Yesterday as I looked at photos of Perpetua, I decided to look back on what ideas I had for her and Andrei. I'm glad I did.
It helped me realize why I wasn't liking this next chapter. It felt like I was on track, but at the same time I wasn't.
I thought I'd be mad at myself for having to start over again (I've done so, like, three times). Nah. I'm just really happy I remembered how I wanted this to go.
If I don't have this chapter out by the end of this year, hopefully it'll be ready in the beginning of the new one.
Summary: From the moment Perpetua’s eyes met Andrei’s, he felt something new. It couldn’t be “love at first sight.” It doesn’t exist. Yet as the days go by, his undead heart races at the mere thought of them. From their first meeting to sweet and questionable methods of courting, Perpetua is determined to make Andrei his. No matter what.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2: Some Sort of Possession <- ( ao3 link )
Summary: Perpetua is experiencing something unlike any before. What could it be?
“I was never really insane
except upon occasions
when my heart was touched.”
- Edgar Allan Poe
Perpetua’s sermon was a success! The congregation had fallen in love with the new Papa. So much so, they forgot how late he was! He barely stuttered, spoke with clear enunciation, and when mistakes were made, he was able to laugh it off. He had them eating out of the palm of his hand. The new anti-pope was very happy to see that they liked him. He felt more grateful to the usher who escorted him. Their words of encouragement rang in his head all through the service.
“The congregation believes in you, Papa. And so do I!”
“The congregation believes in you, Papa. And so do I!”
“...believes in you.”
“...believes in you.”
“Papa.”
“I!”
…
“I believe in you, Papa!”
…
Yup. That’s exactly what they said. And with such a lovely voice.
Perpetua had begun to question what his body was experiencing inside. Yes, Andrei’s voice echoed in his brain. It caused warmth to spread throughout his cold body. There was a rose tint in his vision. His undead heart was beating like never before. Along with it, a strange piercing pain, as if struck by a weapon. But there wasn’t a sign of impalement on his chest nor back. These symptoms began when his eyes met theirs. Beautiful, beautiful eyes…
He wanted to meet with Andrei again, to see why his was feeling this way. Did they cast some sort of spell on him? Were they a witch with such great power? Also...what did they think of his sermon? Did he do alright, did he stay on topic, could they hear him loud enough?
As everyone else began to make way for the exits, his eyes locked in on the ushers. Andrei wasn’t among them. Where could they be? He thought it was best to look for them now. He was ready to leave the podium, until he heard the snapping of fingers. Damn it.
When Perpetua looked, there stood his annoyed brother. Frater Imperator pointed at a line that had formed by the stage. Looks like a few people wanted to speak with him, hopefully for a minute. Perpetua pouted for a second before changing into a somewhat decent smile. His search for Andrei will have to wait.
And what a long wait it was going to be.
It slipped his mind that the rest of the day would be non-stop meetings. This first one was with the High Clergy. Frater was present and by Perpetua’s side was his newly summoned ghoulette, Haze. Overall, the Clergy welcomed Perpetua to the main abbey, praised his sermon, and reminded him of what was expected of him as Papa: to attract new followers and world domination. For the most part, he was attentive. Taking his own notes and chiming in with his own ideas. In the back of his mind though, his interaction with Andrei replayed without pause.
They were a frightened little thing, which couldn’t be helped with how he must have towered over them. And his white eye. It always startled people at first. Then again, he was staring. He’s been told before he can be quite intense. But he couldn’t help it! Their eyes had some sort of magnetic pull to him.
Behind their thick-framed glasses were a pair of hooded eyes. Like dark chocolate. Delectable, exquisite. In low light, they looked almost obsidian. There was a unique trait: a brown speck next to one iris. And what lovely lashes! Like those of a Venus fly trap, with the way he wanted to be ensnared in their gaze. The dark circles underneath told a history of sleepless nights.
Like a haunting beauty, wandering a haunted house. A house he’d like to explore—
“Papa!” a clergyman shouted.
Perpetua froze. He looked around to see that they were all looking at him. Frater had a disapproving expression while Haze covered her mouth, holding in a giggle.
“Is there something occupying your mind?” the clergyman asked.
“N-No. Not at all. Please, continue,” he chuckled nervously.
“Very well, Papa.”
Hearing people address him with that title still gave him the chills, but not as big a chill when Andrei said it.
“I believe in you, Papa!”
Yes, they really said that.
“You look exquisite, Papa.”
That one really boosted his ego. Now he found himself craving their voice even more, to hear them say “Papa”. Hm, maybe “My Papa?” The ends of his lips began to curl up, making a goofy smile on his face. Yes, “My Papa” had a nice ring to it.
---
After what felt like one hundred meetings (it was really three so far), Perpetua decided it was time for lunch. While he waited in the meeting room, he thought back to his symptoms. So far the beating had slowed down somewhat, as well as the warmth of his body. What continued was that weird pain in his heart. It wasn’t of fury or melancholy, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. He began to wander back to Andrei, this time focusing on their appearance. Very pleased with himself that he took a quick second to look them over when he did.
Their hair was as dark as their eyes, with a few curls sticking out of their bun. There was a hint of coconut and oat. Their nose was wide, and the nostrils…for some reason, a pied butterfly bat came to mind. Probably not wise to tell them that. Their lips were small, but looked soft and inviting. How he wanted to paint them with his! Chubby cheeks he wanted to cup in his hands, occasionally bite at. Yes, he memorized every detail of their face. Every line, every dark spot. The need to plant kisses all over.
The skin tone was much tanner than his pale complexion. What ethnicity could they be? Was that okay to think about? Just curiosity, that’s all. Perfume wise there was strawberry, peony, and citrus. As for their body, oh how he wanted to get on his knees and thank Satan! So deliciously plump! He couldn’t help but imagine clawing all over them. To squish, kiss, and bite. Ah, perhaps it was desire that he was experiencing. But why was it just affecting his heart?
He jumped out of his thoughts when a Haze dropped an ice bucket in front of him. Inside were two blood bags. Softly thanking the ghoulette before grabbing a bag.
“Master, may I speak?” Haze asked.
“Yes, my dear.”
“You are very distracted today. Why is that?” she tilted her head.
“Oh, um… Well, it’s my official first day as Papa. I guess my feelings are, uh, getting overwhelmed,” he slurped.
“I see. I thought maybe you had found a potential mate—“
Perpetua nearly spat out his drink. He swallowed once he recomposed.
“W-What are you talking about? What mate?” he coughed.
“You have the eyes of someone who has spotted a mate,” she smiled. “I believe you call it love at first sight.”
“...I haven’t done such a thing,” Perpetua responded.
“If you say so, Master.”
“Let me know when the next group comes in.”
“Yes, Master!”
As she left the room to stand guard, Perpetua finished up the first bag. For a moment, he debated whether to drink the second one. Might as well, can’t let it go to waste. His brows furrowed as he slurped it, thinking about what Haze said.
The symptoms… Was it really love at first sight?
No! That seemed silly! Here he was, a creature in his fifties, contemplating such a thing! He wasn’t a boy of eighteen nor a woman of twenty. He remembered being that boy and woman. Crushes were easy to experience. The idea of love at first sight, it was preposterous!
Yes, Andrei looked appealing to him. Who wouldn’t be? Yes, they were nice. That’s part of the job. He didn’t really know them. Perpetua was still adjusting to his new life, and the toll it had taken on him. Perhaps Andrei’s genuine friendliness was just a breath of fresh air he needed. That’s why he feels so strongly for them. Sounded logical enough.
Perpetua was satisfied with this. There would be no further distractions.
---
Or so he thought.
Slowly, his focus was lost throughout the meetings. Haze ended up having to take notes for him. Sometimes, he’d look around at everyone, and imagine Andrei in the room. When he looked over at his brother, there they were standing behind him. His vision became pink again.
The last meeting felt longer than the others, but it could be that Perpetua was getting antsy. He barely responded with “Mmhm” or “Yes.” He really tried to focus. Unfortunately, Andrei was a spirit that was now possessing his mind. They wouldn’t leave him alone, repeating “I believe in you, Papa!” over and over, looking into his eyes with that cute smile of theirs.
...He wondered if their persona was the same outside of work. Do they like their job? When’s their birthday? What’s their favorite season? Do they have family, pets? What are their likes and dislikes? Favorite food? And...were they seeing anyone at the moment? What do they like in a partner?
Whatever was stabbing his heart was pushed even further.
He’d like to court them.
How will he do it? Letters, poems, flowers, a song? Would they mind him holding their hands as he confessed to them? What exactly would he confess? That they had bewitched him and he wanted more of it? He’d love to take them on a date. Maybe a simple dinner and a movie, with some dancing. A stroll in the graveyard afterwards. If that was too much, they could have a movie night in his chambers. Did they like video games? Hopefully they wouldn’t mind an old SNES. Maybe art is more up their alley. There are a few museums in town they could explore together. If they liked to shop, he’d get them anything they wanted. He’d do anything for his Andrei.
Wait.
His Andrei?
No, no, no. They weren’t his.
Focus, Perpetua!
…
It’d probably feel wonderful to cuddle with them, to have them pet his hair as he rested his head on their chest. Would it be okay if he kissed them? Maybe drank from them? Their shirt had two buttons undone. He wanted to undo a few more, to swipe his tongue against their neck before sinking his fangs in. Would they hiss or whimper? What’s their blood like? Sweet or tart? Smooth or sharp?
And…what if Perpetua wanted to do more? Consume them in other ways, ways that would make them scream the Holy Spirit’s name? To have them call out for their Papa...or even Mama. Taking a turn to the erotic: sloppy make-outs, heavy breathing, smudged make-up, the ripping of clothes, electrifying foreplay, and all the positions he could picture. Hell, they could do it in this room! Would they be too shy for that? He’d love to show everyone that Andrei was his—
“Uh, hello? Papa?” a voice called out.
“You idiot, pay attention!” Frater scolded.
Perpetua blinked. When his eyes refocused, he saw that Frater was glaring at him while the Director of the band project looked confused and concerned. The Director! Right, this was the band management meeting. He couldn’t recall a single detail that went on, not even if he had greeted them when they came in. When did they? Never mind that for now.
“Uh… Yes?” Perpetua asked.
“Papa, we’re reviewing the stage plans for the tour,” explained the Director. “We wanted to know if you’re still okay with the body double and trap door bit.”
“Oh. Apologies for my behavior. My...My head is not in the right place,” he coughed, his legs squeezing together underneath the table.
“It’s quite alright. We’ll go over it again, okay?” the Director smiled.
---
When it was finally over, the only ones left inside were Frater and Perpetua. As Frater gathered the paperwork and some binders, Perpetua was debating his feelings again. Had he really fallen for Andrei? It was something he wanted to test out, and that could only be accomplished by meeting with them again. Maybe he could ask Frater about them, as much as it was hard to hold a conversation with him. But, anything was better than nothing!
“Lucifer, we need new chairs. My back didn’t like,” Frater grumbled as he got up from his seat. “Now, let’s get out of here.”
“Um… Frater…”
“What?”
“About the usher who escorted me this morning,” Perpetua started.
“This morning? Oh, you mean Andrei.”
“Yes, I was wondering…” He paused. It’d probably be weird to ask their work schedule. “...How long have they been with the Ministry?”
“I think about a few years. Why do you ask about them?”
“I just wanted to say they’re a wonderful employee.”
“That’s all? I mean, you’re not wrong. That’s why I personally promoted them last year!” Frater said in a proud stance.
“I’m also wondering—“
“Wait a minute,” Frater raised a brow. “You’re not thinking of taking them on your damn tour, are you?”
“I’m mad I didn’t think of that, but you’ll just deny that request anyway,” Perpetua thought. “No, not at all.”
“Good! You’ve already taken my ghouls, I won’t have you taking my fucking employees as well!” Frater huffed. “Now time to go! Chop, chop!” he motioned toward the door.
Perpetua nodded as he stood up, adjusting his vestments before following his brother out the room. For the rest of the night, Perpetua tossed and turned in his coffin. Even now, the thoughts of Andrei wouldn’t cease. His imagination persisted with some sweet scenes and some hot. They always ended with both of them looking deeply into each other’s eyes.
He was thankful to Satan that he didn’t need to sleep for a long while.
That’d explain the weird things going on inside him, like the piercing pain in his heart and his stomach fluttering with bats. Sometimes, he’d have a goofy smile on his face. Throughout the meetings, he was slowly losing focus.
This was silly though! Here he was, a creature in his fifties, contemplating such a thing! He was not a boy of eighteen nor a woman of twenty. It couldn’t have been "love". Physical attraction? Yes! Yes, that’s it! In the quick moment he was able to look them over, they were very appealing.
Summary: From the moment Perpetua’s eyes met Andrei’s, he felt something new. It couldn’t be “love at first sight.” It doesn't exist. Yet as the days go by, his undead heart races at the mere thought of them. From their first meeting to sweet and questionable methods of courting, Andrei will be his. No matter what.
Chapter 1: First Impressions <- (AO3 Link)
Summary: It's Perpetua's first sermon and he goes missing. Brother Andrei is sent to fetch him.
It’s a very special day for the Ministry of Ghost. The newly anointed Papa V Perpetua is to give his first public sermon. Unlike the previous papas, he didn’t have a proper coronation. Rumor has it that Frater Imperator didn’t bother giving him one. This was to make up for it. Since the early morning, staff had been running around, getting the cathedral ready. And no staff was as busy as the ushers.
The ushers are the real heart of the church. They provided cleanliness, organization, security, and above all else, a welcoming aura. And to be an usher for the Ministry, one must go above and beyond. Especially, one who is the Head Usher.
Brother Andrei, and their can of Monster, made sure that all would go according to plan. The temperature of the place to be at a comfortable degree, extra seating being provided for the overflow of devotees, that the acolytes were provided with candles, wafers, and incense, plenty of pamphlets and music sheets to give out, having security ghouls escort the new papa upon his arrival, etc. And all with the most positive attitude they could muster.
After all was said and done, and their clipboard covered in check marks, Andrei decided to patrol the perimeters. As much as they wanted to attend the sermon, they felt it best to go get some fresh air. There’s always next time. Right now, they just wanted to clear their mind and relax.
Until their walkie-talkie began to make noise.
They hoped it was nothing big that needed attention as they took the device off their belt loop.
“S-Sir, we have a situation,” a voice spoke.
“What’s the matter?” they asked.
“Uh, well, the new Papa. He’s, uh…”
“What? The cushion on the throne too flat? Too much sunlight? Don’t tell me he went through all the blood bags already…”
“No, none of that! He’s-” the voice was cut off by another coming through.
“BROTHER ANDREI!”
Oh no. It’s Frater Imperator.
“WHERE’S THAT FUCKING IDIOT?!” he shouted.
“…Who?”
“THAT BROTHER OF MINE!”
“Oh. First off, calm the fuck down.”
“…My apologies.”
“Thank you. Second, I honestly don’t know. I literally saw, with my own eyes, the ghouls escorting him inside the place.”
“It’s been ten minutes and there is no papa at the helm! I need you to find him!”
“I see… Okay, I’ll have my team sniff him out immediately. Is that all?”
“Yes and hurry! I am counting on you as Dux Portero!”
---
Andrei should’ve known better than to let their guard down for a second. There had to be a bump in the road. And from this new papa of all people! Why did Frater wait that long to give them the heads up? They should cut him some slack. He’s still getting used to his new position, plus the addition of a new brother.
It didn’t take long for the ghouls to sniff out Perpetua. Andrei was surprised when they reported he was hiding in a coat closet of all places. Thankfully, he wasn’t crawling on the ceilings or hiding in the crypts. Once Andrei arrived, they gently shooed the ghouls away, assuring them that they could handle it from here. They picked up their walkie.
“Hey Frater, you there?”
“Did you find him?” he asked.
“Yes, Sir. On our way, ASAP.”
“I knew you could do it! Bravo!”
“Give your applause to the ghouls, please.”
Attaching the walkie back to the belt loop, Andrei stared at the door for a moment. It just hit them that this will be their first time meeting Perpetua. They had been busy with the preparations, there was no chance to introduce themselves properly. Only viewing him from afar. What could he be like? They say he’s Frater’s twin. Same personality, perhaps? Is that even possible from being separated for so long?
They looked over their outfit. Were they decent? No stains to be seen. Hair kept in a neat bun. Glasses are smudge-free, their name tag easy to read. Being on the heavy side, they were afraid the clothes might look tight on them. No way. They looked fine. Andrei hugged their clipboard as they cleared their throat. Here we go!
“Papa V Perpetua?” Andrei knocked on the door. “Your dark excellency?”
A noise was heard. Something hit the floor.
“I apologize if the ghouls startled you in any way,” Andrei continued. “I also apologize that we are meeting like this. I am Brother Andrei, head usher for the Ministry. Frater has told me you are running late. So, I’m here to escort you back.”
No response.
“Please? Your sinful patrons are waiting for you.”
Still nothing. Andrei shrugged and pulled their phone out. They set a timer for five minutes. Looking at their notifications, Frater sent them a text. It said he was going to stall the crowd until they got there. That’s something at least. Andrei set a thumbs up and started to scroll through the social medias. When the timer went off, they put their phone away.
“Okay, Papa. We really should get going,” they said.
Perpetua still hadn’t come out of the closet. Andrei felt a joke of some sort, but couldn’t come up with it at the moment.
Most of the time, Andrei can be patient. It’s one of their valued qualities as a worker, and what helped them get employed at the Ministry.
Patience is a virtue, but this isn’t a Catholic church.
“Pardon my mannerisms, Papa,” Andrei began, their tone slightly annoyed. “I really don’t have time for this and you got people waitin’!”
With that, they grabbed the handle and flung the door open. A startled hiss came out. There stood Perpetua, dressed in his new vestments. Andrei thought Frater had the shiniest vestments. That’s no longer true. Perpetua could barely fit in there and was crouching. Gloved hands gripping onto his mitre. When they looked up at him, his eyes locked with theirs.
Andrei’s annoyance melted away, now replaced with unease. His eyes continued to pierce into theirs, like he was examining their soul. They remembered the feeling. It was the same one when they first met Frater as a cardinal. It’s that white eye, Satan’s eye. Perpetua finally broke contact for a moment to look Andrei over, his nose wrinkling. When he looked away, their shoulders relaxed as they exhaled. They hadn’t realized they were holding in their breath.
“So, uh, let’s go?”
Perpetua shook his head no, and sinked further into the closet as best he could.
Oh, right. Andrei mentally slapped themselves. They should’ve known better. Papa or not, his head was probably not in the right head space.
“I’m sorry. You feelin’ nervous?”
Perpetua looked at them and nodded.
“That’s okay. Uh, is it ‘cuz of Frater?”
He shook his head no.
“The higher clergy people?”
No.
“Afraid of messin’ up?”
A shrug.
“Or… you afraid they won’t like you?”
His pointed ears perked up at those words. He nodded, hands really squeezing the mitre now.
“I see.”
Andrei got as close as they thought they were permitted.
“Well… Can’t know for sure ‘til it’s done, right?” Andrei started. “I’m sure they’re gonna like you. That new single of yours really helped boost your popularity! If that helps,” they shrugged.
“...”
“I… I really liked it!” they admitted.
“… You did?” His first words.
“Oh shit, you can talk! I mean… Yeah, I loved it!”
Perpetua’s grip loosened some as he took in their words. Looking over their face, he could feel they were being genuine, and could hear how fast their heart was beating.
“And… my appearance in the video?” he asked softly.
“Huh? Sorry, I’m hard of hearin’.”
“The video. Was my appearance liked too?” he spoke up.
“Oh absolutely! It’s all everyone’s been talkin’ about,” they smiled.
Finally, Perpetua stepped out, with Andrei moving back to give space. They’re used to being short, but seeing him straightened up, they were surprised at how tall he was. About the same height as Frater, maybe an inch taller. Could be the shoes, though.
“Brother Andrei, is it?” he asked, looking down at them.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Andrei… I’m sorry for keeping everyone waiting, especially you,” he started. “I’ve had to deal with a lot of things lately. New residence, new family, new position… It can be a lot at times. I find my tongue being held by an imp of some kind,” he chuckled.
They nodded, and scratched the back of their head.
“I’m not sure what to say to that. I get not likin’ change, but it’s a natural thing,” they said. “You were chosen for this path for a reason.”
They smiled at him.
“Satan sees potential in you. A papa once said, “The Dark One believes in us just as we believe in him.” Not sure if I quoted that correctly, but the statement stands. The congregation believes in you, Papa. And so do I!”
A lump formed in Perpetua’s throat, but he swallowed it. He reached for Andrei’s free hand. Lifting it up to his lips, he planted a kiss. Andrei couldn’t help but blush, hoping he wouldn’t notice. A mark was left.
“Thank you, Andrei! Your lovely words have touched me,” he smiled at them. “I feel like I can face my new flock with ease now.”
“I-It’s nothin’, really,” they chuckled shyly. “How ‘bout we get goin’?”
“Of course, my dear,” he smiled, kissing their hand again.
Once Andrei gently pulled away, Perpetua put on his headpiece.
“How do I look?” he asked.
As they looked him over, Andrei felt a slight tingle down their spine. They began to have thoughts, very bloody thoughts. But, those can be saved for another time.
“You look exquisite, Papa,” they bowed.
At last, Andrei’s mission was complete. Not only were they able to escort Perpetua back, they helped melt away his nerves in their own way. Despite being very late, everyone welcomed him with open arms! The sermon was a success. The high clergy seemed impressed and Frater didn’t lose his head, for now. It was times like these that reminded Andrei the number one duty of a Ghost usher: to make someone feel like they belonged here. And what an impression they left on Perpetua.
A very special impression.
Thank you for giving the first chapter a chance (￣ー￣)b
