Day sixteen: high protocol || priest!andy
If there was one thing you knew about Andrew, it was that he was a stickler for the rules. And in turn, he expected you to follow them. He had been getting you alone more and more lately, but he had also been growing less lenient.
It was late on a Sunday night. He had finished his work for the day and had asked you to come, so you did. You found him in his office, sitting at his desk, waiting.
“Hi, sorry I’m late, I was-“ he out a hand up to shush you, his eyes narrowed. You quickly corrected yourself, letting him speak first, as he had always preferred. He beckons you closer, and he pulls you into his lap.
“Praised be God,” he murmurs, kissing your jaw. You bow your head, nodding.
“Now and forever, Amen.”
“Good.” He kissed you again, biting at your neck. You whined.
“Andrew, I-“
“Hm?”
“Sorry- Father. Why did you ask for me?”
“Can I not just wish for your closeness?” He settled you a little better on his lap. “I’m reading. I was hoping you’d keep me company.”
You nod, laying your head on his shoulder. “Yes, Father.”
“Have you prayed today?”
“Not yet.”
“Hm.” He opened the drawer of his desk, pulling out a wooden rosary—the special one he usually kept for you. He laid it in your hands, nudging you down to kneel in front of him. And you did, of course, because you’d always do whatever he said. I signed the cross, and he did the same, laying a palm on my head as I prayed.
“I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty, from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen...” I peeked up at him as I finished, and he nodded, scratching my scalp.
“Amen. Very good, thank you. You’ve memorized that one, haven’t you?” You couldn’t help the way the praise made you feel warm and full. “I didn’t have to help you. I’m very proud.”
I went through the rest of the prayers, stuttering over my words more than a few times, trying to pull them from memory. He helped with a few phrases, but I could tell that with each mistake, his disappointment grew. My hands were shaking by the time I had gotten to the last one.
“O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrectionm has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation. Grant we beseech Thee, that while meditating on these mysteris of the most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
“Amen.” He nodded, pulling you back into his lap, tucking the rosary away and holding you close, pressing another kiss to your hair.
“I’m sorry, Father,” you whispered, having expected some sort of punishment. Tonight, though, he seemed softer. He shook his head, rubbing your back. “I’m trying.”
“You’re improving. It’s alright. Don’t apologize.” He kissed you again, and you relaxed.
You felt content here, with him, regardless of how strict he was. Regardless of how many corrections he gave. You’d always feel safe with him.