The Light In The Sky (Cardinal Copia X Gender Neutral Reader)

Chapter 6/ They Did What?

It had been a few weeks since Cardinal was put as the new frontman. He has been working hard this entire time trying to come up with ideas for a new album before his deadline hits, but between his own ideas and yours, when he stopped being stubborn and finally asked for your help, you both just couldn't come up with anything.

Nihil has been digging into Copia more and more as the days went by without a single idea from him.

As if he couldn't help too.

Saying that "Terzo would have had many ideas by now" or that "Secendo and Primo had many interesting concepts".

You could tell that it was starting to get to Copia and he was starting to let himself shut down because of all the pressure on his back.

However when he was around you he would change and act like everything was fine, like nothing around him mattered now that he was by you.

It was nice, you have joked around, and pulled small pranks on the other ghouls, and just overall bonded more with one another as if you have known each other for months.

But it hurt you to know that despite his happy personality around you he has so much stress on him secretly wearing him down, that he hasn't been seen as someone with other wants and needs by Nihil and Imperator, but as some robot that can do everything for them without needing a break.

You and Copia were walking along the halls of the Ministry, discussing possible ideas for songs as you headed to lunch, when you were suddenly stopped by Nihil calling both your names.

"Copia, Sirius, where are you two going?" Nihil said as he looked you both up and down, his arms crossed over his chest.

"We were just heading to lunch for a quick break sir." You said, looking up into his eyes as you politely nodded.

"Alright Sirius, you can go, since all your duties are complete for the day." He stated, now looking at Copia. "You, Cardinal, what do you have done so far on your album? You better not tell me you still have nothing." he continued, his tone getting harsher at the last part of his words.

You stood back and watched despite your acceptance to leave. You knew Nihil was going to drill into Copia again, and this time you didn't want to leave him to deal with it alone.

Copia just stood there, his eyes now averted to the floor as his gloved hands fidgeted with one another again. He knew once he told Nihil the truth he would get scolded again. That he would be told everything all over again on how every other papa is better than him, and it was a mistake letting Imperator convince him to give him a chance.

"I'm trying, I promise papa, I-I... I just want to make sure I make something that's worth it." he said, the nervous quiver in his voice coming back as he spoke. "Me and Sirius were j-just discussing ideas I-".

Nihil looked over at you, his expression sending chills down your spine as he cut Copia off. "Sirius, please make your leave, I have things to discuss with the Cardinal, in private."

You nervously looked at Copia, you didn't want to leave him alone with Nihil when he was obviously going to shame him again for nothing.

Copia was trying his best and doing well for all the pressure he has on him 24/7, not to mention all his other duties he has to complete as well. So it isn't fair that he always gets ridiculed for not being like other people rather than himself.

Copia looked at you, his nervousness plastered all over his face. It hurt to see him like this, but you both knew you couldn't do anything to help until after Nihil was done with him.

"I'll meet you later Sirius, don't worry." he spoke as his hand gripped the other tighter in an attempt to keep himself composed.

"Alright Copia, I'll see you later." You said before you rushed off, Nihils' impatience and anger radiating off him sending chills down you spine once more.

-

It was now 8pm. You haven't heard from Copia since you were told to leave this evening after Nihil got mad at Copia once again for his lack of work. You had spent the time helping around the ministry to help keep yourself distracted, but now that you have done everything you could you have nothing left to distract you.

Now all you could do is lay on your couch, worrying about Copia and hoping he's okay.

These past few weeks have been great with Copia around. He has been so sweet and caring, and quite hilarious and enjoyable to be around.

Things have been so dull around here lately, with Terzo suddenly locking himself away and being less active in the Ministry. Me nor the other ghouls knew where he kept going or what he was doing, but now he is suddenly no longer papa, and hasn't shown up at all anymore for even a quick hello, leaving all us ghouls worried. But with Copia to help now, and things to plan for, we don't have time for a search party.

Besides when Primo and Secondo retired they stopped showing up as much too, so maybe that's it, who knows.

If Copia ever left the ministry like the others though, you wouldn't know how to feel. It's only been 4 weeks since you've known each other but you can't help but fon over the man, and the thought of not having him in your life hurts to bear. His humor always lights up your day and his sweet words to you always making your heart flutter. Not to mention handsome.

Oh is he handsome. You said to yourself as you thought about all this.

As you were zoned out, going over everything in your head as you laid on the couch, you suddenly heard a knock at your door.

You stood up, dusting your shirt off before walking over and opening the door.

There stood Copia, his eyes shut as he held back a shutter from running its course through his body.

"Copia hey, are you okay?" You said, concern for the man in front of me filling your body.

It was obvious that something happened.

Something more than just another scolding from Nihil.

Copia suddenly took a step forward, his arms outstretched before wrapping around you, his face now buried into your shoulder. A shudder ran through his body as he tried to fight back tears.

"Here come in, it's going to be okay." You said, surprised at the man's sudden actions. You helped lead him to the couch, your arms now wrapped around him as well to return the hug. As you two sat down you hugged him tighter, guilt from leaving the man alone filling your head.

After a few minutes of letting the man calm down, you pulled away from him, making him look you in the eyes. Copias eyes were now red, he had definitely been crying again. The fact that you couldn't't tell until now when you saw his eyes, hurt, he was obviously holding back because he didn't want you to know.

Probably out of fear from being judged, or not wanting to be seen in such a state. You thought to yourself.

"Copia, do you want to talk about it? It's okay if not, I'm here for you either way." You said, keeping my voice low and soothing for him.

Copia shrugged, his eyes closing again as he tried to fight another wave of tears back. Your thoughts were right, he hated crying around people. He didn't want to seem like a burden to anyone because of it, or that he's weak and can't handle anything.

Though after what he was told he couldn't hold it back, no matter how hard he tried.

"Sirius I-I-" he started to say, tears filling the brim of his eyes once more. His breath hitching as he fought the tears back again.

"Shhh... breathe Copia, it's okay to cry if you need to. I don't mind at all, as long as you're okay." You spoke, your hand hesitantly grabbing his gloved one, giving it a light squeeze.

Copia looked down, seeing his hand being held by yours, his breathing relaxed a little, allowing him to take a deep breath before speaking.

"Sirius, he- they- T-they killed them. They killed T-terzo and the others." Is all he could get out before grabbing your hand tighter, his eyes closing shut as tears filled his eyes again, now pouring down the sides of his face.

You stood there in shock, eyes wide as you squeezed his hand back to now comfort you both from the news.

"They... They did what...?"