#cosanova

"Hold it, but don't harm it… I have plans for it later tonight." Another kiss and she was returning to her knees, spreading wide trembling thighs once more to take in the sight that always made her mouth water, watching as her fingers disappeared into rosy flesh, glistening in the candlelight. Unable to resist the call of the flesh, she returned her tongue to the swollen bud she had previously been tending to. The brief reprieve had all but torn down the progress she had made and she aimed to start anew, relishing the sounds of Cosima being "quiet," the muffled whimpers spurring her determination.

As much as she enjoyed the delicious quakes coursing through her love's body, she knew they only had a few minutes, each second that ticked by bringing the possibility of discovery that much closer. The past month had given her much opportunity to learn the nuances of the brunette's body, learning how to make the woman tremble. Turning her wrist, she curved her fingers, caressing the surface with practiced expertise and marveling at the loud gasp that emerged.

"Sweet merciful Jesus!" There was as much force as possible behind the exclamation while still remaining a whisper.

Delphine always found it humorous, that her sacrilegious lover found the Lord nowhere except between the sheets or on her knees between her own thighs. But today was not about finding God, or even her own pleasure. Instead Delphine took everything the woman had to offer, working her fingers against clenching muscles, her tongue cycloning against swollen flesh. It wasn't that the Venetian needed recollection of just who she belonged to, but Delphine intended on reminding her anyway… especially today. Especially when declarations were made before the church, where the eyes of God saw different.

Now God would know differently, especially as the brunette's back arched, muscles clamping down around her fingers. Layers of silk blocked her view of the woman's face, but Delphine could just imagine the dark hazel eyes clamped shut, her mouth open in a soundless scream, unbridled desire overflowing within the compact form. As the trembles began to subside, she slipped her fingers from the woman's sex and greedily drank from her well of nectar, lapping away the silken delicacy.

"No…" Cosima pushed her away gently, tugging her up instead. "You take too much."

Delphine smirked as she ran the tip of her tongue along the woman's lips, ignoring the bitter taste of her make up. "I'd hate for this beautiful dress to be ruined on such an important day."

Capturing the tongue between her lips, Cosima groaned, tasting herself on the slick muscle. She wanted nothing more than to strip the dress from the blonde's body but all of her attempts had been slapped away. "I want you." She whispered as she broke off the kiss.

"You will have to wait until later." Delphine protested, slipping off the shorter form and moving to the small pitcher of water she had prepared in advance to wash her hands and lips.

Cosima pushed herself off the chaise, her knees feeling weak as she smoothed down the ruffled material she wore. It had been the most cumbersome part of the evening, but she was beginning to appreciate the ease of access it gave to the devilish blonde.

Dipping a cloth into the water, Delphine approached the brunette, capturing the grabbing hands with a shake of her head. "We must go, mon amour." Using the cloth, she wiped away the smudged red around the edges of Cosima's lips and with a guilty grin, she removed the red imprint of lips that had mysteriously appeared at the top of the brunette's cleavage, chastising herself mentally. "Surely everyone is wondering where we've gone off to."

"How little I care for everyone else." Cosima rolled her eyes, pulling the blonde closer so she might capture perfect lips once more.

"Ma Cherie…" Her words were interrupted by a hesitant knock on the door.

"Open the door." An exasperated voice called from the other side.

"Merde. See what you did." With a sigh, Delphine did as she was told, unlocking the door and finding Felix tapping his foot on the other side.

"Are you kidding me?" He commented, pushing into the room. "People are wondering where you two are."

With a smirk, Delphine leaned towards him, placing a kiss on his cheek. "Don't worry, mon mari."

Felix pulled away, a disgusted look on his face. "You smell like a brothel. My sister is rubbing off on you."

Delphine rolled her eyes, taking a slice of the fig she had brought and enjoying the sweet taste. "In more ways than one." She winked at Cosima.

"If you two are quite finished here, could we please return to dinner?"

"I suppose so." Cosima huffed, stepping beside Delphine and running her hand through blonde curls to fix the slight disarray. "Hopefully it won't take much longer."

As the three exited the office, they returned to the reception hall. "Try not to look so miserable, Sister." Felix commented as Delphine slid her arm into the bend of his elbow. "It's your wedding day."

"Don't think I won't kill you." Cosima commented while putting a smile on her face. With a sigh, she moved to the main table, followed by Delphine and Felix. Before taking her own seat at the center, she leaned down to brush her lips against her husband's cheek. "Sorry to take so long. These dresses take far too much effort to maneuver around."

"Funny… that never seemed to be a problem you had before." Scott commented into his glass of wine before gracing her with an innocent smile. "Has your sister successfully tended to your needs, Dear?"

"That and then some." Cosima smiled, stealing a look at Delphine who sat on the other side of her at the table, their chairs close enough for their legs to touch. On the other side of the blonde, Felix and Colin were joyfully resuming their discussion on horse breeding.

"Well, it looks like you've returned just in time for dessert." Scott commented as the servers ushered in a large decorative cake that was not intended for consumption. Instead each server also brought in smaller plates with slices of cake accompanying a glistening globe of fruit that smelled of honey and wine.

"Poached pears?" Delphine lit up, not believing Cosima would request one of her favorite desserts at her own wedding.

"Cosima mentioned she'd become quite a fan of this French dessert." Scott spoke to the blonde with a warm smile. "Speaking of French things, it's a shame your mother couldn't join us for the wedding."

Delphine nodded. "Yes, but she is still on her trip with Monsieur Lacroix. I'm not sure she will ever return. According to her last letter, she's apparently lost all desire to see Venice again. Something about sinners and miscreants… and how Venice pales in comparison to France."

"A shame, really." Cosima mumbled as she bit into a slice of the delicious dessert. "This is fantastic." As she sipped her wine, she felt a soft touch on her thigh, fingers inching up her dress with determined intent. Daring to let her eyes drift down, she traced the arm that had suddenly found a home on her thigh. Delphine was chatting with Felix about something, doing her best to eat with her left hand. When the hand finally managed to pull up the bottom of her dress, the warm hand traveled up her thigh, the tablecloth working as a perfect barrier to prevent revealing exactly what was happening.

"Are you alright, Cosima?" Scott asked, a genuinely concerned look on his face.

"Yes… of course." She smiled, taking a bite just as fingers found her core, arousing a moan from her. "Heavens, this pear is fantastic." She commented to cover the sound, nearly choking when she heard an innocent chuckle coming from Delphine.

When dinner finally ended and people began to clear, Cosima grinned as she walked with Scott down the hall of the manor. "It was a lovely dinner."

"I will admit, it was probably one of the more elegant receptions I've been to." He laughed, tapping the hand that was holding the bend of his elbow. "Felix truly has a knack for planning."

"He does, doesn't he?" Cosima laughed, grinning as they got to a door, the room Cosima had reserved for the night. She blocked his path, leaning against the wooden surface. "Would you mind giving me one minute before I allow you to enter?"

Scott laughed. "Of course." He bent down to place a kiss on her cheek. "Take all the time you need."

When Cosima said a minute, it was really all she intended on taking as she stripped out of the dress, hands not her own finding the laces that would help her remove the confining bodice. "Thank you." She told the woman who had helped her, attempting to keep her eyes swayed from temptation as she set the dress over a nearby chair. She donned a new outfit, much more comfortable before pulling her hair back.

Scott looked up from where he had leaned against the wall as Cosima beamed, crooking a finger at him. "I've a present for you, Husband."

Scott's eyebrows rose in surprise as he took in the sight before him. On the bed laid two women stripped bare, lips moving against each other's. A third woman, who had assisted Cosima in changing, stepped up to him, running a hand down the front of his embroidered suit. "You shouldn't have, Cosima." He spoke without truly meaning it, allowing the nude woman to undress him.

"Nonsense." Cosima smirked, tying the cloak around her shoulders and pulling the hood up. "A man should enjoy his wedding night, even if his wife is otherwise occupied." She turned away as too much of her friend… husband… became revealed. "I've paid these beautiful women handsomely for the night and another three shall replace them in the morning."

The complete absurdity of the situation brought a laugh from Scott. "You are the best wife ever, Cosima. Really."

With her own laugh, she escaped out the door, holding the cloak closed as she found her horse saddled and ready to leave. It didn't take long until she reached the home she was born and raised in, slipping in the door and nearly running into her brother. "Oh... hello, Felix."

Looking her over with a smile, Felix untied the cloak from her shoulders and hung it on the hook near the door. "I take it Scott appreciated his wedding gift?"

"Definitely." Cosima gave him a smirk, letting her eyes drift up the staircase towards her room. Many nights had ended like this since Felix and Delphine's wedding which had made it acceptable for the blonde to move in. No one need know which room the French woman actually resided in.

"Are you really going to keep my sister waiting?" Colin spoke as he entered the room, slipping his arm around Felix's waist and began pulling him back towards the den.

"No." Cosima answered even though she was now alone, nearly floating up the stairs and slipping into her bedroom, the click of the door locking getting the attention of the blonde who was wearing one of Cosima's shirts, writing at Cosima's desk… their desk now.

"That was fast." Delphine commented, pushing herself up from the chair to welcome the brunette with a kiss. "Although I did miss you every second you were absent." Her fingers found the laces of the breeches Cosima had only recently adorned. "You were beautiful today, but I think I like this look on you better."

"I think I like you better with nothing on." Cosima commented, tugging the simple shirt off the blonde in a one swift move. "So beautiful." She whispered as her eyes drifted down the long length of pale skin, stepping out of the boots and breeches easily.

Tugging the shirt from Cosima's body, Delphine removed the last layer that would prevent the nude form from pressing against her own. "Although she couldn't be here, Mother sent a bottle of Champagne for you and Scott. I hope you don't mind me commandeering it."

"Mmm. My favorite nighttime snack… alcohol and a beautiful woman." She accepted the flute Delphine handed her, but reached up for a kiss first.

With a laugh, Delphine broke off the kiss, lifting her glass. "A toast. To you, the love of my life… the only person I could dream of spending the rest of my days with."

Cosima smiled, lifting her own glass. "To you… the only woman crazy enough to love me… and the only woman in all of Venice to tame the legendary Cosanova."

With a slight roll of her eyes at the past the brunette had confessed to her not long ago, Delphine sipped from her glass, enjoying the soft tingle of the liquid sliding down her throat. "Mmm."

Cosima was a little less graceful, emptying the glass in one sip, discarding the now empty glass so that she could wrap both arms around the woman's waist.

Delphine barely had time to set her own glass down before she was pulled over to the bed, suddenly finding herself pinned to the covers beneath a grinning brunette.

"Now… I believe there's a little paying back that needs to happen… seriously Delphine. What wickedness there is in you that I would find your fingers between my thighs when my husband sits not even half a meter away. I'm a married woman now." Leaning forward, she brushed the tip of her nose against Delphine's, enjoying the moment of intimacy without the fear of being caught. "I love you, Delphine." She couldn't resist confessing, seeing the stars in light hazel eyes.

"From a young age I knew of your perversion." His unexpected comment brought her to a halt, uncertainty in her posture. "I've done my best to protect you these past years, when questioned by other men with their suspicions. Men wanting to bed you and claim you as their own. Sometimes, being approached by the suspicious husbands of women you've seduced." He turned to face her, the soft glow flickering over his features. "Father wished to send you away, you know, to have religion beat the behavior out of you. He'd grown quite weary of your antics but somehow I had managed to convince him to see reason."

Her brow furrowing, Cosima leaned against the door she had closed, trying to gauge where her brother was going with this.

"When I turned 16, father took me to the brothel and paid a whore two gold pieces to turn me into a man." Felix sighed softly. "I'd never thought much about my own desires before then, so let me tell you how surprised I was that seeing a woman in the nude did little to spark arousal in my loins."

Cosima cringed at that. "Felix…"

"No. Please let me finish." A steadying breath was taken before he continued. "It wasn't until father died that I allowed myself to give into this… perversion of my own." He sighed. "I've managed to keep it a secret for years. It was bad enough to quell the whispers and suggestions about your indiscretions, but I couldn't allow the same to be said about myself. So when the opportunity arose, a financial partnership sealed by marriage, I saw it as a possibility for protection. No one would suspect such an unholy desire coming from a man married to someone like Delphine."

A small laugh came from Cosima, earning her a look from her brother. "Sorry. You're right about that."

"Yes well... I never intended to…" Shaking his head, Felix turned away again, looking out the window, noting the party goers stumbling down the streets, annoyingly loud and intoxicated. "I didn't give much thought about her having a twin brother… or that he'd be as equally stunning… and now I've put everything in danger. I've let my own desire overrule my sensibility and now everything is ruined." His voice trailed off, his troubled expression hidden from her.

Cosima pursed her lips, taking in her brother's defeated composure before commenting. "Are you quite finished yet?"

Turning in surprise, Felix's eyebrows were to his hairline. "Excuse me?" It was more disbelief than anger.

"I understand, Brother. Truly I do, but if you would stop your morose monologue long enough to allow me to comment, I would tell you that nothing has changed."

"How can you…"

"Did you honestly think that Delphine didn't know?" Cosima smirked. "She's known of her own brother's tastes since they were young and it doesn't take a scholar to figure out the rest." With a shake of her head, she pushed off the door and moved to her brother's side, joining him in looking out the window. "Catching you with your breeches around your ankles… literally… changes nothing. Your marriage will still happen."

Felix watched her in disbelief. "How is that possible? Delphine…"

"...will happily agree to a marriage and whatever social requirements are necessary with the understanding that you have no interest in her sexually." Now Cosima let her eyes drift to stare at him. "And that you accept that she has no interest in you either."

There was silence between them, one sibling regarding the other in quiet contemplation. "I see." Felix broke the silence first. His confusion turned to understanding. "You… the two of you…" He shook his head. "How could you, Cosima?" A sigh of frustration slipped from his lips. "Must you seduce every woman in Venice? Or did you think I didn't know about Cosanova?"

"This isn't the same." Cosima gave him an apologetic look. "I love her… immeasurably." She couldn't believe she felt the sting of tears in her eyes, but she fought to keep control of herself. "Please, brother. You've done so much for me these past years. I only ask one more thing of you." For Delphine, she wasn't beyond begging. "If this marriage falls through… if her mother has reason to return them to Paris… I couldn't bear it." The very idea of the blonde setting sail, of returning to her birthplace, was a pain in her core, her eyes blurring with tears she refused to shed. "I couldn't survive it."

His breath escaping in a slow exhale, Felix gave her a soft smile. "Has the mighty Cosanova fallen? Has she been lain victim to blonde hair and green eyes?"

"Hazel." Cosima corrected passively. "Her eyes are hazel… bursts of sunlight shining through the treetops of a dense forest." Realizing suddenly that she'd gone off on a tangent, Cosima cleared her throat. "Sorry…"

"Well…" Felix shook his head, moving to his bed and sitting down on the edge, taking in the predicament they faced. "And what about you, dear sister? If Delphine and I were to wed, that solves a portion of the problem…" The confusion in Cosima's face spurred his further explanation. "People have been talking, Cosima. Madame Cormier's question about your own lack of betrothal was not the first I've fenced this past year." His empathy showed in his worried eyes. "You know that if Delphine and I were to wed, your own options are limited. Colin would legally be your brother and the law would not allow you to wed." He turned the problem over in his head, looking at it from different angles. "Society would accept a single man more than a single woman, expecting instead for you to turn to the convent. Such a consequence would make a wedding between Delphine and myself a futile ruse."

Cosima snorted at that. "My convent days are behind me…" She mumbled, getting a curious look from her brother. "Nevermind. I have been working on this problem since the first time I laid eyes on Delphine, dear brother. Trust me when I say I have a plan." She put as much bravado as she could into the statement, not letting on that her plans had yet to be cemented. There was still at least one discussion she had yet to have, one that would be pivotal to the whole plan.

"Thank you for meeting me."

Delphine turned from Periwinkle's stall, wiping the juices from the apple she'd fed the horse on her riding pants. "Of course…" Delphine looked behind him, expecting the shorter brunette to come from his office but finding the space lacking.

Felix smiled as he approached the blonde, trying to hide the embarrassment that still lingered. Last time they'd seen each other, the blonde had run off in...whatever emotion it had been. "Cosima is on a personal errand. I was hoping we might talk."

Her own embarrassment, from the last time she'd seen him, threatened her composure as she nodded, following him as he turned to step away. To her surprise, they didn't go far, stopping at the next stall. What had previously been a vacant barrier between Cosima's bastard horse and the rest of the horses was now filled with a pure white filly with a flawless coat and a neatly combed mane. "You have a new horse." How had she not noticed before?

"Actually… she's yours." Felix smiled at the surprised look the blonde gave him. "I know how much you cherish your rides with my sister. It would be far more proper for you to have your own horse."

Delphine watched him curiously, seeing the depths in his gaze. It wasn't just a horse. She could see as much to understand his acknowledgement of her time spent with Cosima had been, in his own way, a consent to their relationship. "You don't have to buy me with a horse, Felix." as touched as she was by his acceptance, she didn't feel right accepting such a thing. Who rewards a liar for keeping secrets?

With a smirk, Felix pulled a carrot from his coat, handing it to the blonde. "I'm not. It would seem very strange for the wife of a horse breeder to not have her own mount." Turning away, he made sure no one was around to eavesdrop. Clearing his throat, he gave her an uncertain look. "I'll admit that I have no idea how to pursue a woman and I had hoped it to be a proper engagement gift, but now I see how necessary it is. After all, perception is important in this situation, is it not?"

Offering the rest of the carrot to the magnificent creature, Delphine turned to face him, hesitance in her gaze. "It was never my intention to deceive you. I was prepared to do my duty to my family and commit to this marriage. I never intended for… this."

"Of course you didn't." Felix reached out to scratch the horse's muzzle. The silence that passed between then was agonizingly lengthy, neither knowing what really to say. "It would seem that none of us planned for this situation and yet here we are, two families of degenerates in love with the wrong people according to society."

"It is society that is flawed, Felix, not our love." It was so strange to be speaking of such matters with a man she was intending to marry, joining in a sacred bond that would never be consummated for the sake of saving face. "I'm worried about Cosima…" She wasn't sure if she should voice her concerns, not when their intentions were finally out in the open, but the man seemed genuinely concerned about his sister. "It seems that you and I are protected from the scrutiny in this sacrilegious contact, my brother was born as part of the more… privileged sex and he would be free from anything more than an occasional joke… and yet Cosima is still mercy to the city's scrutiny." Her lip found its way between her teeth as the worry she'd become so familiar with rekindled within her. "I gathered from your response to my mother last night that she was not the first to make such inquiries."

Felix nodded, understanding. "You're right. She is a target and has been for a while now, but my sister believes she is more than capable of handling this herself. She has concocted something of a plan, but refused to inform me of it which means we're all bound to her ability to solve this rationally. I'd honestly hoped you might know. She can be quite insufferable at times."

With a soft exhale, Delphine felt her uncertainty beginning to overwhelm her. She had to have faith in Cosima. "Your sister, quite frankly, is as much of a brat to me at times as she is to you."

"Who's a brat?"

Felix and Delphine both jumped at the voice, turning to see Cosima striding in.

Delphine bit her bottom lip, this time to hide the second-hand smile that would have erupted as she took in the brunette's expression. The lips she loved so much were spread in a giddy smile and there was a spring to her step as she entered. "Cosima." She wanted to take the woman into her arms, to whisper how much she missed her, yet she doubted it was appropriate considering her future husband stood right beside her.

"How do you like the horse?" Cosima slipped beside the blonde, her hand instantly finding the woman's hip as she looked over the gate at the animal. "You should see the saddle Felix had crafted. It's probably the most feminine thing I've seen on a horse."

"She's lovely." Delphine thought little of the horse and more of the warm flesh she could feel through the material of her breeches, the hands on her hip a reminder of the time they'd spent in bed the night before.

"You seem downright chipper, Sister." Felix brushed off his sister's comment that he was sure was meant to be an insult. "I take it your task went well."

Cosima seemed to beam at that, pride evident in her expression. "It went perfectly." Realizing he was waiting for her to explain, she nearly laughed. "In due time, Brother. In due time. First, I think Delphine should try out her new horse." Turning to the woman, Cosima let her gaze soften. "What say you...sister? Take a ride with me?"

"Of course." Delphine answered without hesitation, her own curiosity piqued by the woman's evasive behavior. She laughed softly as the cheerful brunette hopped over the gate and began to saddle the horse.

"Ugh." Felix scoffed, turning away. "Let me know when you feel like including me in your scheme." Blowing out a frustrated breath, he turned away from the women, knowing his presence was no longer needed or appreciated.

"Calme-toi, s'il te plaît." Delphine hushed her, looking around to make sure they weren't being watched.

Experience had taught her to never argue with a determined woman and she found herself being pulled into the manor that housed Delphine's temporary residence, nearly stumbling on the steps. With everyone out on the streets, the manor was eerily vacant as their steps echoed off the walls toward Delphine's room.

Finally, with the bedroom door closed and ensuring their privacy, Delphine turned to press Cosima against the door, her lips finding the brunette's easily.

Cosima was taken back by the aggressiveness, feeling hands unbuttoning her coat. Her own body was easily remembering the arousal that had taken control just minutes ago and it was so simple to let the flood of desire take over, to give into the temptation as she caressed the blonde's throat. It wasn't until she felt the damp presence of a tear against her own cheek that she let her eyes flutter open, pulling away from the kiss. Moonlight reflected off the trail down Delphine's cheek and she reached up to remove the woman's mask, setting it aside. Her heart nearly broke at the sight of the sorrow in the stormy hazel eyes as she captured shaking hands in her own. "Delphine?"

"Please Cosima." Delphine struggled to free her hands, determination set in her features despite the tears that began to flow freely.

"I think we should talk first."

"Non. We don't have much time before someone comes looking for us." Delphine leaned forward to claim the brunette's lips once more.

Cosima groaned against the kiss, as teeth nipped at her lips. There was no arguing that her body needed Delphine, especially as a hand escaped her hold and slipped down the front of her breeches, parting her already aroused sex with a knowing fingertip. It would be so easy to just fall into the wave of intoxicating pleasure, but there was a part of her brain that reminded her that they needed to settle things first. Cosima's body and emotions were at war, wanting nothing more than to claim the tall form, to fall to her knees and say her prayers to the only deity she deemed worthy of worship, yet knowing the blonde was in distress, her arousal wavered.

She couldn't believe she was doing it, but with a frustrated whimper, she captured the exploring hand around the wrist, gently yet forcefully removing it from her clothes. "Delphine…"

Unable to stop herself, Delphine let a sob slip as her mind refused to let her see anything but the bleak inevitability of the end of things. She wrapped her fingers around the brunette's coat, leaning their foreheads together. "He'll cancel the wedding, Cosima." Her words were a bare whisper, but loud enough for Cosima to hear the break in her voice.

The words overwhelmed Cosima with confusion for the barest of moments when it dawned on her. If Felix were to do such a thing, there would be nothing to tie the Cormiers to Venice, nothing to prevent Madam Cormier from returning with her children to France. Just the thought of such a thing was almost enough to break Cosima's own resolve, unable to see a future without Delphine in it… not when she'd just discovered what it felt like to love.

Cosima had believed their love was miraculous, no different than Moses parting the Red Sea and saving the Israelites, but suddenly the tide had turned. The staff guided by God had been removed and they were no longer the saved. Fate had proven them to be the damned swallowed whole by the waters rushing over the road to salvation.

"I'll talk to him." Cosima wiped away another of the blonde's tears, just a soft brush of her knuckle against the damp cheek before pulling the woman forward for a soft kiss. "It's going to be alright."

Delphine nodded, her hands moving to push the brunette's coat off her shoulders. "I cannot go back to Paris, Cosima." The soft whisper accompanied the sound of the heavy material hitting the ground, her fingers working on the toggles of the woman's waistcoat. "I refuse to give you up."

Swallowing audibly, Cosima nodded. "I won't let that happen."

Delphine wasted no more time in peeling away the excess layers of Cosima's clothes, stripping her down until all that remained was her shirt and breeches, the laces already loosened and offering enough room for her hands to slip down the front, cupping the brunette's heated sex.

Groaning softly, Cosima let her own hands fall on the silken material of Delphine's dress. She wanted nothing more than to release the laces, to claim the woman as they both desired, but Delphine's plea of hurrying before they were interrupted was ringing in the back of her mind. She knew that once Delphine was out of her dress, there was no getting her back into it. "Why do you tempt me when the world is coming down around us? Either of our brothers could interrupt us. Lord knows they have horrible timing and will want to discuss things."

"I don't care about my brother, nor yours." Delphine bit her bottom lip, pressing a fingertip into slick depths, grinning as the complaining woman pressed closer on instinct. "But maybe you're right…" With a smirk she pulled her hand from the woman's breeches, her lips turning into a wicked grin as she brought fingers to her mouth, running her tongue along the length of the digit. "Maybe you're right and we should just…"

Cosima captured her lips in a kiss, her fingers locking in blonde curls, pulling her closer. There was fire in her veins, one that could only be fueled by a French tongue pressing past her lips, claiming her as much as she claimed Delphine. The hand returned to her core, digits pressing into her and caressing the depths of her. Her own hands slipped between the blonde and the solid wood, fighting with the knot on the laces holding her dress closed.

"Delphine?" Knuckles rapped against the door they were pressed against.

Their kiss barely muffled the whimper that emerged from Delphine's throat.

Her breathing unsteady, Cosima broke off the kiss. "Told you," she mouthed as she pulled away, a gasp escaping as she removed the hand from her breeches. She tugged playfully on a curl before quickly grabbing her waistcoat and jacket and slipping both on.

Delphine took a deep breath as she pressed her hand against the door, catching the scent that was all Cosima on her fingertips as she licked her lips before opening it just a crack. "What do you want, Colin?"

"Delphine, we have to talk." Colin looked around, making sure no one was around. "I know you're in there with Cosima, just let me in."

Glancing at Cosima who was fastening the last button of her coat, she stepped back to let her brother in. "What do you want?"

"Felix is beside himself." Colin ran his hand through his hair, unable to stop fidgeting. "He's convinced you're going to tell mother and ruin his reputation." With a shake of his head, he began pacing back and forth.

Delphine snorted. "Funny. I'm sure he wasn't thinking about his reputation when he had his cock buried in your…"

"Delphine!" Colin gasped. He gave her a terrified look. "Felix may be too caught up to see it but don't think I didn't notice you and Cosima were sneaking into a back room together." He let his eyes wander to Cosima before returning to his sister. "You would hate to have your secret spread as much as he would. You have to tell him you won't speak of it."

Dark hazel eyes narrowing, Cosima glared at him. "Don't you dare threaten her. She doesn't have to tell him anything," she growled, arms crossed over her chest as she leaned against the window sill. "I'll talk to him." She sighed softly as she felt the weight of the world settle on her shoulders. "I'll talk to Felix and we'll work everything out." Her eyes fell on Delphine and saw the grateful look in her eyes. "Just… go back to the ball and tell him I'm dealing with Delphine."

"You'll talk to him?" Colin gave her a nervous look.

"I'll talk to him."

"Ok…" Standing a little taller, he looked between Cosima and Delphine. "...I guess I'll…"

Delphine pat him on the shoulder, pulling him back to the door. "Go. Calm Felix. And while you're at it, keep maman at the ball for at least another hour."

"What?" Stopping at the door, Colin gave her a confused look. "Why would I…" He stopped at the look Delphine gave him. "Oh… right." His glance in Cosima's direction was rewarded with a raised dark eyebrow. "Well at least someone will get lucky tonight."

"We'll talk later, brother." Delphine spoke as she pushed him out the door, closing it with a click of the lock. Turning, she found herself pressed against the door by a small frame.

"Where were we?" Cosima smirked.

"Come here." Delphine cupped the brunette's face in her hands, pulling her closer. Their lips met and she was once again stripping away Cosima's clothes, the iron hold on her own torso giving way as Cosima's hands worked at the laces of her bodice, the dress being stripped away and added to Cosima's. "Je t'aime." She whispered, pressing Cosima into the bed and covering the length of her.

"Truly?" Cosima asked, wrapping her legs around the pale hips. "Perhaps you might prove your claim."

Kissing her way down the warm length of flesh, Delphine paused to capture a nipple between her lips.

Cosima groaned as a hot tongue circled her breast. "That… is a good start… hey!"

Delphine looked up at the woman with a grin, releasing the nub from between her teeth. "Pardon, ma cherie. I couldn't resist." Giving the abused flesh a kiss, she continued her path down the smooth terrain.

Her fingers tangling in blonde locks, Cosima licked her own lips in anticipation, groaning as her thighs were spread wider, a hot tongue sliding along the length of her center. "You are very much forgiven." She quickly commented. She swore she could hear Delphine's laugh but as the tongue moved against her, her thoughts went elsewhere. When she had first heard of the the pure virgin her brother had arranged to marry, she had imagined a pious self-righteous child thinking herself better than everyone for keeping her chastity. How wrong she had been. Never would she have imagined that just in so little time, she would have that very virgin buried between her thighs, proving just how studious she was.

There had to be a way to fix all of this, to keep the woman not only between her thighs, but at her side for years to come. She would never give this up. So long as Delphine wanted her, she would fight for her.

Cosima gasped as fingers pressed into her, moving in concert with the tongue that inched her closer to oblivion. Everything, she decided. She would give up everything for this… for her. Each wave of pleasure that ripped through her body, every whimper that slipped past her lips cemented her love, and as the dam broke and she felt herself tumbling into a haze of ecstasy, she felt the ridiculous sensation of tears stinging her eyes.

How preposterous. The great Cosanova didn't cry during sex.

But as the French woman scaled her body, she pressed their lips together, rolling them over so she might cover the longer frame with her own. "I love you, Delphine." She whispered between kisses, her own body still trembling.

They were the ideal couple in the eyes of the church. Man. Woman. Just as society deemed them to be.

A shake of her head and she was moving around the outskirts of the room, mentally chastising herself for her illogical emotions. Delphine loved her. She had no doubt about that.

So what if Delphine was supposed to marry Felix, it wasn't a real marriage. She could hold no hatred towards her brother, as Felix was just doing as all men were supposed to do. He was a businessman and had to maintain a certain public image, and she would not ask for his head on a platter because of it.

It wasn't a real marriage.

The words repeated in her mind as she liberated a glass of wine from a server's tray, dropping her mask long enough to down the glass in one long sip and praying that it might calm the agonizing discontent. Unfortunately, with her mask down and revealing her true identity, it was long enough for someone to recognize her, a hand resting on her hip as lips brushed her ear.

"My dear Cosanova. I was sure you'd forgotten about me."

Cosima jumped slightly, turning to find very familiar crystal blue eyes hidden behind a mask. "Ah, Shay. You are looking lovely tonight." She swallowed, putting a little distance between herself and the blonde.

"As are you, M'Lord." Her Russian accent was dripping with sensuality as she closed the distance between them again, a small fox hunting its prey. "I have decided to forgive you for refusing me the other night, if you might grace me with a dance... clothing optional of course."

Cosima looked around, searching for a route of escape.

Shay hummed softly. "You know, Grigory has decided to forgo the ball tonight and has instead chosen to drink himself senseless." Her fingertips walked a path up gold stitching, too close for Cosima's comfort. "You wouldn't dare leave a woman alone at a ball would you?"

It was strange how, at one time, such an invitation would call to her immediately, yet as those eyes watched her, she felt nothing but panic. "I must apologize, Lady Davydov. I..." She was quick to lift her own mask as a burly man suddenly appeared, tripping slightly as his hand landed on the short blonde's shoulder.

"I have been looking for you everywhere, RAdost' moyA!"

"Grigory!" Shay exclaimed, her surprise quickly turning into an ingenuine smile. "I thought you intended to spend the night at the tavern."

With a laugh the man pulled her to him roughly, covering her mouth with his own in a sloppy kiss.

Was this the fate that Delphine faced in the future? Uninterested wife to a husband that drinks to get through the day?

Cosima used the distraction to slip away, shaking her head in disgust at the close call. "Well this is quite a party," she muttered as she weaved between moving forms. She would never be able to wipe that picture from her mind. Suddenly she stopped, almost running into Delphine and Felix.

"I'll get us something to drink." She heard her brother speak before disappearing. It wasn't long before she saw Felix stealthily being tailed by none other than the male Cormier twin. That had to have been planned. With Madame Cormier's attention occupied by the man she recognized as one of Felix's customer and their brothers seeming to be on the path to distract each other, she found it safe to step up beside the woman. How her brother had the strength to leave Delphine's side when she looked as beautiful as she did tonight, she would never understand.

"Est-ce que je peux le plaisir de cette danse?" The words were awkward as they spilled clumsily from her mouth but they were effective and she nearly laughed as the blonde jumped slightly. The laughter was robbed from her as Delphine turned to face her, a smile that could light a thousand moonless nights spreading across pale features with slightly flushed cheeks.

"Cos..."

"...anova at your service." Cosima smirked, offering her a gloved hand with a bow. This close, the woman's immaculate elegance was blinding, a woman countries would go to war for... or siblings. "Would it be irrational for me to ask you to dance?" As Delphine slipped into her arms, they moved to the dancefloor, Cosima's mask back in place to hide her identity from anyone in the crowd that could be watching. "Your beauty is awe-inspiring, Delphine."

A splash of crimson spreading across her cheeks, Delphine ducked her head. "Merci. I love this look on you." She smiled as they moved together, a slow melody that kept their forms close together. "You look very regal. This coat is so elegant" As she ran her fingers over the silky material, golden swirls erupting from every seam, she bit her bottom lip, eyes lit with devious intent. "I cannot wait to see it on the floor."

Cosima almost swallowed her tongue, instead she managed to squeak out a laugh. She wanted to pull the woman to her for a kiss, but knew how unwise that would be. "My my, Mademoiselle Cormier. Did I just hear an obscene joke slip past those virgin lips?" It had been barely a day, but it felt as though forty days and forty nights had passed, as if her lust had been starved only to be faced with such temptations.

Suddenly the music changed, a quicker pace that begged for a different dance that separated Cosima from the blonde, lest they draw suspicion.

Delphine's smile got impossibly wider as they separated, just their fingers touching as they circled together. They came back together in tune to the music, the steady tempo of the orchestra leading them back and forth like the ocean in a playful rhythm, their bodies touching for the barest of moments.

Cosima groaned as they pulled apart, her body begging for more.

Delphine pulled away and they crashed back together. "I need you." She whispered as the sea met the shore, her lips lightly grazing Cosima's ear just seconds before they pulled apart once more, this time the crowd pulling them further away, partners spinning away from each other to be paired with others.

Cosima took a breath, unable to control the sudden fire in her blood. How did the woman do that? Three words and she had come undone. Attempting to keep up the facade of control, she smiled at the woman she was paired with, an older woman who moved slower than her heart wanted to take her. She counted the steps of the dance, each step and twirl just another closer to being paired with Delphine again and when she finally got the blonde in her arms again, it took all her strength not to kiss her.

Delphine cast a look around them, weary of the eyes watching them, finding her mother distracted by Monsieur Lacroix. Felix and Colin nowhere to be seen. When her eyes settled on the short brunette again, she could see fire in the dark hazel eyes watching her and she couldn't resist the smirk that slipped across her face. She could sense the woman's distress and leaned closer. "Do you want to.." She didn't even get to finish the question as she was pulled from the crowd.

The ballroom never seemed so large until Cosima was trying to find an empty space. It didn't matter where, just anywhere free of prying eyes, but it seemed that carnival had brought out all of Venice.

A deserted hallway and she found herself pressed against the wall, her mask lowered to accept the kiss that scorched her soul. A hand caressed the core of her arousal through the material of her breeches and it took everything in her to keep from stripping away the elaborate gown standing in her way. It was an obstacle that she could easily remove.

"...I can smell the wine all over you, Grigory!" A raised voice grew louder as steps came around the corner.

With a disgruntled grown, Cosima pulled away and they were moving again, quickly heading away from the arguing couple that threatened their peace.

"Mon dieu." Delphine laughed softly as she was pulled around another corner, further into the building and further away from the crowd. She was soon pressing Cosima against a door. "We should return to my room." She whispered, brushing her lips against the woman's throat. "I wish to have you on a proper bed, mon amour."

"I wish to take you here, hidden beneath your skirts where no one could see me," Cosima responded breathlessly, tilting her head to the side to give the woman more room. "Then, after I've had my share, I will take you back to your room to have you again."

Delphine groaned against the woman's skin. "You make promises but can you keep them?"

Cosima chuckled, her fingers itching to peel the silk from the soft skin. "Always."

Voices coming down the hall caught both women's attention.

"Something tells me this is not the place." Delphine commented, looking down the hall, seeing shadows approaching.

"Well... not right here." With a grin, Cosima reached behind her for the knob of the door, glad to find it unlocked as they slipped into what looked like an office.

Of all the hallways in the building, and all the heavy wooden doors that were apparently very effective at blocking out sound, neither woman expected the room to be occupied let alone by someone they knew, their gazes falling on the couple before them, the room smelling of musk.

"Oh my god." Cosima brought a hand up to cover her eyes, trying to flush the image of white knuckles clenching the edge of a desk and strong hands gripping equally pale hips.

"Merde!" Delphine turned away, her mouth open in shock, trying to process what they had walked in on. She had secretly spied on such a scene before on the ship to Venice, familiar with the sight of such unbridled desire, but the presence of the material pooled on the floor, two coats matching in style draped over an armchair, she hadn't been prepared for this.

"Delphine!" Felix yelled in shock, quickly withdrawing his sword of flesh from Colin's southernmost entrance in a hurry to pull his breeches up.

Pushing himself up from the table he'd been bent over, Colin winced, not knowing what to say about the disaster that was unfurling in the room.

"I... I..." Not sure what else to do, Delphine took a step back, escaping out the door again.

Delphine's brow furrowed. Their earlier argument still weighed heavily on her conscience and the added guilt was unbearable. How could she have been so silly to think that a branch would withstand such a strong animal's tug? "Could we take a short break, ma cherie?"

Pausing in mid-step, Cosima took a deep breath, bringing her free hand to brush a bead of sweat away as she nodded. "For a moment." Cosima spoke as she moved to a shaded spot under a tree.

The sun was high in the sky and Delphine was glad to get out of the direct heat, sinking to the grassy ground with a groan. Where they sat, it was almost as if it were a border between lands, the large expanse of land behind the line of trees a sea of almost chest-high grass swaying in a breeze. "I'm sorry. I just need a minute to rest." She could feel the exhaustion from lack of sleep pressing down upon her, a burden she felt she deserved for getting them into the situation. She cleared her throat, feeling the slight burn of thirst.

"I wish I had some water for you." Cosima gave her a sad look upon hearing the sound, dropping down and leaning back against the tree. "You must be tired."

Delphine looked up through the blonde curls that had fallen into her eyes, biting her bottom lip, contemplating if she should admit it or not. Of course she was tired, but she was also rather disappointed in herself for ruining their plans. She had been looking forward to taking a nap with the brunette, but now she would settle for a smile. "Hey..." Or a kiss.

She let one hand circle Cosima's thin wrist, tugging slightly until she got the brunette's attention. "Come here." The breathy words worked wonders, drawing the shorter woman in. Delphine cupped sun-warm cheeks in her hands, leading their lips together in a gentle exploration, hoping to defuse some of the animosity.

It was more than effective as Cosima melted against the kiss, her hands settling on the blonde's hips. When the kiss was broken, her own lips chased Delphine's for the barest of moments, long enough to be noticed.

"We're out in the open, mon amour." Despite her words, Delphine felt the fire of sin course through her veins as she let her forehead rest against Cosima's.

"And yet you see fit to torture me with such an embrace." Cosima was joking now, her form more relaxed, more open to the woman.

Delphine nodded, accepting the accusation without argument. "It's true...But I torture myself as well, for your lips are my heaven, and how I wish we were in solitude so that heaven might consume my body and soul once more."

That brought a grin to Cosima's mouth, her pointed teeth showing as she chewed on the corner of her lip, reaching up to brush back the blonde curl. "I believe, if you are up to it, we may have enough time for you to take a brief nap, just to get a little more energy for the remainder of the walk."

God how she wanted it. Delphine hadn't even agreed before she was moving, stretching just slightly along the brunette's legs and resting her head on Cosima's thigh.

Cosima couldn't resist running her fingers through the woman's hair, organizing the locks so that she could see her face, admiring the smooth panes. "You are so beautiful."

Delphine blinked her eyes open, looking up at the brunette. "You are far too flattering, mon amour." She smiled, wrapping an arm around the shorter woman's leg. It was such a relief, sharing her personal space with the woman once again. It wasn't long until she felt sleep tugging at her, tempting her with its sweet embrace, a soft breeze blowing through the area, rustling the field of long grass in a melodic gust. It was a strange peace that descended upon them and she was enjoying the quiet moment until, just on the edge of falling asleep, the sound of a horse's gallop caught her attention.

"Whoa...!"

Feeling the brunette's form freeze, Delphine let her eyes blink open and she sat up quickly, seeing Felix dismounting, guiding his horse and Periwinkle. She ran a hand through her hair nervously, looking at Cosima who just sighed softly. Whether it was in relief or aggravation, she wasn't sure.

"What in the world, Cosima?" Felix huffed as he stepped up to them, reins wrapped around his hands. "Do you know how terrifying it was to have your mongrel come galloping into the stable with no rider?" He turned to look at Delphine, seeing the odd look on her face. "Are you alright?"

"Oui." Delphine nodded, dusting bits of grass from her knees. She was feeling more than alarmed at his presence. Had he noticed the closeness they had shared? Would he mention it and think it was more than sisterly to sleep in such a manner? "It was my fault. We had paused for a small break and I did not tie the horse correctly."

"Oh I know who's fault it was." Felix looked at his sister. "Seriously, it's been less than a week and you're already trying to kill her?"

"Hello, Felix. I'm fantastic, thank you." Cosima pushed herself up, dusting her breeches off and taking the reins from her brother. "Hello boy. Did you have a fun bit of freedom?" She ran her hands over the horse's neck. She laughed as he blew air at her. "Stop..."

As she stood, Delphine watched the interaction and smiled, glad that the horse hadn't run off. She caught Felix watching her out of the corner of her eye and smiled shyly, hoping she hadn't been caught staring.

Felix pursed his lips before turning to his sister. "Cosima... would you mind giving Delphine and I a minute of privacy?"

Looking up in surprise, Cosima looked from the blonde to her brother. "I don't know... would that be appropriate?"

"Really, Cosima. I just need to speak with her without you eavesdropping. I don't need you to leave, just move away a bit so we can have some privacy."

Delphine could sense the defiance coming from the brunette. As much as she didn't want to be left alone with the man, she didn't want her lover to act irrationally. "It's ok, Cosima. I'll be fine."

With an uncertain look, Cosima nodded, walking Periwinkle a bit away before she started rummaging through the saddle bags, retrieving the water she had brought.

Putting a smile on her face that she hoped didn't appear as falsely interested as she felt, Delphine turned to Felix. "What did you wish to discuss with me?"

"I hope that my sister is not running you ragged. I know she can be a little overwhelming at times." Felix stood stiffly, his own hand running over his horse's neck nervously. "She has a tendency to act without thinking so I hope she has not been too offensive."

Delphine felt her eyebrows raise and had to reign her own emotions in. She fought the urge to defend Cosima, instead tilting her head to the side. "Non, she has been very friendly." She watched as he paused, his shoulders growing rigid not unlike Cosima's during their walk. "I've always been jealous of my friends back in Paris who had sisters and now I have a sister of my own." It seemed to relax him and she gave him a small smile when he turned her way.

"Well, I'm glad. Perhaps you might be a perfect influence to convince her to act more feminine in the hopes of getting someone to marry her."

The arrogance in which he spoke nearly broke her resistance and her fists clenched at her side.

Felix sniffled. "Well, my sister aside, I had another reason for wishing to speak with you." He cleared his throat. "If you noticed, the town is preparing for Carnival which begins tomorrow with a festival that is quite memorable. I was hoping that you might join me in attending the ball tomorrow night."

It was a strange feeling really. Delphine knew that she had no choice but to say yes, but she also felt the hesitance in his request, as if she was the last person he wanted to ask. Given the promiscuous behaviors of her loving brother, she understood his reluctance. On another level, she was slightly disappointed that Cosima had not mentioned it. She didn't want to go with anyone except the small woman, yet it was the last thing she was allowed to do. "Of course." Delphine smiled. "I would love to, thank you."

Exhaling a long breath, Felix nodded, mounting the horse smoothly. "Fabulous. Cosima should be able to take you shopping for a new gown and a mask suited for the festival."

As he rode away, Delphine sighed heavily, leaning back against the tree and crossing her arms over her chest. Why was she involved in such a disastrous situation?

"What did he want?" Cosima grimaced, leading Periwinkle towards the woman. She had waited until her brother was out of sight before approaching the French woman.

With a shrug, Delphine ran a hand through her hair in frustration. "Something about a carnival."

"Oh." Cosima nodded, obviously knowing what Delphine was talking about. "I thought he might ask you. I knew it was very unlikely that we might spend time together at carnival, so I dared to not raise my hopes." She pursed her lips, not unlike how Felix had done just a moment ago, unfortunately reminding Delphine of their blood relation. "I really wish that we could go together, but the entire city can be expected to arrive."

There was a sadness that infected her resolve and with a soft sigh, Delphine pulled the brunette closer, pressing their lips together. She needed to cleanse her mind of Felix's recent presence, to remind herself of which Salvatore actually loved her and wanted to be around her instead of barely tolerating her out of necessity. She was exhausted, but now more out of playing the role of the excited fiancée than from lack of sleep.

Cosima smiled against the soft lips, slipping her free arm around the woman's neck as she pulled herself up to her toes.

As her tongue dipped past Cosima's lips, she was allowed a moment to explore hungrily before she groaned, feeling the Venetian pull away. "Non..." She whimpered as their lips separated and their foreheads pressed together, trading one intimacy for another. "I want you." It was a simple statement, but the desire she felt was anything but simple.

"We can't. Not here." Cosima groaned. There was desire evident in the dark hazel orbs that hid behind pained eyes.

With a sniffle, Cosima hugged the doll to her chest, her large hazel eyes narrowing in confusion as she peeked out her door. Normally at this time her mother would be at the market and her father would be in the stables with Felix. Her brother was so lucky that he got to spend his days with horses in the stable while she was forced to stay in the house, no one but the servants and herself keeping her company. But something wasn't right. Peeking out into the hall, she could see movement in the crack of the door to her parents' room and the sound of her mother's crying grew louder. With a hesitant breath, she moved to the door, spying on the activity.

Her mother seemed to be moving in a flurry, tearing clothes from her wardrobe. Tears streamed down her face as she moved, each movement frantic but almost unsure. She was in a hurry, but hesitant as well.

With her natural-born curiosity and unable to stop herself, Cosima pushed the door open, the action causing her mother to jump in panicked surprise. "Mama?"

"Don't startle me like that, Cosima!" The woman exclaimed as she retrieved the bundle of clothes she had dropped, stuffing it into a crude sack. "Go back to your room, Bella." She commented off-handedly as she moved to her vanity, dumping her jewelry into the sack. She eyed her make up, selecting a few that would not cause a mess in her things. Her eyes were stained red with tears when she glimpsed up at Cosima in the mirror, her expression turning even more troubled as her lip trembled just slightly.

Cosima froze where she was. She didn't understand what was going on as her mother looked away and cinched the bag, hefting it over her shoulder.

"Go back to your room." With a slight hesitation, the older woman moved the girl to the side, her fingertips lingering on the small shoulder before she was heading towards the stairs. "Your father will be home soon." She was quick to hit the stairs, wiping away her own tears as she moved. There was determination in her now to escape, to tear herself away from the tear-filled eyes that followed her.

"Mama!" Cosima had a bad feeling about this and she ran after the woman, nearly stumbling down the stairs as she scrambled down them with her smaller legs. If it wasn't for the heavy sack the older woman carried, she never would have caught up to her mother. She grabbed the long skirt just as she got to the bottom, tugging backwards. "Mama!" All she could think was that she had to stop the events that were transpiring, to halt the woman who was heading towards the door.

With a huff and a sniffle, her mama stopped, dropping the sack and kneeling down before the girl. "I have to go, Bella."

"Where?" Tears poured down Cosima's cheeks as she pulled the material to her chest.

The woman took the small girl into her arms, hugging her before wiping away the small rivers of tears. "I have to follow my heart. You can't possibly understand now, my love, but you will one day." Reaching up, she unfastened the necklace from her neck, a small pendant of St. Jude hanging from the thin gold chain, and fastened it around her daughter's neck, sorting the unruly dark curls with a sad smile. "You're a lot like me, Cosima. I can see it in you as if I were looking in a mirror." Reaching down, she carefully pried the small fingers from her skirt. "One day you will find your heart, and you will understand." She leaned forward, pressing her lips against the small forehead. "Take care of your brother, Bella. I know he is older, but there is a strength in you that he lacks." She gave the girl a small smile. "Maybe one day we will meet again, my love."

Cosima watched as her mother rose and lifted the sack once more, disappearing out the door without a look back. Stepping up to the door, she watched as the woman quickly disappeared into the darkness of a carriage that pulled away just as quickly.

  Cosima sighed as she dropped onto a fallen log, resting her head in her hands. She had insulted Delphine. She couldn't believe she had said what she had to Delphine. It wasn't the blonde's fault that her own mother had abandoned her. She reached up, feeling the weight of the gold pendant hanging just below the hollow of her throat. She didn't know why she had put it on that morning, having kept it hidden away in her things for years. Maybe it was because after more than 10 years, she finally understood what her mother had told her so long ago.

It was getting closer to 15 years, now that she thought about it, since her mother left and she was still tormented by the memory of it. She didn't have many memories of her mother before that. There were a few of the two of them playing with her dolls together, or in the kitchen baking together, but beyond that, most of her life she remembered only Felix and her father; her father who had been cruel and unforgiving. "One day you will find your heart..."

"One day I'll make a mess of my life and hers, is more like it," Cosima commented to no one and everyone. Was she like her mother? How could she relate to the woman who had disappeared one day into a carriage without even a look back? No, she was sure she wasn't anything like her. She would never abandon everyone. She wouldn't just turn her back on her family.

Or would she?

Surely what she and Delphine were doing was against the law. Her own preference was a perversion, but Venice was the City of Romance and such things were rarely prosecuted, despite the power of the church. But just the thought of Delphine being given to Felix like some prized filly, it filled her with a rage that she couldn't understand. It wasn't like her to feel anger. She was a lover, but the thought of such a marriage set her blood ablaze. Would she give up on Felix, who despite his nagging and idiocy was her only real family, for a woman who was simply a random person she'd met less than a week ago?

Yes they had passion, and yes they were both incredibly attracted to each other, but was there more to them than just that? What would happen when the lust faded into a bare memory of what it once was? She'd never really had a lasting relationship before. She'd never grown too attached for fear that one day everything would fade, that she would be deserted once more. Would she abandon her family and open herself up to being abandoned again as well?

For anyone else? Definitely not. But for Delphine?

Maybe she was no better than her mother.

Cosima took a deep breath, fighting back the tears of anger that stung her eyes. She wasn't a child anymore. She refused to cry for an injustice that occurred so long ago. She wasn't a little girl anymore. She should stop behaving like one.

When a form dropped onto the log beside her, Cosima nearly jumped out of her own skin. "Delphine!" Her heart was racing, an erratic drum threatening to break through her ribcage.

Sitting up straight, Delphine pursed her lips, as if contemplating her courses of action. "Sorry." She kept her distance, a space between them far too noticeable. "Both for frightening you and for what I said. It was not my intention to upset you." She spoke slowly and carefully, obviously choosing her words cautiously.

Cosima felt the chill in the blonde's words, a cold breath down her spine leaving little doubt in her mind of her own folly. "The mistake was my own, Delphine. I am apparently still haunted by the past and I should not have taken it out on you."

Delphine nodded in understanding, but didn't move any closer or farther away. "Do you wish to speak of it?"

Cosima had had years of experience with women of all types, from the chaste nuns of the monastery to the sex-driven desperate wives of neglectful rich husbands. No wanton affair had prepared her for this moment, this situation in which she had to deal with emotional strain. She was used to severing anything that grew close to emotional. Was she even capable of those intimacies? Was she prepared to open herself up like this? Like those hazel eyes were begging of her? Looking up, she sighed softly. "Not to the extent in which you probably wish, but could we leave it at me saying that my mother leaving was not an easy trial for either my brother or myself." She looked down as a hand reached out to squeeze her knee.

"I'll not bring it up again until you are ready, ma cherie." Delphine gave her a weak smile, uncertainty still in her eyes.

Swallowing, Cosima took a deep breath and slid closer. "I'm sorry, Delphine. It doesn't come easy to me, speaking about the past." Capturing the woman's hand, she let their fingers lock together, comfort seeming to emit from their joint digits. "Maybe one day we can talk about it. Right now I just feel so..." As she was thinking of a word to describe the feeling she was surprised as she was cut off by a kiss, the blonde's hand releasing her own and wrapping around her waist, pulling her closer. It was amazing how instantly she felt her body relax, almost melting against the tall frame. This... this she could deal with. Talking, not so much, but soft lips pressed against her own, she was very comfortable with this.

Cosima smiled as she broke the kiss off, pressing her forehead against the blonde's. "Delphine?"

A smile playing at the woman's lips, Delphine bumped her nose against Cosima's. "Yes?"