Softly Into The Night
PapaIV x Reader
sfw, comfort.
*𖤐*
The night was draped in a velvety darkness as you found yourself alone in Copia’s dimly lit chambers. The echoes of haunting melodies still resonate in your mind, the remnants of midnight mass that had been led by him this night. Despite the eerie ambiance, there was an undeniable allure to the quietude that surrounded you as you awaited the man himself.
Sitting at the edge of his large canopy bed lost in your thoughts, you couldn't shake the feeling of longing that tugged at your heart. The enigmatic Papa had captivated your soul with his hauntingly beautiful voice and mysterious presence long ago, before he even earned this role, for he had been the shy and silly Cardinal back then. There was a gentleness behind his full eyes, there always had been, and you had longed to offer him the comfort and love he may seek in his demanding role for the clergy.
Just as you were lost in these musings, a soft voice called out from behind you, accompanied by the soft creak of an opening door. "Il mio tesoro, there you are."
Startled yet delighted, you turned to find Papa, still dressed in his robes, his mismatched eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight.
"Oh, Papa," you greeted, a warm smile gracing your features.
The embrace of silence was all-encompassing, and without the need for words he walked over to you, taking you into a big hug. His presence was always a comfort to you, as yours was to him. Since the first night you had shared his chambers he couldn’t keep his hands off of you, though you had no issue with it and even so he had checked many times, his longing to stay near you and touch you was all too strong; hugging you, kissing your temple every few minutes or just sitting, the smallest thing like your pinkies linked grounded him. He gave a deep, contented yet shaky sigh.
He was relaxed against you, but you could still feel the tension in his shoulders and back.
"Papa," you whispered softly, "You seem burdened. Is there anything I can do?"
For a moment, he hesitated, but the trust you had cultivated between you over these months encouraged him to more easily open up. "It is a heavy mantle I wear," he admitted. "The expectations, the darkness, it can be overwhelming at times. It's tiring."
In that moment, you knew what he needed—comfort, warmth, and the assurance that he was not alone in his struggles as long as he had you, and if all went to both your visions that would be forever. Without second thought you squeezed him a bit tighter to you, bringing one hand up to stroke through his graying hair.
To your delight, he leaned further into your gentle touch, his head now resting on your shoulder. The scent of incense and leather filled your senses, and you felt the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against your chest.
In the safety of your arms, hidden from prying eyes, Papa always allowed himself to let go, shedding the weight of his on-stage persona and revealing the vulnerability beneath. You caressed his back in soothing circles, assuring him that it was alright to seek solace and support.
"I've got you," you whispered, your words carrying the promise of unwavering love and kindness. He nuzzled closer, his grip on you tightening, as if to anchor himself to the warmth of your presence. The walls he had built around himself for the day crumbled, allowing you to glimpse the tender soul he kept hidden from the world.
For the rest of that night, you cuddled together on his bed, finding warmth in each other's arms. You mumbled stupid jokes to each other, told funny stories and had deep conversations until he shifted to lay his head on your chest, nuzzling into you while you gave a pleasant hum. His arms snaked tightly around you, and before long his soft, steady, melodic snores filled the quiet of the room as the tempting darkness of sleep washed soothing waves over his body.
*𖤐*
Taglist: @copias-girl @papasmicstand @lightbluuestars @random-bl-fan @sweatandwoe
A/N: Thank you lovely @lurancyvenom for proof reading this for me, give her a follow if you're not following her already cause you should!! Edit: AND thanks to her for the title!!
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