Chapter Text
The gold chain was cold against the warmth of Loren's skin. She leaned into Secondo as he fastened the clasp of the necklace, the beautiful deep emerald stone nestled just above her full bosom. Her Papa loved how it looked on her neck, even more so how her breast looked in the final month of her pregnancy. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling as he brought his hands around to caress her.
"Secondo, we can't…we'll be late for your brother's wedding." Loren giggled as he began to kiss along the line of her neck.
"Mmm…we won't be." He hummed against her skin. She was positively irresistible to him now. Round with their children inside her and eyes sparkling whenever she'd glance his way. Secondo was growing more in love with every passing moment.
She turned to face him, kissing him gently before pulling back. "As much as I'd love to, I really don't want us to be late." She explained, eyebrow raised and a grin present on her face.
"Ok tesoro." Secondo conceded, disappointed, but understanding. Loren tried bending herself backward a bit. An attempt to relieve some pressure on her belly and lower back. "They are getting so big, it must be heavy."
"Yes, they are. My back has been killing me all day too." Loren complained, Secondo coming up behind her once more. He put his arms around her, bringing them below her swollen belly. "What are you—"
"I'm trying to help." Secondo told her as he lifted up on her bump, relieving the weight and pressure on her frame. He cradled her belly, feeling the burden he caused to her body.
"Oh Lucifer, that is so much better. Can we just walk around with you like this all day?" Loren laughed, Secondo following right along with her.
"We are almost there, amore. They'll be here soon." He said, giving her a kiss on her shoulder.
"I know, I'm just so ready." Loren sighed, as Secondo gently lowered his hold on her belly.
"Let's get dressed and head down then." Secondo suggested and Loren agreed. She put on a loose, but still elegant castleton green gown, Secondo dressed in his Papal vestments and corpse paint. The two of them, a perfectly matched pair in both presentation and glow. Secondo held out his arm, Loren wrapping around it with hers as they made their way towards the chapel.
The chapel shimmered in golds, accented in hues of deep purples and reds. From the draperies to the flowers, to the centerpieces—it was all a beautiful mix that screamed Terzo and Copia. Loren expected no less from a Papal wedding. Terzo was, after all, the first to marry in years. Copia was most certainly a lucky guy.
Loren made her way down the aisle on Secondo's arm. Terzo watched them as they approached, already on the verge of tears. Loren kissed her Papa as the two of them parted—Loren to Copia's side, Secondo standing beside Terzo. Primo stood centered between them, prepared to officiate the ceremony.
"Fratello." Terzo said, sniffling back, barely composing himself. Secondo put his hand on his little brother's shoulder as he took his place beside him in the sanctuary.
"You are looking handsome and happy. Just as you should be today." Secondo complimented, a rare but welcomed change of pace. Terzo nodded, his nerves showing plainly on his face, a sense of sadness just below the surface.
"I just…I just wish she was here." He told him, Secondo returning his hand to his shoulder. It was rough on Terzo, his mother having passed at such a young age. Papa Nihil was no replacement that was for sure. He took solace in the relationship with his brothers and the love that Copia always gave him.
"I know. I will tell you something...Your mother would have been so proud of you today fratellino. We all are, Copia is a good man." Secondo said, his words warming Terzo's heart, the tears finally escaped him.
"Thank you." Terzo smiled.
"Anytime." Secondo said watching Loren eyeball him from across the nave, worried he'd said something to upset him. Terzo and Secondo both smiled back at her, her hands resting gently on her belly.
"You are also a very lucky man fratello." Terzo said, nodding to Loren.
"I know it." Secondo chuckled, his eyes only on his beautiful Prime Mover. Suddenly the music changed, ambient and light. All eyes turned to the chapel doors and on the arm of Omega, came Copia. He wore a crisply tailored white suit, a rose boutonniere on his lapel, perfectly complementing the purple orchid on Terzo's, and his face radiating with happiness.
As he approached them up front, Copia's heart raced. His face hurt from smiling so much already, he wasn't sure how he'd make it through the day. He looked into Terzo's eyes as he walked down the aisle, it was everything he'd ever dreamed of. When he reached the sanctuary, Omega gave him a hug, sending a thumbs up to Terzo as the couple took each other's hands.
The whole Abbey, along with visiting clergy from around the globe, watched as Copia and Terzo professed their love for one another. Their hearts poured out before all who would listen—a declaration made for eternity. Loren and Secondo were so happy for them. Their vows had Loren holding back the waterworks, Secondo smirking as he watched her.
The evening reception was just as impressive. The newlyweds announced, making their grand entrance into the main hall as husband’s for the first time. The room was filled to the brim with those celebrating. Secondo, awaiting his turn to give a toast.
When it was time he stood, champagne glass in hand and the whole room's eyes on him. He cleared his throat, Loren squeezing his hand to remind him she was by his side. "I must admit when my fratellino first told me that his affections for the Cardinale were more than he'd had for anyone else before, I was skeptical. I worried that he wouldn't be good enough for him. That he wouldn't give him the happiness he deserved. I am pleased to say I was wrong. Cardinal Copia you are every bit deserving of Terzo's love and admiration. I am grateful to Lucifer that you have found each other. From the bottom of my heart, welcome to the family."
The roar of applause poured over the hall. Terzo cried and held Copia's hand in his, as Secondo sat back down beside Loren. The night was magical and the celebration was perfect. As the night continued Copia and Terzo, making their rounds to thank all who attended while Loren and Secondo kept mostly to themselves.
"Hmm" Loren said, shifting a bit in her chair.
“Do you want me to get you anything tesoro.” Secondo asked, noticing that Loren looked a little flushed.
“I’m ok my back is just really bothering me and I honestly need to pee.” she whispered. Secondo exhaled through his nose with his amusement.
“Do you want me to accompany you?'' he asked her. Loren shook her head as she rose from her seat.
“I think I can manage peeing on my own Papa.” she laughed as she left him at the table. Loren made her way out, a prayer sent that her bladder would withstand the wait as she tried to reach the exit. She was stopped more times than she could count. Congratulations, wished and well meaning, but intrusive hands on her pregnant belly paired with an overfilled bladder made her a frustrated woman. She was thrilled when she finally reached the archway of the hall’s entrance.
“Oh Loren.” Copia said, bumping into her. Terzo, engrossed in conversation with some of the American ministries clergymen standing closely by. Copia was as per usual going along for the ride, and happy to see her.
“You looked so handsome tonight Copia. I am so happy for you and Terzo.” Loren said, hugging and squeezing him tightly in her arms.
“Thank you, and we are so happy for you too…any day now, sí?” he asked her. Copia held her arms out to get a better look at her. The Cardinal glanced back up toward the head table and nodded to Secondo. The Papa kept a watchful eye on his Prime Mover as she attempted to leave the hall.
“Yup the sooner the better.” she chuckled, “Anyways I will come visit the two of you later, but I must get going.” Loren explained, her raised brows and uncomfortable tone told Copia all he needed to know.
“Well see you then.” Copia smiled as Loren finally was able to leave.
The hallway was quiet, a welcome change from the excitement inside the hall. Loren made her way briskly towards the bathroom. Her footfalls echoing as she stepped. After spending entirely too much time lifting up her dress, she was able to relieve herself. Loren sang praises to Lucifer that she made it on time before a well placed kick or roll made her have an accident.
She washed her hands, then patted them dry, all the while hearing stirring from outside in the hall. She thought absolutely nothing of it until she went to leave. Loren walked from inside the bathroom and was met face to face with Father Thomas. He had returned with others from the California ministry for the wedding. Oh no there must have been an oversight that he was allowed back…that has to be it, she thought to herself as she prepared for the uncomfortable interaction.
“Father Thomas?” She began, hoping that he would move from her path and say no more, a short lived hope when she caught the scent of alcohol wafting off of him.
“Well now…look at you.” Thomas said, stumbling a bit in his gait. Loren could tell he has been drinking—a lot. He stood before her, blocking the exit from the bathroom and insisting on bringing himself closer to her as she spoke.
“Thomas…what are you even doing here?” she asked him.
“Well I figured I’d check out this mo–momentous occasion. I am a member of the Clergy now.” Thomas said, slowly forcing Loren back against the doorframe. She wanted to scream out for Secondo, but was unsure with Thomas in his altered state, what kind of danger she may be capable of.
“Thomas—” she started as he placed a finger to her lips and brought himself so close that he grazed her stomach. He looked down between them, his gaze sending an icy chill down Loren's spine.
"Musht be gettin' real close…and I heard there's two of' em." He said, slurring a bit with his words. Loren swallowed back hard as she felt the warmth of his breath on her neck and his hand sliding up and beneath her dress.
“You should be mine.” he hummed, his hand dangerously close to her inner thigh. Loren began to cry, her tears streaming over her cheeks as Thomas kissed along her neck.
“Please don’t do this Thomas.” she cried. The Father groaned, his mind hazy with regret and desire—spurred on by inebriation and Loren's intoxicating scent.
“I will do with you as I please.” Thomas spoke, just as his hand met with Loren’s panties. She closed her eyes tightly, falling apart as she prepared for him to hurt her. Suddenly the weight of him disappeared and Loren opened her eyes to see Secondo tearing Thomas away from her.
“You filthy mother fucker!” Secondo howled, sending his right fist directly into Thomas' cheek. The blood, already pooling beneath his eye. “You will pay for this with your life!” Secondo promised as his fist once again met with Thomas' mouth.
“Papa—I” Thomas began, spitting blood onto the floor. Secondo would prefer to end him right there. The fight continued, Thomas swinging haplessly as Secondo struck him over and over. Suddenly Terzo, Cardinal Marimonti, and a few other members of the Clergy came barreling down the hall.
“Stop! Don’t kill him!” Terzo called out as he ran towards him. Secondo kept whaling on Thomas, the Father falling limp to the ground.
“He deserves everything I have to give!” Secondo hissed, the anger in his eyes fuming and his thirst for blood clouding his judgment. Terzo held him back from picking the man up and beating him again. Secondo's fist was bloodied and swollen, his fury still burning through him.
“Stop! He’s out.” Father Marimonti yelled, dropping to his knees beside him. He confirmed that Father Thomas had been knocked out, but was luckily still alive. Loren stood along the wall, shaking and upset. She felt sick, her skin crawling—still feeling his hands on her.
“Fratello what happened?” Terzo asked, Secondo taking in a deep breath and trying to calm back himself down. He went to Loren, visibly shaking and upset, bringing her into his arms.
“He tried to—to.” Loren began, Secondo cutting her off so she wouldn't have to finish. Terzo and the others knew exactly then what had almost occurred.
“Be glad I didn’t kill him.” Secondo growled. He held Loren close, kissing her and holding his hand on hers, resting on her belly.
“Terzo I am so sorry I–” Loren spoke, so upset about everything and that this had ruined Terzo and Copia’s wedding.
“You did nothing wrong, sorella. Don’t apologize. Secondo, we will deal with Thomas. Why don’t you take Loren back upstairs.” Terzo insisted. Secondo nodded and attempted to lead Loren down the hall to the elevator when she stopped abruptly.
“Oh fuck not now.” Loren whimpered, a tightly scrunched face as she doubled over in pain. She held her belly in her hand, the pain painted across her face. Secondo didn’t need to ask, there were subtle hints throughout the day that they were close and now with all the stress that had occurred this was most certainly it—Loren was in labor.
Loren was rushed to the infirmary, her water breaking as they walked in the double doors. The pain was searing and intense. Loren was very tearful but trying to stay composed as she was helped up onto the bed, clinging tightly to Secondo's arm. The physician and nurses prepared for the twins’ birth as the two would be parents did as they were told. The pain was mounting and Loren was unable to hold still, white knuckling the sheets as another contraction tore through her.
Things were happening so fast, Secondo could have sworn it gave them whiplash. Supplies flying, Loren's cries, and the physician barking out orders—all swirling together. Secondo knew he had to remain strong for Loren. His own worry and reservations placed far in the back of his mind.
“Secondo. I’m scared. Are they going to be ok.?” Loren cried, the flooding memories of her previous loss haunting her as she prepared to deliver her twins. Secondo looked deeply into her eyes as he spoke.
“Take my hand.” he said, his eyes warm and comforting. The smile and calm of his face, hiding the panic he felt inside.
“Oh Papa.” Loren said, her words shaky as she took his hand. She could feel the warmth from his touch and the beating of his heart within her frightened grip.
“It's going to be ok, they are going to be ok.” Secondo assured her. His promise, fully intending to be kept. The Physician was ready and the guests of honor were on the precipice of making their way into the world.
“Ok Loren, let's check where we are at.” the nurse told her as she placed her legs into the stirrups. “Oh one is right there, we can start pushing.” The nurse continued, sending Loren into full blown panic and a smile across Secondo’s face.
"What does she mean, we?" Loren asked, delirious in her pain.
“You can do this tesoro. I love you so much.” Secondo laughed a bit, squeezing Loren’s hand as she curled around her belly to push.
“I love you.” Loren sniffled, trembling as she got into position. The energy in the room was undeniable. Loren pushed with every fiber of her being, Secondo holding her hand and cheering her on as she pushed—bringing forth the first of their children. A son was born to the Emeritus line, followed into this world shortly after by his sister.
It seemed like forever yet it was only minutes when the room settled, the sounds of struggle and loud triumphant crying replaced by cooing and the rustling of blankets. Secondo sat down beside his beautiful Prime Mover on the bed. His son Christian, in his arms and their daughter Marianna, held in hers. He marveled at them, their faces soft and innocent.
“They are perfect.” He said to Loren, his voice low and gentle. He ran his thumb across Christian's cheek, watching as his son slept peacefully in his arms.
“Yes they are, and safe.” Loren replied, grateful that they made it into the world. The evening events fading into obscurity as they held their healthy children in their arms. Secondo felt like a new man, having a new purpose. He knew that very moment he would do anything for them—the beautiful babies he created with Loren.
"Loren there is absolutely nothing that I wouldn't do for them—for you." Secondo said, a tear falling down his cheek. Loren's heart soared to see him this way. His heart, so full of love and awe.
"Are you gonna be ok?" Loren asked him, trying to pull herself up a bit more in the bed. Sore and exhausted from having brought not one, but two babies into the world.
"I'm just fine tesoro. I have everything I ever wanted and more…and I have you to thank for that." He sniffled back, watching as his children—these two small lives they created, sleeping away.
"Me too. I never thought I'd be here." She said, reflecting on everything she'd be through. Loren held Secondo's hand once more, feeling a happiness that she'd longed for her whole life. A dream she had—now realized.
"I know, but I am so happy you are, thank you." Secondo praised, leaning over to give Loren a kiss.
"What are you thanking me for?" Loren laughed, Mariana stirring a bit in her arms.
"For everything amore, for absolutely everything."
End