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sunshinescribes · 1 year ago

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The House Always Wins

Part 2 of this fic

Pairing: Sir Crocodile x Fem!Reader

Rating: EXPLICIT (18+)

Warnings: Possessive Behavior, Jealousy, Rough Sex, Cunnilingus, (lowkey) Sugar Daddy Crocodile, Crocodile is smug and petty

(edit: realized the original artwork was fanart and I couldn't find the artist's @ to credit them, so I changed it)

Crocodile doesn’t know what to expect when he wanders onto the casino floor of Rain Dinners in search of you. Slot machines chime, playing a catchy little tune with each pull of the lever. Dealers grin and offer words of encouragement, coaxing big-eyed fools into another game with the sweet promise of lady luck’s favor.

You don’t usually partake in gambling, not keen on the idea of betting away your berries when you know it’s all rigged—and why would you even need to? You never ask for anything, but Crocodile provides. Spoils you even.

He enjoys watching the way your eyes get all big, stunned by the diamond necklace he places around your neck, or the soft gasp that passes your lips when he gifts silk charmeuse and chiffon dresses, designed, and tailored just for you.

Crocodile continues to seek you out, his sharp eyes flitting between the slot machines and card tables. He ignores the curious and lingering looks targeted at him—the smartly dressed patrons who vie for his attention as he continues to search—and then he hears it.

Your laugh, loud and beautiful—music to his fucking ears. He turns.

Crocodile doesn’t expect to see you at the bar, perched on a stool, leaning into a man he doesn’t recognize. Your hand is on his slender arm, your lips pulled into a pretty smile, and laughter escapes again—so lovely and genuine and for someone else.

The man grins at you sheepishly, transfixed on your mouth. It’s so blatant—barely contained, the way he’s staring at you with a mix of adoration and lust.

You must feel Crocodile’s eyes on you because you glance over your shoulder suddenly. Your smile widens, and you exchange a quick word with the mysterious man before hopping down from your seat.

Crocodile is silent as you approach, stone-faced. You grab his arm with both hands and tilt your head towards the man, all while smiling up at him.

“I want you to meet my friend,” you say excitedly, steering him towards the bar.

Crocodile doesn’t catch the name that rolls off your tongue—he can’t seem to hear anything over the sudden ringing in his ears, so sharp it drowns out the sounds of the jingling slot machines and triumphant cheers of those foolish enough to think they’re the winners.

The fond smile that plays on the mystery man’s lip never falls, but Crocodile notices the sudden unease as the man’s eyes land on him. The imposing height, the cold, almost irritated expression he comfortably wears—the golden hook that glints under the blinding casino lights. It’s enough to strike fear in the heart of anyone smart enough to value their life.

And the man is a small thing—average in every sense of the word, Crocodile thinks. The plain clothes, the nervous, uncertain words that stumble from his mouth as he tries to introduce himself. Crocodile doesn’t feign interest—he barely even acknowledges your friend, and that only serves to add to his anxiety.

If it wasn’t for the pitiful look you shoot him, Crocodile would laugh at just how pathetic this man is.

“We both grew up in Coombe,” you explain, glancing back at the mystery man. “I never thought you’d leave the North Blue.”

He must take your surprise as a compliment because he gives you another bashful smile.

“I didn’t either. Guess I finally figured if you could do it, so could I,” he chuckles softly. “Imagine my shock when I saw you here, of all places.”

“Small world,” Crocodile chimes in dryly, drawing your friend’s attention once more.

Crocodile places a hand on your hip, drawing you a little closer to him.“She never mentions much about her home in the North Blue.”

And she never mentioned you. The insult is unspoken, so subtle that he thinks even you don’t catch it.

But it’s also true. You rarely spoke about the North Blue—of the life you had before you entered the Grand Line and ended up in Alabasta. You never mused over an island you once called home, or a lovesick, hairbrained boy you left on it, and Crocodile doesn’t pry. He isn’t particularly interested in knowing, truth be told. He only cares about the life you have now, with him.

The man goes on an excited tirade about how beautiful Coombe is this time of year, about how you used to love the new bloom after winter finally passed, and all the fun you both had in your youth. He can’t help but reminisce, tries to connect with you in the only way he’s able.

“You should visit when you can. Uh—you both should.”

You pretend to consider it, and Crocodile gives little more than an unaffected grunt.

You inquire how long he’ll be staying and recommend shops and restaurants he must visit before leaving. He shamelessly seeks more of your company—your attention—and asks if you could possibly give him a tour.

You promise to check your schedule and follow up, and he beams as if he’s won an invaluable prize. Crocodile’s irritation grows—twists and festers the longer he stands by your side, little more than an onlooker. His frustration isn’t directed at you—you’ve always been friendly, offering a smile where he would surely offer a sneer, but it doesn’t stop his grip from tightening on your hip.

You notice, finally excusing yourself. The man gives you both a soft goodbye, one that Crocodile ignores completely as he whisks you away, and he can’t help the way his lips pull into a smug grin at the quick glimpse of the dejected look on his face. It must hurt him to see you walk away in the arms of another—to know the golden opportunity he thought the world had provided him never existed at all.

“You didn’t like him.”

It’s the first thing you say when you enter Crocodile’s private suite, disappointment dripping in your voice. You weren’t foolish enough to think he would be thrilled, but you thought Crocodile would at least be amicable.

He shrugs his coat off, placing it on the coat hanger near the door. “He was shameless.”

Your brows furrow, your lips pull into a slight frown…You don’t know? It takes Crocodile by surprise; surely you must. The man is far too obvious; his intentions are impossible to mask.

“He would have taken you right there on the bar if you had let him,” Crocodile scoffs.

You blink, dumbfounded.

“Gage?”

So that’s his name.

Your voice comes out in a high-pitched squeak, taken aback by the sudden accusation. “He doesn’t want to fuck me.”

Crocodile gives a mirthless laugh. You’re so sweet. So naïve. Always offering others the benefit of the doubt.

Crocodile recognized the hunger in his eyes—the longing. He suspects this friend of yours has harped on you for a long time, never quite brave enough to take the chance.

Not even now. By some miracle, he survived the Grand Line, and he still can’t brave his own futile emotions. Crocodile isn’t sure whether to laugh at how spineless the man is or burn with anger at how he even thinks he has any chance of having you.

The dark, ravenous part of him takes high offense.

Crocodile comes up behind you and dwarfs you with his body as his decorated hand cradles your jaw. “Course he does. Look at you.”

He tilts your head, forces you to face the full-length mirror on the opposite wall. You try to focus on your own reflection, but you can’t help but watch Crocodile when he dips down, pressing a tender kiss to your neck, all while his half-lidded eyes hold your gaze.

“Maybe I should invite him to our room so he can watch me fuck you,” he murmurs against your skin.

You shiver, nearly stumble out of his grasp as his lips trail higher.

“Don’t be cruel...”

Cruel? His offer would be courteous. It would be the closest your lovestruck friend would ever get to your naked form. The only way he would ever know what you sound and look like at the height of your pleasure—how perfect you are, stuffed and babbling through your orgasm.

The cruel thing would be what he truly wants to do—to use his devil fruit powers to turn the man into a withering corpse, forgotten in the endless sand dunes.

“Would you rather he joined?” Crocodile inquiries plainly.

He attempts to come off unaffected…curious, but the wicked voice in the back of his mind nags at him, hisses about feelings that could have been, and still may be.

The man matches your gentle nature, and is somewhat competent, at least to have made it this far from the North Blue. He’s the kind of man who would kneel at your feet if you asked, worship you as if it were his sole purpose—he’d give you a typical life, picturesque in its simplicity, and you would be content.

The thought makes something vicious twist in his gut. It makes time stand still as Crocodile awaits your answer.

“No.” You shake your head softly, meeting his cold eyes in the mirror. “I’ve never thought about him like…that.”

Of course not. What would you want with a sniveling worm? How could you go back to mediocrity after everything that’s been offered to you? The attention of a warlord of the sea—the savior of Alabasta. How could anyone else ever compare?

It’s pathetic how the gluttonous beast inside of Crocodile settles and hums contentedly, knowing that you only want him.

And maybe this is your power he couldn’t recognize before, why he was so unnerved in the beginning—this ability to effortlessly turn sensible men foolish. Even him.

“Only want you.” You turn, your soft eyes trained on him. “Always want you.”

Crocodile captures your lips as the words escape, and you melt into him—mold your body into his until he is all you sense. The heady scent of his sweet cigars mixes with hints of patchouli and cedar—his cologne—it lingers on his fitted clothes, drawing you deeper into his searing kiss.

You feel the bend of his golden hook press into the curve of your back, forcing you to curl into him as he parts your lips with his tongue. You’re caught in a pleasant haze, lightheaded, while Crocodile kisses you like he’s claiming your mouth, making sure that your lips never forget the feel and taste of him—that they never desire another’s.

Crocodile lifts you from the ground effortlessly with his ringed hand, still kissing you hungrily as he shifts blindly through his suite, knowing the layout well enough to stumble into his lavish bedroom. He parts from you with a low groan.

“Lay down,” he orders against your lips, and you comply, sinking into the soft mattress while he looms over you.

The ache you feel in your core blossoms—hurts so good from how desperately you want him—to be wrecked and teary-eyed and a mess for him.

You even go as far as to whine when you notice Crocodile isn’t working to free the fierce erection that strains his dress pants, eager to be lost in your warmth.

“None of that,” Crocodile tuts coyly, lowering to his knees near the foot of the bed. His large hand skims up the length of your thigh, pushing up your dress until it is bunched around your waist, and he can see the evidence of your arousal staining your thin lingerie—another gift.

That creature inside of him purrs gleefully, proud of how well he turns you into a spectacle—a gift of his own to admire and unravel again and again.

Crocodile tugs your panties down your legs, tossing it aside carelessly as his hooded eyes catch on your bare pussy, already slick and ready for him. A deep, guttural noise catches in his throat as you part your legs—eagerly welcome him where he belongs.

“I bet he wonders what you taste like…” Crocodile muses, leaning into your aching slit. A soft gasp passes your lips when you feel the heat of his mouth on your needy cunt, tending to the ache his salacious words and desperate kisses created.

There are rare moments when Crocodile takes you apart slowly, his movements languid and measured, bringing you to the height of your pleasure at an agonizing pace, only to rip it away just when you begin to tip over the edge. And then he continues the process again and again. He leaves you delirious on days like that, wasting the hours away with your body—and perhaps today would be a day such as that if he didn’t feel he had something to prove.

If the desire to plague your every thought didn’t control him like a cruel master.

Your soft whimpers turn to shameless, needy moans, light and airy but loud enough to satisfy the wicked parts of him.

“S’good,” you whine drunkenly, your hips bucking instinctively when Crocodile’s lips latch onto your neglected clit. Your fingers thread into his long hair, pull him even closer, and he groans—it makes you arch painfully as the feel of it cascades through your body and tickles your aching nub.

Each swipe of his talented tongue pushes you closer, making the heat that pools in your stomach metastasize until you’re chanting his name, so close and ready to reward him.

He squeezes your clit with his mouth, sucks your aching bud, and you’re gone—shoved over the edge as pure hot pleasure rips through you, flows from between your legs, and Crocodile laps up your sweetness like a starved man.

You glance down at him through your lashes, eyes heavy, body slowly recovering. Crocodile pulls away from your pretty pussy with a sigh, as if he’s sad to part, and the idea alone makes your core ache with newfound need.

“Always so sweet for me.”

Your release smears his chin. It makes him look depraved and delicious. If you had the energy for it, you’d lift from your spot on the bed and kiss him. Feel the taste of yourself on his tongue, but all you can do is watch him with tired eyes as he rids himself of his clothes, tosses his lavish vest and dress shirt aside haphazardly.

His pants are the last thing to go, and you watched as if caught in a spell, buzzing with anticipation as he palms his hard dick. It’s so pretty, with the tip blushing and spilling precum that glides onto his thick fingers. Crocodile smirks, amused by the enchanted look in your eyes.

“This what you want, darling?” he asks, giving his dick a rough tug that warrants a delighted hiss. You nod—nearly sob—as you continue to watch Crocodile’s hand rub up and down the length of his lovely cock. You feel so empty—the desire to be filled in a way only he’s capable of taking precedence in your mind.

“Tell me,” Crocodile encourages as he shifts to the bed, his large frame casting you in shadows as he hovers over you. That smug smile still plays at his lips and only grows crueler as he grinds his hard length against your needy cunt.

“N-need you. Fuck—need you so—so bad. Baby please—”

The request sounds pathetic, even to your own ears, but it must be exactly what Crocodile wants to hear because he sinks into you the second the term of endearment passes your lips.

A deep grunt rips from his throat and tickles your ear pleasantly as Crocodile drags his fat cock deeper into you. You’re so warm and wet and snug, your velvety walls hugging him like this is where he belongs—where he should always be.

And he’ll admit, there’s no better place than here, between your legs. No better feeling in the whole fucking world—not even the sweet giddiness that builds inside of him each passing day as the fall of the Alabasta Kingdom draws closer. Having you writhing beneath him, breathless and lovely, is incomparable—a sensation he never tires of.

“Always take me so—mmm…well,” Crocodile rasps, transfixed on how your sloppy cunt swallows him over and over and over again. It makes him fuck you harder; drive even deeper. “This pussy was made for me. You were made for me.”

And he thinks perhaps it’s the most honest thing he’s ever said to you. Uncertainty still stirs within him—dread lingers in the corner of his mind, silent and waiting, because you complicate everything. You’re the only person who can placate the ravenous creature within him, feeding its insatiable appetite without it ever growing incurious. It wants everything you have to offer—can’t conceive of feeding from anyone who isn’t you. Not anymore.

Never.

Crocodile pushes your thighs close to your chest, drives his dick even deeper as he continues to pound into you. The sound of his powerful thrusts and your tortured moans is a beautiful symphony, lovelier than the melodic sounds of the stirring sand at dawn.

You have that lost, blissed-out look in your eyes as you blink up at him, words completely evading you as he uses you.

How could your foolish friend ever even dream of having you like this? Think he could possibly do to you what Crocodile has done?

Crocodile feels equally as hopeless as you—is incapable of thinking clearly because a confession he knows he should swallow pours from his lips without warning.

“I’ll fucking kill anyone who tries to take you from me,” he growls, digging the tip of his hook into the mattress, inches away from your head.

You should be…shocked. Unnerved by such a confession. Crocodile doesn’t pretend to be a saint, but he never mutters his murderous intent. He hides behind practiced indifference; let’s others paint a glorious picture of him, never revealing his true nature. You attempt to feign shock for a split second, but you can’t help the way your pussy clenches around him and goes mad at his declaration—some depraved, feral part of you stirring to life.

And the knowledge that a part of you likes this fucked up part of him must awaken something in him, because his thrusts grow brutal, his balls slap against your ass as he fucks you into the mattress like it’s the last time he’ll ever get the chance to. Crocodile hits deeper, the head of his throbbing dick brushing against that sweet, spongey spot inside of you, and you’re gone before you can even warn him.

You choke out something that sounds like it could be his name, tears trickling down your cheeks as you come so violently that your breath stutters. You shake through your orgasm, squirm beneath Crocodile while he fucks you through it—watching you come apart with wicked fascination and unbridled lust.

He loves how he wrecks you—how you hold onto him for dear life, as if he might slip away.

He’s ruined you, just like you’ve ruined him.

The thought alone is the final push he needs, make his dick throb violently as he explodes inside of you and fills you up the way he knows you crave—the way your perfect pussy deserves. The squelch of his seed mixing with your sweetness is enough to drive him mad. Makes him want to fuck another load into you.

Maybe in a bit, he considers as he rocks his hips sluggishly, riding out the sweet aftershock of his powerful orgasm.

You’re little more than a quivering mess under him. Your eyes are closed, your breathing is ragged…so so beautiful, and Crocodile doesn’t frighten at the tender feeling that blossoms in his chest—a sudden warmth that takes him by surprise yet seems to make all the sense in the world as he stares down at you, all while a pleasant thought crosses his twisted mind.

What’s the harm?

Why shouldn’t I revel in what’s mine?

divider credit @/cafekitsune

#sunny.fic #sir crocodile x reader #sir crocodile x y/n #crocodile x reader #crocodile x you #sir crocodile smut #x reader

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sherlockig · 1 year ago

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Hello my little grieving friends (aka my CREW!)

I just want to talk about how much our flag means death has given me. I have not had internet friends since i were a teenager. They all kind of disapeared over time in the same way as high school classmates went away. I have been on this blog on tumblr since 2010 and i have never experienced what ofmd has given me. Not even in my very derranged ca 5 year long sherlock-era did i get to befriend and know this many amazing people who live in my phone. Some of you have come and gone and that is life, but some of you are still here and I hope I get to keep you here for a very long time. Max can not stop us and I want to be here with you until tumblr is put down like the beloved rabid pet it is.

I think we are all taking the news very hard and I think it's important to remember what it is all about really. It's about love and family and above all else the crew so i just want to show some love for my beloved mutuals. And i hope maybe some of you will be inspired to do the same because its what we need in these dark times. We need to be a lighthouse guiding each other to shore.

First of all @gentlebeard - Ella💕 my beloved honey 🍯 I can not explain properly or even believe how lucky I am that I found you and that I get a little good morning from you every day. We have been talking every single day since the first message over a year ago and I don't remember or want to remember how i survived before that. I will treasure the time i spent drinking pina coladas on your balcony in the sun forever and i hope i will get some more time on that balcony this summer. I have found a pirate bar in Sweden so we can continue our expensive pirate drinks theme that we started in Berlin. There is no one else i want to spend 6-8 hours talking to over the phone.💕My partner in crime, lasagna partner and floor person or whatever nicknames we have come up with during this time. You are not just the perfect friend to have, you are also funny, sweet, smart and a expert at making fanvideos that make me cry my heart out and laugh my lungs up - sometimes at the same time 💕💕

@blakbonnet - Meow my darling💕 you were the first one i really started to talk to in the fandom and i am so glad i did. You brighten my days and i love talking to you you brilliant humanbeing (i often find myself thinking i have listened to much to cabin pressure because i struggle to use any other word than brilliant to explain things.. the Arthur runs deep in me) also thank you for being my personal skincare guide in life!! Your fics, your art, your edits, your gifs, your meta the whole you make my dash a better place and we are all happy to have you! There is nothing you are not good at and i am both a bit jealus and impressed by you. Its Meows fandom we all just live in it 💕💕

@youshouldseemeinadeerstalker - Nes my dear💕 We may not be talking very often but I know I always have you there. I loved our vacation together and we had so much to talk about that we didn't even realize that the same song kept playing in my car so long that it messed up my spotify wrapped. It was amazing taking naps with you outside ruins of castles and in botanical gardens and living together in the worlds smallest hotel room. I hope we can get lost together in more cities than Hamburg and Copenhagen. (preferably without rain and sickness and maybe with a map) 💕💕

@darkinerry - Marlena 💕 its a pleasure getting weather and work updates from you and i am always interested in knowing what you have been up to and what you have to say. It brightens my day, please never stop!! Your videos and gifsets can make any day better and you are always kind and funny which are two things i appreciate hugely in my friends!! 💕💕 + You have the coolest haircut out of all my mutuals 😌

@aha-my-villainous-thoughts - Ash my wife💕 my love💕Nothing can make me scream, blush and giggle as much as your fanart. You have this style of everything you make from fanart to dolls to interior design that is so special and breathtaking. One day we will drink so many lattes in a cosy cafe and then sniff lush products for the rest of the day. 💕 You are always there for me - as a online shoulder to cry on or to motivate me with the smuttiest wips ever. I am happy to be mutual married to you 💕💕

@bizarrelittlemew - Ida 💕- my thirsting for rhys brother in arms. I can not imagine tumblr without your gifs or your posts. I love screaming with you over a picture of rhys darbys bicep. I am so happy i got to meet you this summer and i really hope it will happen again. We are not that far from each other, just some miles and a stupid bridge; we can make it. You are always a sweetheart and an incredible friend who write the hottest fanfiction ever💕💕

@dickfuckk - josh 💕 (who I also thought for a long time was called tyler) I dont know where the fandom would be without your bts blog! its a international treasure and a service to humanity. i don't know how you do it. 💕You always have everything i have ever been looking for and as a bonus you are witty and funny like no one else. I am so happy i got to meet you and spend a whole day in your company! 💕

@izzy-b-hands - Holden my absolute darling!💕 I am so glad I got the chance to get to know you! You are smart, funny and kind and my izzy mutual tm. You are always there for me with kind words and I am still forever shipping izzy and the third badminton brother which I think is the best headcanon I have ever helped coming up with. 💕

@funforahermit - Kristina 💕 Your love for Rhys and your gifs are a staple on tumblr and my dash. I know where to go when i need someone to understand how hot Steve is (even if we have agreed that he is yours and Murray is mine which i still think is a fine deal). I very often make or see a picture of Rhys and my first thought is "I NEED TO SHOW KRISTINA THIS" so you live rentfree in my brain 💕

@rainbowcrowley - Addi 💕If i ever start playing wow again you bet i am gonna be talking your ear off about my little frost mages progress but in the meantime i am happy to have you on my dash and even if we don't talk that much are you a beloved part of my dash and brighten it daily.💕💕

@fandomsmeantheworldtome - Maria💕 You were one of the very first people i found in this fandom and your gifs might have helped my rhys obession taking form. You might be into many things I have never heard of but its a pleasure seeing your excitement over everything. You are always a ray of sunshine and i love that so much💕💕

@tabbystardust - Tabby dear💕 You are the kindest person I know who I always get the strongest need to hug and hold close. Your fanart is beyond this world and i adore it like nothing else. Its always both hot and soft in the best way ever💕 I am always excited to get kitty updates and to hear about your ramen receipts. I hope we can still meet at the con next year! I am game if you are!! 💕💕

@hummingbee-o0o - Humming 💕 (i dont know your name sorry) I am always excited to hear your thoughts and metas about everything ofmd related as well as your beautiful art. 💕 it was a pleasure to scream about season 2 after every watched episode!💕

@xoxoemynn - Emy 💕💕 i am so happy to be mutual with you! 💕You always bring joy to the people who get to be around you and fill my dash with the same. We might not talk often but i know you got my back! That is the kind of person you are!💕

@saltpepperbeard - Jodi💕 No one write tags on tumblr dot com like you. There is nothing that can cheer me up more than see that one of my posts has gotten a whole ass novel written in the tags and then i instinctively know that its you who have left your wonderful mark. You are always excited and such a lovely human to be mutual with. 💕 And on top of that you make incredible gifs that make my heart stop!!! 💕💕

@autumnbois - Kai 💕💕 I hope you are doing okay. We might not talk much right now but you were there for me when i needed it most and you are a good friend to have living in my phone.💕💕 I will think of you whenever i see something related to scream and your love for piccrew always make me smile💕

@edsbacktattoo - Jams, jams jams! 💕 We are never online at the same time because of the damn time differences *shakes fist* but you are a staple in this fandom. Your art is incredible and you are the sweetest cookie in the jar. You are funny and always spread good energy to everyone around you and I love that with my whole heart💕💕

@kiwistede - Sam 💕 Your love for stede and rhys is unmet and i love you for that. You are always a good source for some rhys darby insanity and we all know that is what i treausure most here in life! 💕💕

@stedesearring - Kaitlin💕 You are the sweetest and kindest soul out here always spreading joy and love like the sun of my dash. 💕 I always love seeing you and i am happy to have the pleasure to have you as a friend in my phone! 💕💕

@stedebonnets - Ara 💕 Where would we be without your gifs?? without your joy?? without your blog?? without you?? No one knows! I am so happy to call you a mutual and friend and you always bring a smile to my face. Always!!💕💕

@appleteeth - Liz 💕 No one is quite as normal about rhys darby as you and it a pleasure to watch! Speaking of pleasure.. your fic the slightest touch is an all time favorite of mine and i would be embarrassed to tell you how many times i have read it... you are one of my mutuals that i am baffled that they want to follow me. Its a privilege! 💕

@as-a-creww - Caroline dear 💕 You are a beloved mutual and your blog are a permanent part of my dash and i want to keep it like that! you are the friendliest of the friendliest and what is more important than that?? 💕💕

@nandorisms - Ed dear💕 Your shameless reblogs makes the world go around. You are always sweet and a much needed wwdits addition to my life. I count you as a dear friend living in my heart!💕

@londonlock - Londie! 💕💕 The only sherlock mutual i have left and i am very happy to have kept you! 💕 I might have left those days behind me but you know as well as i that sherlock lives in my soul and seeing some sherlock and john love on a daily basis keep me grounded and on top of that are you such a romantic and beautiful human being! 💕💕

@follovver - Tanya 💕 My fellow Swedish ofmd fan! I am very happy to have found you! its nice to be able do discuss it in my mother tongue and i hope we one day can do it live! its to bad we never met when we went to the same uni (or maybe we did but didn't know) Du är fantastisk!! 💕

@wastingyourgum - Al💕(which i always read in my head as artificial intelligence and giggle because it make me feel like you are a robot) My fellow rhys friend. You bring me doses of darby when its most needed and your blog is always on fleek 💕💕

@xray-vex - Xray 💕 100 % one of my funniest mutuals!💕💕 You make hilarious posts that no one else could even dream of coming up with! Always top tier blog content and what more can a girl ask for??💕

@jellybeanium124 - Nina💕 I can not imagine my blog without you! Your posts are always a delight and you are so nice and sweet and funny and incredible (even when you make math mistakes kisses kisses) You bring a honest joy into the fandom that we could not live without! 💕💕

@thunderwingdoomslayer - Nellie 💕 My official rhys darby gif provider who I come to as if i needed a new hit of an illegal substance. I salute you and thank you for your service!💕💕

@forestofsprites - Green my dear 💕You might have gone from ofmd to be the supernatural provider of my dash but that does not stop you from being the kindest forest spirit i know. Your presence is calming in a way i can not explain and i am glad to have you and your love for meg here.💕💕

@cheersmequeers - Kate💕💕 A big puzzle piece to bring my dash together. Always filling it with my favorite gay pirates and i love having you here. Always friendly and full of love.💕💕

@sugashook - Sugaaa💕💕 You know i am in love with your art! Your art is always on top and it bring me back to life every time. I keep the dress i bought from you on the outside of my closet so every morning its the first thing i see and it sets the day right!💕💕 I wear your art on my tshirt to the gym as often as i can hoping to lure in a ofmd fan between the weights but that has not happened yet sadly!! Never stop making your art!! The world would be at loss if that happened 💕💕

@lacefuneral - Jay 💕(should be called YAY because that is what i say when i see a new selfie or fashion post from you) You are a fantastic friend and i love your love for stede and you are always kind and patient in a way that makes me comfortable to ask you questions about something i might not be familiar with. You are forever my moth mutual in my mind 💕💕

@meanmisscharles - Charles 💕 In my head i call you charles but i don't think that is your name but i hope its okay with you! Always friendly and sweet but ready to fight the bullshit the other spread! and such a source for good music recommendations!! 💕💕

@forpiratereasons - Darcy 💕literary no one does it like Darcy! Aways bringing the best ofmd posts to my dash and ensuring i don't miss anything! You are incredible! 💕💕

@blackbeardskneebrace - Miles my dear 💕 You make incredible art both the cute and amazing ofmd art but also the gorgeous historical art you post. Its a pleasure to see you talk about history but also about our beloved gay pirates. Your snoopy ofmd art will live in my heart forever and i think it might be healing me a bit. Maybe even watering my crops and clearing my skin! And those valentine ofmd arts from last year. I am 100 % gonna bring them back this February like beloved decorations you store in the attic. 💕💕💕

@awkward-fallen-angel - Heather 💕 You are one of the sweetest people i have had the pleasure to come across. You bring a big excitement and attention to the things you like and it moves along to everyone near. I mean i have watched long critical role videos just because you spoke so warmly about them and i wanted to know what it meant. I love having you here. 💕💕

@mxmollusca - Mx 💕 (dont know your name so i am just calling you that) I mean you are an incredible writer. I have only managed to read ifwts once because i cried so much that i am scared to open it again because i might just never stop crying. You are creative and funny and absolutely totally normal about rhys darby which in my book is a very good thing to be. And besides that you are a very friendly and nice mutual who is always a pleasure to interact with. 💕💕

@poisonintopositivity - Lilias💕 We have not talked much but we have been mutuals for a very long time and i hope you know that i appreciate you greatly as a mutual and you always but the best posts on my dash!💕💕

@glam-hutchence - Birb 💕💕my dear bird lover! You are a sweet potatoe and i love reading about your love for music and the concerts you go to.💕 Its so nice to take a little part of your life. You are always there for me and i always get happy when i talk to you. You are like a little happy pill! 💕💕

@turtles-on-turts - Turts 💕 Whenever i see a turtle i think about you. Its your brand! You make amazing art! and the ones on canvas always blow me away. 💕💕 Its incredible. You are also so very pretty and i have that picture of you in your depression robe with all the pigeons imprinted in my mind because it such a cute one. You are always very friendly and i love reading your personal posts as well. 💕💕

@vonlipwig - Franky 💕 You bring me lots of normality about rhys darby but these days also a huge bunch of normality about david tennant which i appreciate a lot. You are very nice and i stand by my assesment that you have a very cool aura!💕💕

@haeva - Mar my beloved💕 You bring me my wifes emily and valkyrie and a bunch of amazing posts about everything i can imagine. You are loving and sweet and good at maths which i am always very impressed by. I love being your mutual and doing ask games with you is a pleasure!💕💕

@mykonossalome - Myko💕 When i see moomin i think of you because i know how much you love it. We dont talk as much as i would like but the interactions we have had has meant a lot to me and i love seeing you posting about the things you love! 💕💕

@cottoncandiescupcakes - Cupcake 💕 I love that you are always so excited over our boy the swede and its a pleasure to compare language with you. We can continue fighting if the swede belong to the dutch or the swedes but that is a pleasure!💕💕

@mister-brightside - Andrea my dear💕. Your art is always perfect and whenever i see a picture of izzy giving the middle finger i think about you! Its your brand and its your picture now and no one can change that. You are sweet and caring and a lovely mutual to have. thank you!💕💕

@merryfinches - Kylie 💕 What can i say more than that i ADORE your fanart. The colours the style the softness of it all is exactly what we all need in these times. Every single time it shows up on my dash it makes my heart grows softer and my love grow stronger! I love it so so much. 💕

@ofmd-ann - Ann 💕 You glorious glorious gifmaker! Your gifs are always beautiful and these last days you have saved me with your wrecked edits. As a supplier of rhys darby gifs i love you forever. You are a hero love. 💕💕

@usersukuna - Bia 💕You are a gif magician. Your gifs are perfect and you are also very kind and sweet and i am so glad i can call you a mutual! You light up tumblr like no one else and i am always happy to see you on my dash.💕💕

If you are not in this list it does not mean that i dont love you or have forgotten about you it means that tumblr has put a limit to how many people you can tag which sucks. But if i follow you then it means i love and appreciate you. 💕💕💕 And you know what? We will make it through this hard and trying times of greedy streaming services putting an end to our gay pirates show. I love you all and you know what??

We will make it through as A CREW!

#i might have spent half my work day on this because i am sad and can not concentrate so please dont tell my boss #personal #my beloved mutuals #renew as a crew #i am just very filled with love for you all #for this fandom #💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

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nonexistence1199 · 1 day ago

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A place where seasons never change

Soukoku - Beast AU!

Warning: Angst, mention of death, blood, self-harm

Currently playing: See You Again - Charlie Puth & Wiz Khalifa + memories at the end of the world - AZALI

Author's note: Does anyone know the artist of the fanart above?! Please tell me I wanna worship their talent oh my god (っ °Д °;)っ And thus, this whole thing.... maybe it's just about flashbacks fr:v

[...]

-"Chibi~!"

A voice rang through the Port Mafia's hallway, a certain brunette drag his annoying ass to "accidentally" hit the short ginger, who was caught off guard and stumbled a bit.

-"Tch, get back here, you annoying waste of bandage-!"

The shorter male growls, quickly chasing after him. Who else could it be? Yes, the "certain brunette" is Dazai Osamu, his annoying partner in crime- no, more like rivals in crime.

-"Awww, our little Chuuya is extra grumpy today~ Poor you, that grimaced face makes you look like a thirty-year-old man, you know that?"

With a flicker of wind, Chuuya feels something lifting off his head. He quickly looks around - the front door is open, and… Wait, what?!

-"Damn you, Dazai!!"

Running towards the open door, Chuuya rushes through the garden in the backyard. Successfully grabbed Dazai's coat to pull him back, the bandaged boy let out a playful squeal.

-"Woah, no need to be so harsh, Chuu Chuu~"

Chuuya rolls his eyes at the other's giggles, covering his messy red hair with the Fedora which is now back on his head. A sudden pull on his arm from his supposed "rival" caught Chuuya off guard, and his eyes went wide for a second.

-"What the hell you think you're doing, huh?"

-"Ahhhh, enjoying life! Today's quite a beautiful day don't ya think?"

Chuuya almost did a double take when he heard the words coming out of his partner's mouth. Is he serious? This suicidal bastard, enjoying life?

-"And I'm not in the mood to do a little "experiment" about death today…"

At this point, Chuuya had choked on the air.

-"No, are you okay? You, mackerel, won't try to commit suicide? Not in the mood?"

The ginger-haired boy was dumbfounded, even when Dazai dragged him by his arm out of the building towards the small secluded garden.

And Chuuya's eyes twitched slightly when the other started rambling with his signature smug smile.

[...]

The crystal sky turns grey. A summer rain crashes by, causing Chuuya to pull out his black umbrella. The messy bangs are even messier because of the wind from before, and he start walking down the street.

It has been exactly 1 year 9 months 6 days since the day he lost his most regretful bet.

The cold and wet drops of rain, the sound of them hitting the hard ground, were once soothing for him. It once felt warm. And there was once someone who stayed by his side, wrapping his coat around him with a teasing smirk plastered on his stupid face.

Chocolate eyes, and the way his pain-in-the-ass laughter echoes in the air whenever Chuuya was tricked.

And the Port Mafia executive wonders, where is that certain someone now?

[...]

-"...Dazai, so you're here?"

Chuuya frown, crossing his arms as he gaze down his so-called "boss". Dazai Osamu, now he is the godamn boss of the mafia.

It is funny, but it really is.

But it is still ironic, considering Dazai has just discreetly sneaked out from work again.

-"Get back to work, you idiot"

With that, Dazai whine like a child. The poor executive gasped slightly when the Port Mafia boss pulled him down on the grass, and with a soft "thud", his back landed on the ground with Dazai on top of him, his usual stupid grin makes Chuuya's veins pop up.

-"Get off me, you idiot!" he snapped, trying to push the other man away. Dazai just laughed, the sound light and carefree, not caring in the slightest about Chuuya's irritation.

-“Come on, Chuuya! It’s a beautiful day!” Dazai exclaimed, propping himself up on his elbows and looking down at him with those infuriatingly charming eyes. - “Why so serious?”

Chuuya's face flushed a deep shade of red, half from anger and half from the ridiculousness of the situation.

-“You’re such a pain”

Dazai tilted his head, still grinning.

-“But you love it. Admit it!” “Love it?” Chuuya scoffed, trying to maintain his tough facade.

-“I can't stand you!” “Oh, so you do love me!” Dazai winked, clearly enjoying the banter.

-“Shut up!”

Chuuya snapped, finally managing to roll over and shove Dazai away, climbing to his feet with a huff. He brushed the grass off his back, glaring down at Dazai.

All he see is a wide grin from his boss.

-"Aww, Chuuya, you look like you're going to have a heart attack or something!"

Scoffing, he sits down beside Dazai. The view down the hill is kind of... calm, he must admit. Sunlight strands lingering on his small figure, and a drop of silence wash by.

-"What would it be if the seasons never change?"

Chuuya raise an eyebrow, glancing skeptically at the boss.

-"Well.... I don't know. Only one weather over the years, I guess?

His confusion grows when Dazai burst out of laughing. Is there anything funny at all..?

-"...Well, Chibi, that's a tolerable answer."

-"And what's you 'better' idea, huh, boss?"

Dazai smiles slightly, staring at a distance. Surprisingly, it looks as if Chuuya has caught a glimpse of light in those dark, lifeless pupils.

-"...You'll know soon enough..."

A pause cut through the air, and Dazai returns to his snarky attitude,

-"Or you would never know, considering how stupid you are, I suppose."

[...]

The rain finally stops.

Hot summer air burns through the streets, which lead down a secluded part of the city. The sky is clear with not even a drop of cloud, and sunlight streams down every pedestrian who walks by. Chuuya's small figure casts a shadow on the ground, cooling down the area where the grey tombstone is standing.

Dazai Osamu.

Chuuya wonders, where is he now?

That freak.

His rival, his enemy, his number one assassin target, his boss, his love, and his everything-

Maybe he was just stupid - like Dazai said - too stupid for not realizing the meaning of the question he asked that day.

If the seasons never change, maybe we could stay together for a little longer.

But there's no place where the seasons never change...

Except for the place where souls linger after death.

And Chuuya stands there, drowning in the memories that have never been once forgotten.

#bungou stray dogs #bsd #bsd dazai #dazai #dazai osamu #chuuya nakahara #bsd chuuya #bungou stray dogs chuuya #dazai x chuuya #skk #soukoku #bsd skk #nakahara chuuya

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thistuesdaynight · 26 days ago

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I saw some fanart of Paspa Essiedu as Severus with the canon typical long, straight hair.

(I'm not gonna reblog bc I don't want to send any haters to that person's art) but it exemplifies the reason that I can't trust Hollywood with race swapped characters.

If they do end up casting a black severus snape and he has straight hair.....

I think I might actually just keel over and die atp

It would be like what they did to Jamie Foxx in The Amazing Spiderman 2. They gave that man a comb over. A fucking COMB OVER.

Most people don't know how black hair works, which makes sense, bc most people have never HAD to know. But lemme tell you: It's a lot of fucking work to maintain straight hair as a black person.

Are you telling me Severus Snape goes to the salon every 2 weeks to get a silk press??

He wraps his hair in a satin scarf every night to keep it from kinking up?

Did he get a fucking weave?

Did he get a relaxer?

He owns a straightening iron to do touch ups if his hair gets frizzy?

He refuses to go out in the rain bc it would ruin his hair?

And alright, some of you might say: they're wizards, so maybe there are spells/potions for that. But then I ask why would he use them??? There is simply NO WAY that Severus Snape grew up straightening his hair like that. And are we going to explore the implications of internalized racism and assimilation inherent in charming your hair straight every day?? Especially when that is a hairstyle that black men RARELY have.

The reason why women do it in this world is multi layered: white beauty standards, easy maintenance with a trip to the salon every couple weeks, and internalized beliefs that our hair is unkempt, wily, and too difficult to care for. Some people do just like the style, though.

And which reason, pray tell, would be Severus Snape's???? I would need a whole episode just to explain that choice alone, bc it's just too big a change to his character.

I would hope that Hollywood would have more sense than to give him straight hair, but.... frankly I can't trust them.

#the art was truly fantastic #it just doesnt make sense for who Snape is and how black hair works #and i am just so TIRED of people getting black hair WRONG #Jamie Foxx's hair in TASM2 was WRONG #Mel Medarda's hair in Arcane: WRONG #im TIRED #pro severus snape #severus snape #harry potter series #harry potter hbo #paapa essiedu #black hair #harry potter #harry potter show

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nardos-primetime · 9 months ago

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I got the Donnie 'tism and the Leo 'DHD.

Asks are always open (I love asks they're so silly)

Requests are currently closed. (Just be aware I might not always finish them </3)

Call me Rain/Rainy, LED, Leon/Leo/Nardo or Don/Donnie/Tello.

I go by He/Him/His/Himself.

I may or may not be a kinnie of both Leonardo and Donatello. (Mainly Leo though.)

Mainly makes horror and angst aus, but I happily dabble in sillier things as well, there's some lighter things even within my dark aus normally.

(These can contain GORE AND INJURY (MENTAL AND PHYSICAL), PLEASE be warned and take care of yourself first and foremost!)

I normally don't do a ton of romance with the turtles unless it's for lore reasons within a story or something (other than leosagi, possibly donsagi and jasonnie). I do ship some of the adults on occasion for fun Mainly Barsonjitsu? (I Think thats the name I forgot) I absolutely don't do nsfw with the turtles. I might make something like a dick/sex joke here and there or a reference to sex within a story but nothing greater than that.

Feel free to message/ask me about shit, I need to get better with being social and love hearing shit about things I like/make! Just don't be a weirdo, y'know?

(Aka tc*st dni)

Tags:

#nardo's primetime.txt - Thoughts and Rambles mostly

#nardo's asks.txt - asks answered

#Writings - More concise rambles. Like minifics or mini fic ideas of some kind. Or story stuff in general. Normally not full works.

#practice makes perfect! - Specifically my adventures practicing drawing turtles

#writers wips - Clips and stuff from my fics what aren't done or whatever

#rottmnt fanart - most of my art is under this :]

#not turtles - other fandom stuff (mainly Gregory Horror Show rn)

#rainposting - IMAGES AND VIDEOS AND GIFS OF RAIN I FUCKING LOVE RAIN GOD FUCK YES RAIINNNN

#Scary Turtles - Physicalogical or Direct horror

Au Tags: (I don't have them all here but maybe one day I'll make a masterpost)

#Natural Disasters AU - WIP WIP WIP the turtles are all natural disasters/elements and such

#League of Single Fathers AU - Leo is raised by Hypno, Mikey is raised by Meatsweats, Raph is raised by Ghostbear, and Donnie is raised by Repo Mantis. Shit happens.

#Villain Mikey AU/#Broke a Million Dollar Box AU - Wow this bitch has FAMILY ISSUES surely he deals with it in a HEALTHY WAY and does NOT kill people and go crazy!

#Villain Donnie AU/#Viral Donnie AU - Local boy causes apocalypse and then runs the apocalypse more at 10

#Four More Villains AU - Tied in w Villain Mikey & Villain Donnie, shared with @midwesternvibes

#Identical Identities AU - Who am I Anymore?

#Nonsense Apocalypse AU - A Rise au focusing on a robot turtle and zombie turtle trying to find their brothers in a weird apocalypse, and vice-versa.

#Draxum's Side of The Family AU - AU that focuses on Clones of the turtles that have a lot of problems. Don't worry, the original turtles have more problems too! Equal opportunity angst! [Semi hiatus]

#Teenage Mutant Magical Boys AU - Local mutants are used to save the world and are idols on the side. Aware that they're related. All struggling soso hard.

#nardo's primetime.txt #draxum's side of the family au #nardo posting #tello posting #practice makes perfect!#nonsense apocalypse au #Writings #villain mikey au #nardo's asks.txt #teenage mutant magical boys au #writers wips #villain donnie au #broke a million dollar box au #league of single fathers au #identical identities au #viral donnie au #four more villains au

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ramblingoak · 2 years ago

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The Cardinal's Bride, Chapter 6: The Newlywed Game

~~ Please visit The Outlaw Brides Masterpost to catch up and read more stories from this world ~~

Thank you to @tasty-ribz for the wanted poster! Lots of other amazing people have done fanart of Cowboy Copia so please go check it out: @meowsaidmissy (1 / 2), @snail-shell2335 here, @vahvco here, @ghulehgwen here, @rabidghoul here, @nocterish here, @enjoy-my-swearing here, @blacktie-whitenoise (1 /2) and from valkyrieinpink on twitter. Also a huge thank you to @kissingghouls for aggressively holding my hand and letting me scream at her about cowboys.

Cardinal Copia x Female Reader: alternative universe, slow burn romance, blood, eventual smut, NSFW, 18+ only MDNI, 9,100 words for this one

“He’s going to beat the shit outta me.”

“Stop being so dramatic and just do it.”

Swiss groaned but took a few steps towards where Copia and Princess were before stopping and spinning around.

“Why did you put her in my shirt again?”

“I am so tired of being around all you dense assholes.” Sunshine grabbed Swiss’s shoulders and spun him back around. “For the last time, the boss just needs a small push. A little jealousy will do the trick.”

“Yeah, but you remember how badly he reacted in Denver though, right?”

“Yes, I do.” She shoved Swiss forward, laughing as he stumbled and nearly fell to his knees.

“Which you deserved by the way.”

“Ok, fair.” Swiss straightened up and adjusted his hat before looking over his shoulder at her. “You’ll make sure he doesn’t kill me, right?”

“Yeah, sure. Whatever.”

“Very reassuring. Fuck, ok. You owe me.”

Sunshine just gave him a thumbs up and watched as he wandered over to the pair. She jumped when Mountain cleared his throat behind her.

“What are you up to?”

“I’m helping love blossom here, Mountain. Take some notes.”

“Isn’t that what you said in Denver?”

“I said a lot of things in Denver.”

“Yeah and a lot of those were being said behind the bars of a cell too weren’t they?”

Sunshine turned and hissed at him, but jerked back around when Copia started shouting. She triumphantly raised her fists when Copia slammed his forehead into Swiss’s nose, laughing when both him and Swiss quickly fell to the ground in a tangle of limbs.

“It worked! Take that you loveless assholes.”

Mountain shook his head, sighing as he jogged after Aether and Rain who were already running to break it up.

“What’d you do now?” Dewdrop hadn’t moved from his spot on the ground, laying back with his hat covering his face. “And don’t say ‘making love blossom’.”

“Dewdrop, someday you’re gonna fall in love and not know what to do about it.”

“That’s possible.” He pulled his hat off to glare at her. “I sure as shit won’t come to you for advice though.”

Sunshine ignored him, focusing back on the fight. When she saw Aether take an elbow to the face she winced. He was gonna bitch at her about that later. She groaned when Mountain had to drag Copia away and Princess just watched him go. When the tall Ghoul let Copia go he shouted at Rain and then headed straight to the horses. The girl watched him go for a moment before turning and going over to Swiss.

“Satan’s dick.” She ignored Dewdrop’s cackle of ‘I told you so’ and kicked some dirt at him. “Fucking Denver all over again.”

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

“Is this completely necessary?”

Copia groaned behind you, muttering something in Italian under his breath.

“Principessa, we’ve been over this. You need to be able to protect yourself.” When you turned your head to respond he placed a finger over your lips. “There’s not always going to be a frying pan handy.”

“I seem to remember causing you some damage without a frying pan.”

“Ehh those were lucky shots.” You narrowed your eyes, throwing an elbow back to dig into his gut. Copia managed to jerk back in time and you just smiled innocently when he glared at you. “Si, si fine. You’re very dangerous. Now pay attention.”

When he came up behind you again and fitted against your back you let out a slow breath. This was actually what you were talking about, the closeness. Not that you minded all that much. You liked having him close, you weren’t afraid to admit that to yourself anymore. Even when he still teased you relentlessly to the point your face was as red as his duster.

Even when he still desperately needed a bath.

His touches just seemed more intimate now, like they had more purpose. You had felt on edge since his comment that morning. Every time you caught his eyes it felt like your heart skipped a beat and like there were butterflies swirling in your stomach. Then when everyone stopped for lunch he decided it would be the perfect time to teach you how to shoot a gun. He had seemed far more concerned with teasing you than actually talking about shooting.

The sound of raised voices at camp caught your attention and you glanced over to see Sunshine and Swiss arguing about something. The two Ghouls had been acting odd all morning, whispering to each other while they traveled at the back of the group. You had asked Mountain if he knew what was going on but he just recommended that you ignore them. To be honest you had hoped Sunshine would ride near you that day. You needed a distraction from the gathering clouds ahead of you.

“Having a nice day dream?” You startled at Copia’s voice in your ear, turning to glare at him. He just chuckled and reached around to adjust your fingers on the gun again. “Thinking about anyone in particular?”

“Copia what are we going to do during the storm?”

“Principessa, stop worrying, everything will be fine.” He squeezed your shoulder and you nodded, trying to put a brave face on. “Rain’s going to ride ahead and we’ll find somewhere to wait it out.”

“Of course, you’re right. I’m sorry.” You felt a little embarrassed bringing the storm up, it seemed like such a silly thing to be scared of. Especially considering everything else that had happened to you recently. Not to mention the company of wanted outlaws you were currently traveling with.

“Hey, you don’t need to apologize, ok?” Copia placed a few fingers under your chin and turned your head to face him. He was close enough that you could see the freckles on his face. Close enough you watched his eyes trail from your own down to your lips. A throat being cleared snapped you both out of what was going on and Copia groaned before turning to who had interrupted…whatever was about to happen.

“Is there something you needed, Swiss?”

“Nope, just wanted to see if you needed any help.”

You narrowed your eyes at him, the look on his face making you think something was going on. When you glanced behind him towards camp Sunshine and Mountain were looking your way. Something was definitely going on. Copia tightened his grip on your hip briefly before he addressed Swiss again.

“Does it look like I need help?”

Swiss glanced at you, looking you up and down and you couldn’t help but blush. Copia hadn’t moved from where he was pressed against your back. He dropped the hand covering yours on the revolver and placed it on your shoulder.

“Eh, not really, but we both know I’m the better shot so maybe it’s best if I teach her.”

There had to be something wrong with you that Copia’s growling made your heart beat faster. He took a step away from you and you immediately missed the heat of his body. With the clouds rolling in the air had cooled quite a bit and you found yourself longing for the heavy layers of your dress. Although having Copia so close to you wasn’t bad either.

“The better shot? Remind me, Swiss, who was it that couldn’t take out a single one of Saltarian’s men last month?”

“Aww that’s not fair Cardinal, my rifle jammed.” Swiss smiled and crossed his arms over his chest. “Besides I don’t remember you taking out very many either.”

“Si, because I was too busy hanging onto the side of the train trying not to get shot by them.”

“Well it worked out in the end didn’t it? We got the money.”

Copia said something in Italian and you watched as Swiss’s eyes widened for a moment before he held his hands up and took a few steps back.

“Alright, alright! I’m sorry, just trying to help the Princess out.” His eyes moved over to you and he shot you a wink before they roamed over you briefly once more. “My shirt looks good on you by the way.”

Your mouth fell open at his comment and you glanced back over to where Sunshine was still watching you closely. There was no doubt in your mind she had planned this all along. After a few moments when Copia hadn’t said anything you glanced his way and found yourself wanting to take a step back. The look on his face rivaled the steely glare he always had in his wanted posters and it was directed solely on the Ghoul in front of him.

“Mi scusi?” He took a threatening step towards Swiss, but the Ghoul held his ground. His smirk had definitely wavered a bit though. “Care to repeat that?”

“Uh you know, just noticed she was wearing my shirt.” Swiss was starting to look more nervous, coughing to clear his throat.

“Is she now?” Copia stepped directly in front of Swiss and grabbed a handful of his jacket. “Say it again.”

“Look boss, it was just a complement!” Swiss’s hands came up to grip Copia’s wrist and tried to pull him off, but the man didn’t budge. Their argument had attracted everyone else’s attention and you could see Aether slowly start to wander over while Sunshine had a hand over her mouth trying to hide a smile.

“Say. It. Again.”

“She looks good in my shir–ow fuck!”

Copia had slammed his forehead against Swiss’s nose, blood instantly pouring out of it. It didn’t slow the Ghoul down though, he wrapped an arm around Copia’s neck and brought his other fist into his stomach. Copia coughed out something in Italian, you assumed a curse word, and kicked at Swiss’s knee. At that point Swiss lost his balance and fell over, dragging Copia with him.

They both landed in the dirt right next to you and you yelped, jumping back to try and get out of the way. Both men continued to grapple with each other in the dirt, rolling around back and forth as they both tried to get the upper hand. Aether, Mountain and Rain had rushed over, with the taller Ghoul positioning himself in front of you. When you glanced up at him he smiled and muttered ‘just in case’.

More shouts and groans brought your attention back to the two men on the ground, their fighting not having even slowed down. You could barely tell who was who anymore, both of them covered in dirt and blood. When Swiss was able to roll over and get on top of Copia Aether reached out and grabbed him trying to pull him off. Swiss had chosen that moment to pull his arm back to throw a punch and his elbow ended up slamming into Aether’s face.

“Shit!” Aether fell back onto the ground, one hand covering his mouth. “Goddammit Swiss!”

“Oh fuck, Aether I’m sor–unholy shit, Copia!”

In the brief moment Swiss had been distracted with Aether, Copia had managed to free himself from under the Ghoul. He flipped the man onto his back and drove an elbow into Swiss’s crotch. Your hands flew to your mouth as Swiss cried out, clutching himself and rolling away from The Cardinal. You glanced back towards camp but Sunshine was too busy doubling over and laughing to bother with the fight.

Copia got to his feet and looked about ready to go at Swiss again, but Mountain took a step forward and grabbed him. His long arms wrapped around the smaller man’s waist and dragged him away, Copia kicking and shouting the entire time. You tentatively took a few steps forward towards Swiss and rested them on his shoulders. He looked up at you, a big smile on his face despite the blood still coming out of his nose. Swiss managed to wink at you despite an already swelling eye and you sighed as you took the rest of the damage in.

Cowboys were strange.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

The one good thing about the rain was that it was hiding your tears.

Copia and Rain had left shortly after the fight to scout ahead. You weren’t sure what was going through his head at the moment. He refused to let you look at the reopened cut above his eye after you helped Swiss’s nose stop bleeding. It wasn’t like you were encouraging the attention Swiss was giving you. Sunshine seemed to be the one doing that and whenever you tried to ask her about it she’d just smirk and ignore you.

But all that was hours ago. It hadn’t been long before the storm clouds had finally rolled in. At first it was just sheets of rain but it quickly became nearly impossible to see with how heavy it was falling. The thunder and lightning began to make riding anywhere dangerous so Aether had led the group to a small patch of trees to try and stay out of the wind.

Everyone was miserable, including the horses. Yours seemed especially restless as the storm got worse. Every time the lightning flashed it was startling and attempting to move around and away from the others. It was at this point that you had started crying. You were scared, soaking wet and quickly tiring of trying to keep your horse under control. For the first time in days you found yourself wishing you were home in Missouri.

That thought only made you cry harder.

You didn’t even notice when Copia and Rain came back. It didn’t help that your horse had wandered away from the group a bit and no matter what you did you couldn’t get it to turn back. Right when you were about to just get off the damn thing and walk over a bolt of lightning struck nearby, the thunder cracking loudly overhead. You cried out when your horse reared up but an arm quickly grasped you around your waist and pulled you off.

“Easy girl, easy. I’ve got you.”

Copia yanked off his duster and draped it over you, carefully tucking you under it and out of the rain. You wanted to tell him it didn’t matter since you were already soaked to the bone but the simple action made you feel so safe you couldn’t bring yourself to say anything. Instead you wrapped your arms around his waist and leaned into his chest as you sat sideways in front of him.

You held on tighter when you felt Brizio start to move, your ear pressed right over Copia’s heart. The steady thump was reassuring against your ear and you focused on that to try and relax. When a hand reached under the coat and grabbed one of yours you looked up, peeking briefly out from under his duster. He flashed you a smile and then leaned in close, his lips brushing against your forehead as he spoke.

“We found someplace to stay tonight, don’t worry.” He squeezed your hand before dropping it and you instantly missed the feel of the leather against your skin.

The brief press of his lips against your forehead definitely made up for the loss of his hand though.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Mountain and Aether quickly got the old barn door open, everyone hurrying inside out of the rain. Copia slid off of Brizio and then helped you down. As you looked around you didn’t see any animals besides the horses you had brought with you. The barn was mostly full of old looking equipment and assorted furniture. You jumped a bit when Rain walked from behind you, patting you on the shoulder as he went by.

“Might want to start getting comfortable, Princess.”

You gave him a brief smile and nodded then started to pull your arms out of Copia’s duster. It was heavy with water so you tried to shake it out a few times before hanging it on a nearby pole. A chill immediately settled into your skin and you shivered. All the blankets everyone had with them would be soaked as well and you worried your bottom lip between your teeth. You weren’t looking forward to sleeping in wet clothes on hay, but it was definitely better than being outside.

Aether and Mountain had busied themselves with spreading supplies out to help them dry and you started to walk towards them to help before the barn door opened again. An older man and woman rushed in, both of them holding a stack of what looked like blankets.

“Look at all of you! Soaked to the bone!” The woman dropped her pile on the ground and then grabbed the stack from the man with her, piling those on top of the others. The man wandered over to where Copia was talking with Dewdrop and Rain so you took a few steps toward the woman to help her.

“Oh! I didn’t realize you had a lady with you.” You offered her a small smile when she walked up to you with her hands held out and you quickly wiped yours off before placing them in hers. “My name is Ethel and that’s my husband Harold. Now, we can’t have a pretty thing like you stuck in this old barn with all of these dirty cowboys.”

You had to bite your lip to keep your laugh in when you heard Sunshine’s ‘hey!’. Dewdrop couldn’t stop his own laughter though and you promptly heard him grunt, probably from a smack on the head by the Ghoulette. You focused back on the woman and shook your head.

“It’s ok, I don’t mind. These are my friends.” Honestly though, the thought of sleeping in a barn wasn’t incredibly appealing. Especially with how the storm continued to get worse.

“No, no I insist. You’ll stay in the house with Harold and I. We have plenty of room. Harold!”

There was no way to stop the smile from breaking out on your face while you watched Ethel wander over to where her husband was talking with Copia. A bed! The thought of sleeping in an actual bed after so many days of sleeping on the ground was amazing. You bounced on your heels a few times, watching as Ethel and Copia laughed at something before they both turned and headed back your way.

“You see? That’s settled then.” Ethel reached up and patted your cheek before grabbing some of the blankets she brought with her. “Let’s get everyone as comfortable as possible and then we’ll get you two settled inside.”

You froze at her last comment, shooting Copia a look when he cleared his throat. He was busy getting Brizio’s saddle off and you walked over to him after Ethel went to help spread the blankets out.

“Copia, what does she mean by that?”

“Eh? By what?”

You narrowed your eyes, following him when he pulled the saddle off his horse and went to set it down.

“She said ‘you two’. Why did she say that?” When Copia turned and started back towards Brizio you reached out and grabbed his arm. He looked down at your hand for a moment and then back up to your face with a raised eyebrow. “Don’t give me that look, what did she mean?”

When he started to walk away once more you couldn’t help but give his arm a vicious pinch through his shirt. He hissed between his teeth, pulling his arm away and glaring at you.

“Watch it, Principessa.” Copia caught your hand when you reached out to give him another pinch, keeping a firm grip when you tried to pull it away. “I thought you’d be happier at getting to sleep inside the house.”

“Trust me I am, but why does it sound like you’re coming too?”

Before he could answer you heard footsteps behind you and you turned your head to see Ethel’s kind face.

“You two remind me of Harold and I when we were younger. That man couldn’t keep his hands off of me.” She smiled and gave you a quick wink. “Still can’t some days.”

Copia tugged you closer and then slid an arm around your shoulders. Your mind was so busy trying to process what was happening that you didn’t even protest, easily fitting against his side.

“Well Ethel, who could blame him? Especially marrying a woman as beautiful as yourself.”

Ethel blushed, giggling as she smoothed her hands over the gray hair pinned up on her head.

“Oh you are trouble, Mr. Emeritus.” She looked at you and gave you another wink. “I hope you keep a close eye on him, my dear.”

She didn’t wait for you to answer and made her way over to the door of the barn. You took the opportunity to look up at Copia, studying his face for a moment. He was biting his bottom lip like he was trying to hold in laughter so you couldn’t help but pinch his side.

“Copia what the fu–,” Your angry whisper was cut off by Ethel’s voice, but what she said finally gave you the answer Copia had refused to.

“Alright, time for the newlyweds to follow me!”

Your head whipped around, your eyes wide and your mouth open as you looked at her. Did she say newlyweds? You quickly looked back at Copia who was looking down at you with that smug smile he used so much.

Copia started walking towards the door, pulling you along with him. Your mind was going a mile a minute trying to absorb what was happening. He grabbed his duster from where you had hung it, shaking it out before putting it on. You were tucked back against his side when he was done and he held his arm above your head to be ready to block as much rain as possible.

“Shall we?”

Newlyweds?

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

As soon as you got inside the farmhouse Ethel was on the move.

She practically tore Copia’s duster off of him, making him take off his leather jacket as well. Once she had those she swiftly hung them on a hook by the door to dry and then immediately pointed at your shoes. Copia’s thumped heavily against the floor, the spurs jingling as they went. Your own shoes were a bit of a struggle and you were a little afraid they’d just fall apart as soon as you took them off. They were not meant for the life of an outlaw.

“Mr. Emeritus, your wife needs better shoes than these if she’s going to be traveling with you.” She tsked at the state of them when she took them from you and Copia muttered an apology under his breath. “You’re lucky because I think she and I are about the same size. I have plenty of old things we can set her up with.”

“Ethel, thank you, but I couldn’t possibly accept anything. Especially after you let us stay in your home.”

“Nonsense, we all need to look out for each other in the west.” She smiled at you both, her hands clasped together. “Besides I only ever had boys so it’ll be nice to find some use for my old things.”

She quickly spun around, waving for you both to follow as she disappeared down the hall that led out from the main room. You found yourself distracted as you walked through her home. It was so unlike where you had grown up. That house had felt cold and uninviting, but here every small nook and corner felt full of warmth and love. Knick knacks and mismatched furniture were tucked in everywhere and there were lots of paintings on the walls.

This place was an actual home.

“Now I know you two are probably tired from your journey so I’ll let you settle in while I gather some things for you.” She stopped in front of the last door at the end of the hallway, opening it and ushering you both inside. “There’s already fresh water in the basin so feel free to get some of the dirt from the road off. I’m going to grab some dry things for you to wear for the night until we can get your own things cleaned up.”

Copia turned and was speaking quietly to Ethel, but you couldn’t focus on what they were saying. As the woman went on about her plans all you could focus on was the room itself. It was small, not that you had expected anything grand. It was decorated much like the rest of her home and for a brief moment you fantasized about having a bedroom like this, in a home like this. Some place where you could be yourself and not have to worry about following any unspoken rules.

But then you saw the bed.

The small bed. The bed you and Copia would have to share. Together. Because this sweet woman thought you were married.

“I know the bed is a little small for two, but I’m sure you’ll make do.”

“No need to worry Ethel, my wife here is a cuddler.” You gritted your teeth as they both laughed behind you. “Isn’t that right, Polpettina?”

You know what, two could play this game. You put the fake smile you always used back in Missouri and spun around.

“Can you blame me, Ethel? With how handsome he is?”

Ethel actually giggled, looking up at Copia’s face because she clearly agreed with your statement. When you glanced at Copia you expected an irritated look, maybe narrowed eyes. Instead what you saw on his face nearly made you cry out in triumph.

He was blushing.

“Alright, let me leave you two alone for a moment and I'll be right back.”

She walked forward and patted you on the cheek, winking briefly and giving you a small smile before turning and walking from the room. You instantly narrowed your eyes at Copia as he groaned and stretched his arms out. The blush was gone already and was replaced by his usual smug look.

“What does ‘Polpettina’ mean?” Copia ignored you and walked towards the bed, taking his hat off and hanging it on one of the posts. “Well?”

He shrugged, keeping his back to you as he pressed his hands down into the mattress. You watched as he climbed onto the bed and leaned back against the pillows, his eyes landing on you.

“Just an endearment.”

“What, like ‘Principessa’?”

The smirk on his face told you that it absolutely was not like ‘Principessa’ so you crossed your arms and glared at him.

“It’s just something fun to call my darling wife.”

You sighed and turned to look around the room again. Maybe you could ask for some extra blankets and then make some sort of nest on the floor. The bed was too small to share, definitely too small to share with Copia. Your cheeks were heating just thinking about it. You froze when you heard him let out a quick whistle and turned to glare at him. He had somehow reclined even more and was patting the empty spot next to him with a grin on his face.

“There is no way I’m sharing a bed with you.”

“Why not? We’re married now.”

“We are most certainly not married and I never agreed to pretend to be married to you to begin with!”

It was Copia’s turn to roll his eyes and he turned so that he was on his side with his head propped up on his hand.

“I thought you’d be more excited.”

“Are you pouting?”

“You know there are a lot of girls out there that would kill to be in your spot right now.”

“Oh like the girl in Denver?”

“What’s the matter, eh? Isn’t this what you wanted?”

“What do you mean ‘what I wanted?’”

You knew by the smirk on his face you weren’t gonna like what he said next.

“You’re the one that’s been dreaming about me, Principessa.” He got up from the bed and sauntered over to you. “I would think pretending to be married to The Cardinal would be, what do they say, ’a dream come true?’ Besides, I didn’t want to leave you all alone in this house.”

Wait, what?

“Why not?”

“Eh, I figured they’d be asking a lot of questions. Thought it would be best if I was here to help.”

“Help with what? I can answer a few questions.”

Copia groaned and took a few steps back to sit on the bed again.

“It can be tough to think on your feet. To keep your story straight.”

“And since I’m a stupid, naive city girl I wouldn’t be able to handle it?”

“Look, I had to think fast when she mentioned she was bringing you up to the house.” Copia ran his hand through his hair and sighed. “It’s not like you have experience lying, Principessa.”

“You really have a warped idea of what my life was like, don’t you?” It took all of your self control not to close the distance between you and punch him in the nose. “I lied all the time back home.”

“What could you possibly need to lie about?”

“Everything!” You took a deep breath to try and calm your breathing before you continued. “If I told my father or mother how I really felt about things or what I was really doing in my spare time they would’ve locked me away in my room all day.”

“What were you doing in your spare time eh, Principessa?” Copia leaned back on the bed with a smirk on his face. “Staring at wanted posters and fantasizing about spending the night with The Cardinal?”

“Just because yours was the only poster you found doesn’t mean yours was the only poster I had.”

The look on his face was priceless, but your smirk dropped when he stood up and closed the distance between you.

“Is that so? Well who else were you looking at while you had your hand under your nightgo–merda!”

Copia groaned and fell back onto the bed when your knee connected with his crotch. He gritted his teeth, glaring at you for a moment before he jumped up and reached for you. Right as he yanked you against his chest there was a knock on the door and Ethel poked her head in.

“Oh! I’m sorry to interrupt.” She stepped in, her arms full of what looked like clothes and blankets. “See I knew you two would want some time alone.”

You laughed, pushing away from Copia as roughly as you thought you could get away with to take some of the things out of her hands.

“Thank you, Ethel.”

“Of course, dear.” She dropped her pile onto the bed and then turned to smile at you and Copia. “You too really are just so sweet with each other, it’s wonderful to see.”

Copia chuckled and you stiffened when he walked up behind you and placed his hands on your shoulders.

“Thank you, signora.” He squeezed your shoulders and you glanced up at him, sighing when you saw that smirk of his. “I just can’t help myself, look at how beautiful she is. I knew I had to snatch her up.”

The bottom fell out of your stomach at his words. Once again someone was treating you like a pretty decoration. Like a doll. You had told him this before, that day at the creek. That you hated being treated like this. Even if he was just saying this for Ethel’s sake it still hurt. It still felt like every other time you had been reduced to nothing of worth by everyone around you.

You were so tired of it.

“Well how about we let your lovely wife get changed and you go out with Harold to bring some more things to your friends before the storm picks up again.” Ethel picked up one of the pieces of clothing she had set on the bed and held it out. “I know it’s not very fashionable, but here’s an old nightgown of mine you can wear tonight dear.”

“Thank you for everything, Ethel.” You tried to give her a convincing smile as you stepped away from Copia, walking over towards the bed and sitting down. Copia was giving you an odd look and you did your best to ignore it, silently willing him to leave the room so you could try and collect yourself.

“Alright, Mr. Emeritus, let me give you some more things and then you can head out with Harold.” She patted Copia on the arm and started walking towards the door, turning at the last moment to give you another warm smile. “Then you two can have the room to yourselves.”

You looked down at the nightgown in your lap and traced your finger along the embroidery stitched into the collar. After a moment you looked up and met Copia’s mismatched eyes.

“I can’t wait.”

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

“I’m not going to bite you know? Not unless you want me to.”

You continued to ignore him, taking the pillow and quilt and placing them on the floor. Hopefully Ethel didn’t waltz in again anytime soon, you weren’t sure how you were going to explain this.

“I’ll sleep over the covers and keep my hands to myself.”

“I don’t care what you do as long as you do it away from me.”

“You know if anyone should be worried about hands it’s me.”

You turned around and glared at him, the bastard had come back from checking on his friends and immediately laughed at your borrowed nightgown. The white fabric covered you from your neck down. The only things exposed were your hands and feet. After he was done laughing he had promptly started taking his clothes off and you had yelped and turned away while he changed. You didn’t need to see his face to know he had been smirking at you the whole time.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Maybe you start dreaming about me, eh? Maybe your hands start wandering…” You heard his footsteps get closer to you. “I mean, not that I’d mind, but still. What if Ethel hears us?”

You growled, turning and shoving him away. He fell back onto the bed with a laugh.

“Just stay on the bed and I’ll stay down here.”

Copia sighed and blew out the candles on the small table nearby. The only light left to illuminate the room were the occasional flashes of lightning. Ethel was right, it was picking up again and seemed to be worse than it was earlier. You grabbed the quilt off the end of the bed and lowered yourself onto the floor. As you tried to settle and get comfortable your back already began to protest the hard wood beneath you. Somehow it was less comfortable than it was outside on the ground.

“Let’s be serious now. I’m sorry for teasing you.” Lightning flashed and it reflected against his eyes, the white one gleaming briefly. “I promise to be a gentleman.”

You snorted and turned your back to him.

“It’s either you or me, dear.”

“What are you even mad about, eh? I thought th–”

“You thought that a dumb city girl like me wouldn’t be able to handle herself.” When Copia didn’t say anything you kept going. “I should actually thank you for reminding me, I forgot that all I’m good for is decoration.”

“Principessa, that’s not what I mea–”

“No, you know what? I don’t want to hear it. I don’t want to hear anything from you right now.” You hoped he didn’t notice how your voice was trembling. The lightning was flashing so much now the room was nearly continuously bathed in light so you took a deep breath and glanced over your shoulder at the bed. Copia was looking right at you so you gritted your teeth to keep your gaze steady as you looked back. “Goodnight, Cardinal.”

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

If Copia had fallen asleep you weren’t sure, but you hadn’t been able to sleep a wink so far.

The whole house seemed to shake with each rumble of thunder. It might not have bothered you so much if you had been in the bed, but on the floor it was a constant vibration. You had thrown the quilt over your head to try and at least block the lightning out, but you could still see flashes through the fabric.

You should have just ignored Copia’s teasing and slept on the bed. It’s not like you hadn’t been close to him before. You’d been practically in his lap numerous times now while on his horse. Just that morning he had his arms around you while showing you how to shoot. Not to mention the moment when he arrived back in camp after Mary’s ambush…

An echoing boom rattled the window and you couldn’t hold back a gasp. The desire to cry was growing and you didn’t even know what the main reason for it was. Once again you felt overwhelmed with emotions, most of which you couldn’t even explain. A few tears slipped down your cheeks and you sniffled. You took a few deep breaths to try and calm down, but the thunder was as relentless as your racing thoughts.

“Principessa?” The bed creaked and you heard footsteps next to you followed by a hand on your shoulder. “Hey, you under there?”

You snorted and pulled the quilt off, hoping that he wouldn’t be able to notice your tears.

“I’m fine, you should go back to sleep.” Please don’t.

“Hard to sleep when my wife is on the floor crying.”

You groaned and tried to put the blanket back over your head, but he wouldn’t let you. Instead he threw it off to the side leaving you laying in front of him in your borrowed nightgown.

“Copia! What are you doing?” The only answer you got was his arms sliding under you and a grunt as he lifted you up. “Put me down! Put me down right now!”

“Okie dokie.” A squeak left you as he dropped you onto the bed and you glared up at him when he shushed you. “You better be quiet, Ethel seems like the type to tease if she hears too much noise in here.”

“I hate you.”

Copia snorted, reaching down to grab the pillow and quilt from the floor. When he turned he dropped them onto you and then shoved you further towards the wall.

“Come on, make room. Should’ve known a city girl like you would hog the bed.”

You huffed but moved over, crawling under the covers. Copia stretched out next to you, on top like he had promised. He had his eyes closed already with his hands resting on his stomach. The lightning was still flashing enough that you could study his face, your eyes tracing his features in the sporadic light. When he didn’t move for a while you assumed he had fallen asleep so you burrowed deeper into the bed and closed your eyes.

“You know you’re more than that don’t you Principessa? To me?”

His words washed over you and the tears you had been fighting started to well again. You took a deep breath before opening your eyes to look at him.

“More than what?”

He sighed and opened his own to look up at the ceiling. A moment later he stretched his hand out towards you, palm up and waiting. You stared at it for a moment before pulling one of yours out from under the covers and sliding it into his. He closed his fingers over your hand and pulled it over to his mouth, pressing a soft kiss into your palm before finally looking at you.

“A decoration.” You smiled at him and squeezed his hand in a silent thank you. “You’re much too loud for that anyway.”

You groaned and yanked your hand away, ignoring his laughter. The damn cowboy just couldn’t help himself could he? But despite his teasing you did find yourself feeling better and you decided to take his words as the apology he meant them to be. When you looked at him again he was watching you, a small smile on his face. You meant to return it, but a yawn suddenly overtook you and you heard him laugh again.

“I think it’s time for the city girl to get some sleep, eh?”

“Wait, there’s something I wanted to ask you. What does ‘Polpettina’ mean?” When he bit his lip, trying to stop his smile from getting wider you immediately became suspicious. “Copia.”

“Little meatball.”

“Are you serious?!” When he snorted you growled and reached over to pinch his side. “You’re horrible.”

“I thought it would be a good nickname for you.”

“A nickname for what?”

“If you stuck around. You can’t be an outlaw without a nickname.” You hoped he didn't notice your blush. The fact that he was thinking of that made you feel…you weren’t even sure. “How about ‘Patatina’?”

“What does that mean?”

“Little potato.”

He flinched away when you kicked him, but you saw his smile when lightning flashed again.

“A potato isn’t very threatening.”

“Ah, this is true. Let’s see, what else could we call you?” Copia mumbled a few things under his breath before speaking again. “Mostriciattola.”

“I don't want to know.”

“Little monster.” Copia yelped when you pinched his arm, grabbing your hands when you tried to do it again. “You’re very picky for an outlaw.”

“Maybe I’ll stick with Principessa.” You yawned again, your eyes finally getting heavy despite the storm raging outside and the feelings Copia was stirring in you. There was only a sliver of space between you both and you could feel the heat radiating from his body. You felt him rustle around as sleep began to claim you, your eyes closed and your breath evening out. There was a ghost of a touch along your cheek and you felt him tucking some of your hair behind your ear as he spoke again.

“Si, I think I will too.”

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

You woke up slowly, the sun hitting your face and warming your skin.

At first you thought you were back at home in Missouri. It felt so strange to be in a bed after spending so many days sleeping on the cold, hard ground. You kept your eyes shut and let your mind drift back to your dream. Once again you and Copia had been laying in a field of wildflowers, your arms wrapped around him and your head on his chest. You sighed and snuggled back into the warmth surrounding you, ready to fall back asleep.

“Did you know that you snore?”

Copia’s voice startled you so badly you nearly let out a scream. Your eyes flew open and you pushed back against the body you had been wrapped around, against Copia’s body. When you looked up at his face he just gave you a lazy smile.

“What did you do?”

“Me? Principessa, I didn’t do anything except lay here innocently trying to sleep.” He turned on his side and gave you another smile. “As I predicted you were the one who couldn’t keep their hands to themselves.”

“Why didn’t you push me away?!”

“Eh, seemed kind of rude.” He reached over, poking your nose before you could bat his hand away. “Plus you look so cute when you’re asleep.”

You groaned and buried your face into your pillow. He was never going to let you forget this.

“I must say though I am curious about something.” You turned your head so you could look at him, narrowing your eyes when you saw his wide smile.

“What?”

“What were you dreaming about? The things you were whispering, well…” You continued to stare at him, dreading what he was going to say next. “They even made me blush. Are all Missouri girls like this?”

He let out a yelp when you kicked him and then a few curses when you ripped the blankets away and crawled over him to get out of the bed. You tripped over the nightgown, stumbling and falling to your knees. The bed creaked behind you and you felt his hands slide around your waist to help you up, but you jerked away from him.

“What is the damned problem, eh?”

You finally got to your feet and spun around to jab a finger into his chest.

“The problem is you won’t stop teasing me!”

“Oh but I like seeing you get all riled up.” Copia grabbed your hand and entwined his fingers with yours. “Your face gets red, kind of like when I make you blush, but all over.”

“You do not make me blush!”

“There are also these little wrinkles right here.” Copia reached out and poked right between your eyebrows. You tried to bat his hand away with your free one but he just grabbed that one too. “They only appear when you’re mad.”

He moved even closer to you and you held your breath.

“You also clench your little hands into fists.” Copia brought both of your hands up to his mouth and gave each a kiss on the back. “Like all you can think about is punching me in the nose.”

“I’m thinking of doing that right now so if you do—“.

A brisk knock on the door interrupted you, Ethel calling out as she opened it. You attempted to take a step back from Copia, but he let go of one of your hands and slid his arm around your waist to tug you against his chest. When you looked up at his face to ask what he was doing you were met with his lips pressing into yours.

“Oh! I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt!”

Copia chuckled as he pulled away, you didn’t need to open your eyes to know he was grinning. Honestly you couldn’t even remember closing your eyes.

“No need to apologize, signora. Mia Polpettina just can’t help herself in the morning.”

You gritted your teeth at the sound of their laughter, finally opening your eyes to see Ethel pouring some more water in the basin on the dresser nearby. She had a handful of clothes in her arms as well, walking over to place those on the bed when she was done pouring.

“Well I have some breakfast set out, but Harold had to go check on some things outside. There was some damage from the storm.”

“Ethel, I'd be happy to give your husband a hand.” Copia turned so he had your back against his chest, both of his arms wrapped around your waist. “Let me get dressed and give this one a proper goodbye and I’ll be right out.”

“Mr. Emeritus, that is so kind of you, thank you.” Ethel gave you both a warm smile before gesturing to the clothes she had left. “I’ve got your things from last night cleaned up and dry, but I put a few old things of mine for you dear. They should fit much better than those clothes you were wearing last night.”

You smiled at her and gave her a quiet thank you. The kiss had you so flustered you didn’t really trust your voice at the moment. Ethel gave you and Copia a wink before she turned and left the room as quickly as she came in.

“Well Polpettina, would you like to help your husband undress?”

Copia grunted when your elbow connected with his stomach and you shoved yourself away from him. You could just strangle him; he was so infuriating! Once more you found yourself jabbing your finger into his chest.

“Don’t ever do that again.”

“Mi dispiace, but I could’ve sworn you’ve been wanting a kiss from The Cardinal.”

“Right now the only thing I want from you is for you to leave.” Copia rolled his eyes and wandered over to the pile of clothes to grab his pants. You whipped around when he started to pull off the pants he borrowed from Harold to sleep in. “Besides, if that kiss was supposed to impress me you’re sorely mistaken.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. That wasn’t much of a kiss.” Copia didn’t respond so you walked over to the basin, wetting a cloth to wipe your face with. “You like to mock those city boys of mine but they have much better kissing skills than the cowboys I’ve met.”

“Oh been kissing a lot of cowboys have you?”

His voice sounded a little closer but you kept your back to him and continued talking.

“Just the one, but that was more than enough. Unless…”

“Unless what?”

“Well, maybe I could give one of the Ghouls a try.” You smirked and turned around. “I bet Swiss wou—“

“You bet Swiss would do what?”

Copia had snuck up right behind you so when you turned around you nearly smacked into his chest. His eyes were dark as they looked down at you and you attempted to take a step to the side to walk around him. He shot an arm out and rested it on the dresser behind you, blocking you in.

“Quit that.” You tried to move his arm but it didn’t budge. “Fine! I bet Swiss would be more than happy to kiss me.”

Copia didn’t say a word, he just moved his hands to your waist and then lifted you onto the dresser. You couldn’t help but squeak as he plopped you down, his hands resting on either side of your legs so you couldn’t move away. Your knees were pressed against his thighs as he got as close as he could to you, leaning his head down so your eyes were level. You took a nervous breath before you managed to speak.

“What are you doing?”

“I have a reputation to uphold Principessa.”

You opened your mouth to tell him off again, but the look in his eyes kept you silent. They were dark and intense as they stared into yours. He hadn’t reapplied the makeup after the rain had washed it away and it made looking at his face this close seem even more intimate. Your body was starting to react to his closeness and you took a trembling breath when you realized why.

You wanted him to kiss you again.

Your heart was racing wildly in your chest as you watched him, waiting for him to do something. You slid your tongue out and wet your lips while you glanced at his own and that seemed to be the invitation he was waiting for. His mouth descended on you, a warm pressure that immediately stole your breath away. Your trembling hands came up to grip his biceps and you clung to them as his lips moved against yours.

When he brought one of his warm hands to your cheek you couldn’t help but whimper and that seemed to egg him on. He slid his hand further back into your hair and tilted your head up a bit so the angle was better. His other hand moved to your thigh, running up until it was at your hip. His thumb rubbed circles over your hip bone and your mouth fell open in a gasp.

Instead of stopping he captured your mouth again and swept his tongue inside. You whimpered, trying to copy his movements, tentatively touching your tongue to his. Copia groaned at the contact and pushed closer, your knees spreading to accommodate him. You moved your hands from his arms to his chest, one hand gripping his shirt and the other you let rest where the collar was open.

His skin was warm under your hand and his chest hair was coarse against your fingers as you tangled them in it. The noise he made went straight to your core and you whimpered again into his mouth. You felt dizzy with desire, with longing. You never thought you’d be here actually kissing The Cardinal, kissing Copia, the man you had fantasized about for so long.

This was so much better than anything you had ever imagined.

You weren’t sure how long you had been kissing at that point, but slowly Copia started to pull away. He gave you a few final swipes inside your mouth with his tongue before he stopped and leaned his forehead against yours. You both panted into each other's mouths for a moment, neither of you able to speak. His hand left your hair and joined the other at your hip, both moving to rest on either side of your thighs. It was Copia that finally spoke first.

“How was that Principessa?”

You took a few more deep breaths, trying to collect your thoughts.

“Better.”

Copia smirked, but for some reason there wasn’t the usual smugness behind it. His lips were swollen so you could only imagine what yours looked like. You brought a hand up to your mouth and touched shaking fingers to your lips. His eyes were gazing into yours, but he kept glancing back down as if he was thinking of kissing you again. He finally groaned and leaned back a bit however his hands remained on your thighs.

“I should go and check on Harold and the Ghouls.”

“Yes. I should um, get dressed. And find Ethel.”

“Si.”

“Ok.”

Neither one of you moved a muscle for what seemed like an eternity. You had no idea what he was thinking, but your own thoughts were still racing. All you could think about was the kiss and how good it felt. How good his hands felt on you and how good his body felt under your own hands. Copia let a slow breath out and you bit your lip, waiting for him to turn and go so you could collect yourself. Instead he groaned and moved close again, spreading your legs even farther so he could fit right against you.

You weren’t sure which one of you moved first but it didn’t really matter. All you cared about was that Copia was kissing you again and you never wanted him to stop.

Everything else could wait.

Go to Chapter 7: The Ministry

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