broke into unrestrained, hysterical laughter at this point, the kind of full-body laughter that made Cardi's usually stern eyes sparkle and Perpetua's sharp teeth reflect the flickering candlelight of the corridor. "So much for keeping them separated tonight," Perpetua chuckled.

Mira still stood, mouth agape. "I...I can't," she stuttered. "Should I be worried about this? Like how dangerous are these Ghouls when they're drunk and frisky?"

"They are mostly harmless, really," Cardi replied, wiping a happy tear from his eye, months of tension and anxiety finally melting away. "Actually, after what I have seen tonight I think they are perhaps in more danger around your dancers."

Mira dropped her head into her hands before throwing her hands in the air, exasperated. "So what do we do now?"

"Join them?" Perpetua's eyes twinkled with mischief and Cardi rolled his eyes.

"Fuck it, I'm in. Let's do it," Mira said and Cardi shot her a look of amusement and surprise. "This night can't get any more bizarre, so why not?"

Perpetua clapped his hands enthusiastically and Cardi relented, "Alright, alright, but back to my chambers, okay? I am past the age of enjoying fucking on a table. A bed, if you please, for our...fun"

.

"How come your tv is so much bigger than mine?", Perpetua whined indignantly.

"Because I am Frater, and you are not-er," Cardi quipped, busying himself lighting candles throughout his small bedroom. "You are perfectly capable of buying yourself one that is larger. Besides, you are about to be away on tour for a year anyway, so what does it matter?" Perpetua huffed.

"And stop getting distracted, you are supposed to be picking out music to put on," Cardi scolded, suddenly aware that Mira was still standing in the center of the room and hadn't spoken since they arrived. "Are you alright, Mira?", he asked gently.

She seemed to snap out of a trance, mumbling, "Hmm?...Oh yeah...sorry...it's just..." She trailed off and Cardi removed his gloves, taking her small hands in his, skin to skin. "...I've just never done anything like this before. It's actually been kind of a long time since I've been with...anyone. I know this is just part of life at the Ministry but...I'm a little nervous...excited, but nervous." Her face burned with embarrassment, nervous tears threatening to wet her cheeks. She was used to being an authority figure next to these powerful men and she was suddenly overwhelmed but the vulnerability of the situation she'd put herself in.

Cardi cupped her cheek, lifting her head to make eye contact with him. "You have nothing to be nervous about. We will not do anything you do not want to do. You know you can trust us."

"We will take care of you, baby," added Perpetua, finally starting the music playing in the background.

Cardi's thumb brushed her cheek as he leaned in, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. His hands explored her body, tracing the curves of her waist and hips, pulling her closer to him. Perpetua approached from behind her and slipped his hands under her dress, his fingers finding the sensitive spots on her thighs, making her gasp into Cardi's mouth. He broke the kiss to look at her, a seductive smile on his face.

"Do you like that?" Perpetua whispered, his fingers inching higher. Mira nodded, her breath coming in short gasps. Cardi's hands moved to her breasts, cupping them through the thin fabric of her dress, his thumbs circling her nipples. Perpetua's hands found her clit, rubbing gently through the damp lace of her panties, making her moan. "You are already so wet, baby," he murmured, nuzzling into the nape of her neck. "You want us to take you, don't you?...To completely surrender to us?" Mira nodded again, her eyes heavy with desire. Cardi's kiss was fierce, demanding, as Perpetua's fingers moved faster, making her body tremble. "We are going to make you feel so good, Mira," Cardi promised, his hands guiding her to turn around.

Perpetua grabbed her face roughly with both hands and pulled her in for a quick, fiery kiss before dropping to his knees in front of her. Cardi reached down to the hem of her dress, skillfully peeling it off over her head, the beading only briefly getting stuck in her hair, making them all giggle, easing the tension for a moment. Perpetua pulled off his gloves with his teeth before hooking his fingers in the waistband of her panties, sliding them down her shapely legs. They both took a moment to admire her lean muscles and supple curves and she blushed, feeling especially naked in front of their hungry eyes.

Cardi wrapped his arms around her, letting her lean back against him and Perpetua gripped her thighs, parting her legs to give him better access. Cardi's fingers traced circles around Mira's nipples, his thumb brushing over her sensitive skin, causing her to arch her back slightly. Perpetua had settled between her legs, his tongue tracing lazy patterns along her folds, making her moan quietly. Every so often his pointy teeth would catch on her sensitive flesh and make her jump and squirm at the sensation. Cardi chuckled, charmed by her responsiveness, leaning in to kiss and nip at her neck, his breath hot against her skin. Mira's breath hitched as she felt Perpetua slide two fingers into her, pumping and curling them slowly in sync with his tongue stroking her clit. "Oh, wow...fuck," she gasped, her head falling back onto Cardi's shoulder as waves of pleasure washed over her, raking her hands through his hair. Perpetua could feel her inching towards release, her inner walls quivering around his fingers so he increased their speed and his tongue's pressure on her clit. Cardi's fingers pinched her nipples gently, shocking her senses and making her let out tiny yelps. "Do not fight it, Mira," he whispered against her ear. "Let it overwhelm you." The climax hit her like a tidal wave and Cardi held her tight, supporting her weight when her knees buckled underneath her. Perpetua kept his fingers and tongue moving slowly, drawing out her orgasm as long as possible and easing her down gently. When it had passed, she was breathless and limp in Cardi's strong arms and he gathered her up, carrying her to the bed. Perpetua wasted no time unbuttoning his shirt, wriggling out of his tight jeans so that as soon as she was placed on the bed, he was ready and waiting between her legs.

After depositing her on his bed, Cardi set about undressing himself, never taking his eyes off her. Perpetua leaned forward, kissing her softly, taking his time to explore her mouth with his tongue. He broke the kiss to whisper, "Are you ready for me, baby? I will go slow." and she nodded breathlessly. He sat back up, lining himself up with her entrance, gripping her thighs just below her hips and she rested her hands on top of his, silently urging him on. He pressed into her inch by inch, groaning from the strain. "Mmmm...she is so fucking tight," he growled, holding himself still inside her, letting her get used to the feel of him stretching her walls. Cardi stroked her hair, looking down at her with approval and affection, and she bought her hand on top of his, pressing her head into his gentle touch.

Perpetua's hips began to move, slowly at first, as he watched Mira's face, reading her reactions. She bit her lower lip, her eyes fluttering closed as she adjusted to the sensation of him filling her. His pace quickened, his grip on Mira's thighs tightening as he thrust deeper into her. She moaned, her body arching off the bed, her hands reaching for Cardi, pulling him closer. "Cardi," she gasped, her voice breathy. "I want to taste you." He didn't hesitate, lowering himself to her level on his knees, his cock inches from her face. Perpetua felt her body tense with anticipation and slowed his thrusts, giving her time to adjust. Mira looked up at Cardi, her eyes filled with desire, and took him into her mouth, her tongue swirling around his tip, before sucking his entire length into her wet heat. He groaned, his fingers tangling in her hair as he guided her movements. "You are doing so well," he murmured, his voice deep with approval. Perpetua picked up his pace again, his thrusts deep and steady. The room filled with the sounds of their moans and the wet, slapping sounds of flesh against flesh. Mira's body tensed, her orgasm building as she felt Perpetua's cock swell inside her.

Abruptly, he stopped thrusting and pulled out of her, panting and beaded with sweat. Mira let Cardi's cock slip out of her mouth with a loud pop. "Are you okay?", she asked, propping herself up on her elbows. "What's wrong?" Perpetua chuckled, "Absolutely nothing...you are just so damned tight and I am not ready for this to be over so quickly."

They shifted positions, Cardi rolling her gently and lifting her up to her hands and knees, lining himself up with her dripping pussy and gripping her hips, clenching his jaw in restraint and anticipation. Perpetua stood at the foot of the bed, his erection bobbing at her eye level, resting on her open lips, stroking her cheek tenderly. Perfectly synchronized, they both eased into her and she let out a shuddering moan from deep in her chest that sent vibrations through both of them. "Fuck," Cardi growled. "She is so perfect."

Mira shifted her weight to one arm so she could use her hand to assist her mouth and tongue stroking the length of Perpetua's cock and he held her shoulders firmly to stabilize her. Cardi started thrusting into her slow and deep, letting her feel the delicious friction of every vein, every ridge with each roll of his hips. He kept his tempo steady, allowing her time to concentrate. She was starting to see stars, Cardi teasing her g-spot with every thrust combined with the angle of her neck that was starting to make it hard to breathe, when she felt Perpetua start to pulse against her tongue. "I am close, baby," he grunted. "Where do you want me to come?" She tightened her grip on him, sucking harder, leaving no doubt and he cried out, running his fingers roughly through her long brown hair, pumping load after load down her throat before slumping to the floor in front of her with a whimper.

Cardi stroked her ass tenderly, giving her a moment to catch her breath. He leaned forward, trailing small kisses across her back before pulling her upright, lifting her slightly until she was pressed tight against his hips, resting comfortably on his muscular thighs. "Fuck," she sighed. "It's so deep."

"Too much?", he asked, studying her face for any signs of discomfort.

"No, it's wonderful." He smiled against her neck, tightening his grip around her waist. She kept one hand gripped tightly around his arms pressed against her stomach. The other she snaked around his neck, pulling him in for a feverish kiss, whimpering with a deep longing.

Perpetua watched her with a quiet reverence from where he landed on the floor, stroking her shaking thighs with his finger tips, admiring the way she undulated with every roll of Cardi's hips, both of them desperate to keep as much contact as possible. Even with such small movements, the tip of his cock stroked her g-spot relentlessly until her arms and legs were trembling with overstimulation.

"I am so close, Mira," Cardi panted against her ear. "You are gripping me so fucking hard. I cannot last much longer."

Perpetua reached up, circling his thumb around her clit with just enough pressure to send her over the edge, spasming and arching in Cardi's arms with a hoarse, desperate wail. The clenching of her inner muscles around him was more than enough to push him past the breaking point, bucking against her with a primal roar. They clung to each other for who knows how long, sweat drenched and trembling, like they'd just weathered a violent storm together.

Perpetua stood, leaning over Mira with an affectionate smile, smoothing her tousled hair off her face before pressing an appreciative kiss on her lips. "You were incredible, baby." He started making his way to the bathroom, feeling like a bit of a third wheel all of a sudden, calling back over his shoulder, "I am going to get cleaned up...if anyone would like to join me."

"Start without us, V," Cardi called out to him, his voice hoarse and sore. "I think we need a minute."

"I am not ready for this night to be over. I do not want this feeling to end," he said weakly.

"Mmmm hmmm," she hummed, nuzzling against his neck.

"Look at me, Mira." He lifted her head to meet his gaze with a gentle nudge under her chin, her lids fluttering open and closed, barely able to keep them open. He brought his hand down her stomach to rest on her clit, pressing just slightly, making her flinch. "Shhh, I just want to feel you." He tightened his grip around her waist, holding her still, pressing his forehead against hers as he started gently circling and stroking the sensitive bud. Her nerves were still raw and buzzing from her orgasms and she was on the verge of release in what felt like seconds. His slowly softening cock was still buried deep inside her and he could feel every reaction of her body through his hypersensitive skin. She came with choked sobs and he felt every ripple of her pussy, every tremor shaking through her.

He held her in silence while her body continued to shiver, overcome with sensation and emotion. "No more...Fuck, Cardi." Her voice was a barely audible whimper.

"No more, my angel," he whispered, letting his cock slide out of her with a wince, both of them sore and sated. He eased them both to lie down on the bed, bodies still clinging to each other.

"Hey, lovebirds, are you going to come before the hot water runs out or what?", Perpetua called from the bathroom. When he peeked around the door he saw them spooning, tangled, already sleeping deeply.

He chuckled to himself. "Looks like I am sleeping on the couch tonight," he said with a knowing smile, blowing out the last of the candles on his way out.

.

When Cardi woke the next morning, Mira was still sleeping peacefully next to him. Her blissful expression made his thoughts drift back to the events of the night before, the sight of her lovely face awash with pleasure, her total surrender in his arms. He gave her a tiny kiss on the forehead before creeping out of bed, careful not to jostle and wake her before heading to the kitchen. Perpetua had already been up for a while and was pouring fresh coffee into three mugs.

"Ah, C...you are finally awake," he said jovially. "I thought you two were going to sleep the day away."

Cardi rubbed his eyes, taking a steaming cup from his brother's hands with a grateful smile. "Yeah...uh...we were a little worn out, I guess."

They sipped their coffee for a few moments in silence. Perpetua was the first to speak. "So, last night was...a lot of fun."

"Yes, it was."

"Pretty intense too."

"Yep."

"So, when are you going to tell the girl?" Perpetua was grinning now.

Cardi froze, mid-sip. "Tell her what?"

Perpetua rolled his eyes dramatically. "That you are crazy stupid in love with her, of course. I know you and I still do not know each other very well, but a blind man could see it."

Cardi rubbed his temples, a headache setting in from last night's revelry. "It is...complicated, V. We work together. I do not want to jeopardize that."

"That is exactly the problem," Perpetua said, stepping in closer. "If you do not tell her, she will finish this job and leave and you will have missed your chance."

Cardi took another sip of coffee, considering Perpetua's words.

"I just do not want to see you end up like our everyone in our family...alone. If you can find happiness with Mira, you need to hold onto her like grim death. Do not be an idiot." He made his way to the front door, giving one last glace back and a wink at Cardi before exiting. "But what do I know?"

.

"Good morning, beautiful," Cardi said as he opened the blinds to let in the morning sunshine.

Mira stretched and snuggled back under the cozy blankets. "Mmmm...`Morning. I can't believe how late I slept. You should have woken me."

"Not a chance you looked far too enchanting." He sat on the edge of the bed next to her, handing her a steaming mug of coffee. "V left this for you."

"Oh, is he already gone?" She took a large sip, relishing the feeling of warmth that spread throughout her achy body.

"Yes, he needed to go check on the Ghouls, see how much damage they did last night."

"It seemed to me they were too busy with other activities last night to get into too much trouble." She smirked over the rim of her cup.

"I don't know. The last time they got that rowdy we had to spend the next month's budget on stained glass repairs because they decided to set off firecrackers in the Chapel."

She almost spit out her coffee and he laughed affectionately at her genuine response. As the room fell silent, Cardi noticed a change in her demeanor, like she wanted to tell him something but was trying to find the right words, placing her cup down on the bedside table and fidgeting with her hands nervously in her lap.

"Listen...about last night," she started, staring down at her hands. "I'm sorry I got so emotional. I'm not sure what got into me."

"Do not dare apologize for that, Mira." He leaned in to brush a stray wisp of hair behind her ear. "It was a very intense evening. The emotion...I felt it as well."

She looked a bit stunned, taking in what he'd said. He interrupted his own train of thought, feeling suddenly self-conscious that he'd said too much. "I should give you some privacy now, so you can dress for your day." He was almost at the door when he heard her speak again.

"It's just...These days I never stay anywhere for long. Stage a show here, teach a few classes there...then move on to the next city."

He turned back to face her, taking a few steps closer.

"I'm not used to it mattering to anyone whether I stay or go," she continued quietly, a slight tremor in her voice. "But would it...matter to you?"

"My angel," he whispered, running to her, wrapping his arms around her. They tumbled together into the tangled sheets and he pulled her in to his chest hard enough to knock the wind out of her, promising himself that he would spend every day proving to her how much he wanted her to stay.

.

If you like this story, check out my others on AO3, always guaranteed to be smut-tastic. Comments and suggestions are always welcome. Thanks for reading!

@copiasslut @blackberries45 @ghoulish45 @thegholdenghoulz @gh0ul-dinner

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