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

Chapter 9/ A Bittersweet Morning

It was now the next morning.

Copia ended up spending the night at your place, not wanting to spend the night alone after yesterday's events.

He was currently sleeping on one of your couches as you were on the other.

It had took a while to get Copia to relax enough to lay down, but when he finally did he was out quick.

You had now awoken before Copia, your eyes averting to the man across from you.

You were zoned out admiring his face, his expression softened because of his slumber.

He looked so peaceful and calm despite how distressed he was the night before.

You hurt, for not only Copia but because you too lost someone you knew quite well.

You had become a ghoul during Terzo's time in the band, so you didn't know the other papas as well as you did him.

And of course now Copia.

So knowing the man who welcomed you with open arms is now gone forever, just didn't feel right.

You sighed, looking at the sleeping man again as you tried to distract your mind from the sad thoughts trying to take over your mind.

Copia now stirred in his sleep, his hair becoming more messy than it already was. His face now half buried into his pillow. You chuckled at the sight, a light pink creeping across your face.

Saying you only liked the man as a friend was now a big understatement. You couldn't help but look at him and imagine what it would be like to be more, what it would be like to end every day with him next to you. His arms wrapped around your waist and your face buried in his chest as sleep took over you both.

Your faced turned redder as you thought about the scenario with the man, your hands coming up to cover your face as you held back a squeal.

You quickly stood up before you became too absorbed in your thoughts, now heading to the kitchen to make something to eat for the both of you.

When Copia woke up he we sure to be hungry. Who knows if he even had anything to eat, since we were interrupted on our way to lunch by Nihil.

You were now making some pancakes, sausage, and bacon for you both, knowing it's his favorite breakfast.

Oh how basic Copia. You thought to yourself with a chuckle.

You were humming while you cooked, the tune eventually turning into the melody of "He Is". You felt bittersweet about it, the song being one of your favorites of Terzo's.

As you kept humming the melody you eventually heard another voice copying yours, startling you a bit, causing you to turn red of embarrassment.

You turned around and saw Copia standing a few feet behind you, his messy bed head falling every which way as he rubbed his tired eyes.

You smiled, your face turning red again at the man's appearance. He didn't need to be all pulled together to look nice to you and that's what you liked about him.

You liked that no matter what state he was in he was still his silly wonderful self that you lived for each day.

Copia looked at you, a smile on his face as he let out a sigh. "You like that song a lot, huh?" He said, his head tilting a little as he remembered all the times he caught you humming it or playing it on the radio.

"Yeah it is... It's calmer and more soothing, unlike the other songs Terzo did. It helped add variety to the album you know." You replied, turning back to flip the pancakes you have cooking in the pan.

Copia looked over at you, now smelling the food, his mouth watering at the sight. "Mhm... I would have to agree." He said, his eyes now moving to look at you before continuing. "Thanks again for being there for me last night, it means a lot."

You looked back at him, a small comforting smile now on your face. "It's okay Copia, you don't have to thank me. I care about you so I'll always be here any time you need me."

He looked at you, his face softening into a heartfelt expression. "Thank you, Philia. I really don't know where I would be without you." He said, his emotions getting the better of him, his arms now wrapped around you for a hug as he hid his face into your shoulder.

He didn't know what came over him but all he wanted in that moment was to be in your arms, to embrace your comforting arms to help keep his composure so he didn't break down again.

You were caught off guard by the sudden action. Your cheeks flushing pink again because of the man in front of you.

You eventually hugged him back, your chin resting on his shoulder as you pulled him closer. Your hand rubbing his back soothingly. "Shhhh... It's okay Copia. You got this alright."

The man only let out a quiet mumble, forming words currently not an option for him.

You two stayed like that for awhile, neither one of you wanting to let go as you both took in each other's comfort, helping each other at the same time.

After a while of you two staying in each other embrace, getting you both relaxed again, you suddenly let go, cursing out in shock.

Copia was confused at your sudden outburst when he smelled the smell of burning food surrounded him.

You quickly turned around, taking the pan with the now burning pancakes and moving it off the stove. You quickly dealing with the issue as Copia watched from a distance.

Once you finally got everything settled, Copia sudden let out a chuckle that soon turned into a contagious laughter.

You started laughing with him, your adrenaline quickly leaving your body as you laughed the situation off together. Now looking at him as you both continued to laugh.

"Well, do you wanna see what they have down at the cafeteria then?" You told Copia, continuing to chuckle a little as you headed back over to him.

"I do prefer my food unburnt, so I'm all for that." Copia teased, more chuckles escaping from his mouth.

You playfully swatted at the man, pretending to be offended at his words. "I had it covered!"

"Oh really? Because you're the one who wasn't letting go.~" Copia suddenly teased, his face turning red as he realized what he had said. Unsure of where the confidence suddenly came from.

You turned red as well, your hand coming up to cover your cheeks. "I-I! So this is what I get for comforting you!" You joked back, not knowing how to process the man's teasing words.

"Mhm... That's exactly what you get~" he responded, another chuckle escaping from him.

"Okay okay, let's just go then Copia." You said, heading to the door as he followed behind.

You two eventually made it down to the cafeteria.

You two enjoying food that was actually cooked the right amount, before heading back to your quarters to unwind after the very filling meal.

You two were now sitting next to one another on your couch, silence filling the room until Copia suddenly spoke.

"I have something I want to show you."