La Mia Bella Luna (Papa Emeritus IV x Reader) (HIATUS, read desc.)

Chapter 7: The Storm

'That must be from the ballroom.' I followed the music up the stairs, onto the terrace outside of the ballroom windows. The ivory piano was the source. I could see the top of Papa's head from where I stood, I did not know if he could see me outside. In the back of my mind, I recognized the sweet, melancholy song but I couldn't place what the name was. I must have heard it during my childhood because it evoked a sense of nostalgia as I listened in. 'Where have I heard this before?'

I approached the glass door slowly, entering as Papa's song finished.

"I'm glad you didn't just watch from afar this time." He said with a soft chuckle, turning on the piano seat to me. He was in a black suit with a high collared jacket wrapped around him. I smiled and approached. Without a word, he turned back to the piano and motioned me closer.

"Sit." I sat on his right side and he began to slowly play with his left hand.

"Your right hand?" He held out his right and took my hand gently arranging my fingers on high side of the keyboard.

"What was the name of the song you were playing earlier?" I asked, looking at him. He was still focused on moving my fingers around. His hands were warm against my skin.

"Silent Lucidity." He replied simply.

"Ah. I think I've heard it before."

"Will you play with me?" He whispered, turning his face to meet my gaze. His painted face was obscured by shadows. Every time he gazed at me like this I felt as if I was being analyzed.

The last time I played piano was in 8th grade, I hoped I wouldn't embarrass myself in front of Papa. Even so, I couldn't say no.

"You just play these 4 keys. I'll do the rest." Something about the way he said this made me feel better.

He began to play his side and I tried my best to remember the tune. He started humming and his humming gradually turned to soft singing. His voice was so soothing when he sang so gently.

"Hush now, don't you cry... Wipe away the teardrop from your eye..." He sang, his eyes on the keys as his fingers moved gracefully.

I followed his lead, praying I wouldn't mess up. When the song began to build, he reached over me, taking over to cascade his fingers over the treble keys.  I had to wipe the sweat from my brow when the song finished, even though I was only in charge of four keys. 'Now I've done it. I've completely embarrassed myself.' My face heated up as I rested my hands in my lap, playing with my fingers. He turned to me but I couldn't look at him. His gaze made me so nervous.

"Are you alright?" He asked, taking my hands. I reluctantly looked up as to not be rude. I nodded slowly. He got up, my hands still enclosed in his.

"Would you like to go outside?" He murmured, leading me with his hand on the small of my back. I nodded again and he opened the glass door, the cool wind chilling my face. We walked across the terrace to the top of the steps, where Papa sat and I followed, taking a seat beside him.

"Why did you come looking for me, (Y/N)? Did you need something?" Papa asked suddenly, lighting up a cigarette and taking a long drag. I crossed my arms to my chest to keep myself warm.

"I-I know you run a church of Satan." I blurted out. I felt stupid admitting that I didn't figure it out until now. Papa chuckled softly.

"Took you long enough. I thought you knew, in coming here."

"Do you guys... hurt people or animals?" My voice quivered as I asked my question. Papa laughed at this, too.

"No, of course not. We're theistic Satanists, ritual abuse is forbidden in Meliora." Papa continued on, explaining the ideologies of theistic Satanism. I felt confused, knowing all the things I had been told about those who worship Satan. This was nothing like I thought Satanists believed.