the universe presents copia with an opportunity he’s been waiting his whole life for: fatherhood.
pairings: story focuses on dad! copia, however, reader is terzo’s wife.
warnings: mention of suicide
this was originally supposed to be a 3 part series, this post being part one, but i’ve decided to make it all one big fic! this post can serve as a little sneak peek :)
“You’d be a good Papa.”
His niece’s kind words still echoed in his mind, even after five years.
The Cardinal had wanted to become a father for quite some time now, but wasn’t sure if he was fit for the job. He himself was a bit of a child, which could be considered a pro or a con; the upside being he was fun and pure-hearted, the downside that he could be a tad chaotic.
When Copia was summoned to Sister Imperator’s office, he assumed it was because he had forgotten to turn off the stove again or left the sink running, habits from his youth he was yet to abandon even as a middle-aged man. Bracing himself for another lecture, the Cardinal took a deep breath in and out before knocking three times on the sturdy oak door.
“Come in.” A hoarse voice rang from within the room.
Copia gently pushed the door open and entered the lavish office. Sister Imperator’s office couldn’t differ any more from the Cardinal’s, sporting a classy yet minimalistic aesthetic decked in shades of brown and black. Meanwhile, Copia’s office had “Copia” written all over it in big cartoonish block letters, thanks to the dozens of figurines and comic books lining the shelves, as well as other dorky memorabilia.
Sister Imperator sat behind her meticulously organized desk, clasped hands resting on the polished wood.
“Hello Sister.” Copia greeted the woman formally, bowing his head as he took a seat in the plush chair across from hers.
“Cardinal.” She returned the greeting with a brief nod, before instantly began diving into her reason for his summoning. “Do you recall, a few years back, when a Sister of the Austrian chapter took her own life?” she inquired.
That was a rather rough introduction to a conversation. Of course he remembered, how could he not? It was a tragic day, each chapter holding their own memorial ceremony for the young woman.
“Oh. Si, I do.” Copia answered, saddened at the remembrance of the event.
“Well, she had a son additionally, who had an absent father.”
Been there.
“They have done their best to take care of the boy since he was just a newborn- he’s resided in the church his whole life- but as he’s gotten older, they’ve decided it’s simply not fit for him to grow up without a permanent system of support.” She explained.
Copia suddenly became much more alert, his eyes widening and posture straightening. “You mean… a family?”
“C, if you’re interested…” Sister Imperator noticed a longing in her son’s eyes that she had not seen in a long time- not since he was but a child brimming with curiosity, a subtle glow that surfaced only when he wanted something deeply, most of the time, an answer- but this time- it was more than curiosity, it was yearning. “Now would be the time.”
“Yes.” The Cardinal blurted out. “Yes.”
“The adoption process is not easy- yet alone raising a child. This is a massive responsibility. Are you sure you are able to handle this on top of a Cardinal’s duties?” She cautioned him.
“Yes, Mother.” He reiterated. She froze.
“I want this more than anything.” He pleaded.
“I will notify them of your consideration.” She nodded.
“Thank you. Thank you so much. Grazie. Grazie.” The Cardinal repeated like a mantra, placing his hands together as he bowed his head in gratitude.
•✧•
Gently shutting the door to your son’s room, you walked down the hall and into the living space, pleasantly surprised to see your brother-in-law sitting in a lounge chair across from the couch. “Hi, Copia! What a nice surprise.” You greeted him with a smile. “Sorry, I just put Vinnie to bed. Am I allowed to join, or is this a brother talk?”
“Please, join us.” Copia gestured. “Is Violetta here?” he asked.
“She’s in her room. She’s not feeling very well tonight.” answered Terzo.
“Oh, I am sorry to hear that. Let her know I said hello.” Copia responded.
“Will do. So, what is going on?” Terzo asked, reaching to the coffee table in front of him and pouring his brother a glass of wine before setting it down.
Copia took a deep breath in and began. “Sister Imperator called me into her office today and gave me some news.”
“News that..?”
You elbowed Terzo in response to his impatience. “Let the man speak!”
“Eh, do you remember when a woman of the Austrian chapter, um… She took her own life?”
“Johanna?” You asked.
“You knew her?”
“Not too personally, but yes. I met her years back when I studied briefly in Innsbruck. She was a lovely woman.” You recalled, sadness beginning to tug at your heart. “Sorry, continue.” You dismissed yourself, knowing if you continued, there would surely be a few tears.
“Oh, no, do not apologize. Please, continue, if you are comfortable.”
“Okay.” you sniffled, laughing nervously. “There’s not much else, it’s just- it was sad. My bad, go on.”
Your husband placed a loving hand over yours, a subtle way he reminded you that you were safe with him.
Copia nodded. “Well, she had a son, who has lived in the church his whole life. But, um, they are considering finding him a more traditional… family.” He explained.
“Here?” Terzo inquired.
“Si, ah… with me.”
“You are adopting him?” Terzo lit up.
“If everything goes according to plan, yes.” He replied slightly hesitantly.
“You’re gonna be a dad, Copia!” You nearly cried, your face lighting up with joy.
He laughed, a smile grazing his face at the idea. “Ah, well, we don’t know for sure yet. The process is a bit difficult. I fear it won’t work out.” He responded.
“Copia, you can’t mourn the loss of something that’s just beginning!” You encouraged him.
“Do you really think Sister Imperator would ever propose such a thing to someone she didn’t trust could do it?” pointed out Terzo.
“That is a good point.” Copia replied. “I just… even if it works out… what if I am not… good?” He rambled anxiously.
“Not good? Our kids can’t get enough of you.” Terzo reassured his brother.
The Cardinal smiled at the thought of his niece and nephew.
“So what do you know about him?” You asked eagerly.
“Well, ah, that’s actually all I know… And that he’s five years old.”
“Oh my gosh! He’s the same age as Vinnie! It was meant to be!” You gushed, excitedly waving your hands. “Copia. I think it’s gonna happen. I really, really do.”
“Thank you, Y/N.” He expressed his gratitude with a heartfelt smile.
“Mommy?” You heard a voice squeak in the distance. Turning around in your spot on the couch, a small figure stood down the hallway.
“Hi, Vinnie. What’s wrong?” You asked, a gentle tone adorning your voice. “Excuse me, I’ll be back.” You told your brother-in-law and husband as you rose to your son’s aid.
“Copia.” Terzo addressed his brother, his voice suddenly earnest.
“Yes?”
“When have I ever lied to you?” Terzo inquired.
Pondering the question and recalling no particular incident, he shrugged.
“Exactly. You can do this, Copia. And you will.”Terzo uplifted the Cardinal, his words touching the heart of his beloved half-brother.
“Thank you, Terzo.”
Terzo smiled, reaching across the table to pat the Cardinal on his shoulder.
“I mean it, fratello.”
•✧•
That night, Copia closed the door to his small abode and let out a hefty sigh. His expression softened a little as he caught sight of the large cage sitting on a table against the wall, inside containing two furry friends. Inside of the enclosure stood a dusty brown rat perched on his hind feet and clutching onto the metal bars, eagerly waiting for his Papa’s return.
“Ciao, Bean.” Copia cooed, opening the drawer below his cage and opening their bag of food. “I’m guessing your brother is…” Copia scanned his eyes around the cage, his suspicions confirmed once he noticed Pesto’s nose peeking out from a small wooden hideout. “Ah, did I wake you up, my Bestie Pestie? I apologize. Buon appetito, little ones.” He said, opening their cage and pouring their food as the little rodents scurried to their bowls.
That night, the Cardinal felt inclined to do something he hadn’t done in a long time. Overwhelmed with an immense sense of desperation, Copia prayed on his own in the solitude of his room. He knelt beside his bed, knees on the hardwood floor as he placed his hands together and shut his eyes tight, a soft sigh escaping his lips before he began his prayer.
“Tua empietà, so che è passato un po' di tempo. perdonami, ti prego, ma devo chiederti una cosa. per favore, satana, concedimi il dono della paternità, per favore. Farò qualsiasi cosa, viaggerò all'inferno e ritorno, per trasformare questo sogno in realtà. Prego che il ragazzo stia bene e al sicuro e trovi la sua nuova casa tra le mura del clero.”
He needed this. More than he had ever needed anything in his entire life.
Little did he know, the boy needed him just as much.
•✧•
hey y’all! i’m so sorry it’s been so long!! i’ve been doing college stuff and my motivation has been 📉 but i have so many ideas i want to put out there!!! i have two more parts planned for this fic:) i hope you enjoyed! i’m sorry this part is very brief but i wanted it to serve as a little introduction! tysm for reading! i love y’all!
