#heatwarming

“Hiyori-sama…” Kawamatsu breathed, barely audible. “To see you alive and well is the greatest gift I could imagine.”

The fists clutching at his kimono tightened momentarily at his words while the Princess buried her face in the fabric, a sob escaping her. “I’m sorry!” she cried. “I’m so sorry for running away!”

With every tearful word from her, Kawamatsu felt the weight that had been resting on his shoulders for the past 13 years lifting little by little. He couldn’t believe how terribly kind Hiyori-sama was even at such a young age—to leave all for fear of her retainer going hungry. A kind of warmth gathered in Kawamatsu’s chest, spreading throughout his body to the very tips of his fingers. He barely felt the chill of the wind blowing past them anymore.

Just to see Hiyori-sama again, grown up into such a wonderful, kind young lady—

Deciding to stay alive for all those years, eating every disgusting, poisonous fish thrown his way… it was all worth it just for that.

He had failed to keep her safe once before.

This time, he was not going to make the same mistake.

No matter how many of Orochi’s or Kaido’s men came after them, no matter how little food he would be able to find, this time…

This time, he was going to protect her right.

And he was going to start with taking Kaido down along with the rest of the Kozuki samurai.

—————

Kawamatsu wasn’t sure how long he had been sitting at the edges of the ongoing festival, simply watching the crowds celebrate the fall of Orochi and Kaido’s tyrannical rule. He could hardly believe it had only been a little over a week, a mere ten days, since he had been reunited with the Princess.

Even just the battle of Onigashima itself felt like it had happened a lifetime ago. Yet, the remains of the island were still lying beyond the Flower Capital’s borders, a reminder of all the pain, suffering, and loss that they had gone through. A reminder of the disaster that they had barely avoided only thanks to Momonosuke-sama and Luffytaro.

A reminder that dawn had finally come to the Land of Wano.

“Kon!”

Kawamatsu laughed at the happy yip. Turning his head to look at the flame-fox sitting by his side, he placed a hand on Onimaru’s head, running his fingers through his soft fur. “Are you excited, Onimaru? We can put the swords to rest again now.”

With another yip, Onimaru tilted his chin up, leaning into Kawamatsu’s hand for more scratches, and a wide smile spread on Kawamatsu’s face at the sight. It reminded him of the old days—only now, there was no biting cold, no graves to rob, and no danger of capture.

No need for Kawamatsu to hide his face and no need to steal food.

Suddenly, Onimaru jumped up to his feet, fully alert. Kawamatsu almost reached for Sotomuso but then he noticed Onimaru’s tail wagging, his mouth open as he panted happily, his eyes short of sparkling and he could only let go of a relieved sigh as he relaxed again.

He smiled when a young woman carrying a woven basket approached them a minute later, a warm smile of her own on her lips as she kneeled in front of the fox. “Your name is Onimaru, right? Do you like fried tofu?”

“Kon kon!!” Onimaru yipped, tapping his feet in excitement.

Kawamatsu hummed. “Good for you, Onimaru. Your favourite!”

Hiyori-sama chuckled before picking up one of the tofu pieces and handing it to Onimaru—who finished his treat in two bites only to stare intently at the Princess, begging for another piece.

“Here you go,” Hiyori-sama said, placing the basket full of tofu in front of Onimaru.

“Are you enjoying yourself, Princess?” Kawamatsu asked once she sat next to him on the grass.

“I am!” There was a bright smile on her face when she nodded. “It feels like life is coming back to the country.”

“We need to properly thank Luffytaro and his friends!” Kawamatsu laughed.

“What are you talking about?!” Hiyori-sama cried, her cheeks puffing up. “What about you and Denjiro and everyone else?!”

Kawamatsu blinked as she went on, poking the kappa in his chest with her perfectly manicured finger.

“I’m sorry,” Kawamatsu said with barely suppressed amusement at the sight she made right then. Somehow… no matter how old she got, she would always be that little girl pouting because Oden-sama stole her favourite kappamaki at the dinner table.

She huffed defiantly as if reading his thoughts but then her face split in a soft smile once more when she looked at her retainer. “Thank you, Kawamatsu. For everything.”

Dex ‘Two Pistols’ Tate was a train robbing, dark brown liquor drinking, gun toting fool who I happened to be madly in love with. Our connection made as much sense as pigs flying. Growing up side by side like we did in this saloon we learned as much about each other and the real world. However while he got to gallivant around the west I stayed put with limited options as a Black woman with my coloring. Uncle Pete said my honey skin and long hair that had to be braided and pinned up at all times was more trouble than he ever cared to have. So I was forced to dress and appear rougher than I wanted to be. The only person who got to see me for true was the man who constantly left me behind. His Brandy colored eyes drank me in, sweeping from the bottom of my skirts to the top of my blouse. 

“Plan on shootin’ me Suga?” he drawled, chewing on his cigar in the cavalier demeanor reserved for my attitude.

“I’d be plenty warranted but no I’m too pretty for the chain gang,” I replied as I dropped the rifle and put the safety back on. 

He grinned. “That you is.”

I rolled my eyes as Howdy and Small Dove snickered behind him. “Just finish taking out the trash.”

With that I gave the whole situation my back as the trio of bandits worked together to get the barfly off the premises for the night. I was placing the rifle back when Uncle Pete slinked from around the corner and walked up to the bar.

“Gon’ head and call it a night Niece,” Uncle Pete said.

“We still have three more hours till closing,” I said, using a rag to wipe down the bar.

“And if you stay all you will do is ignore my paying customers to dote on that big ear boy. Might as well go back on home, your cousin will take over,” Uncle Pete said, pointing to Psalm, one of his six sons who helped run the place. 

“No I won’t,” I said, throwing the rag down and placing my hands on my hips.

“A lie don’t care who tell it. Anna Lee, you see your daughter down here acting a fool?” Uncle Pete said, while looking upwards.

At the reference of my mama, I pursed my lips. He knew I did not like it when he invoked her name to prove a point. Instead of arguing with him about it, I walked around him and let myself out from behind the bar right as Psalm was coming in. 

“Your man outside, ready to walk you back to the house. Junior is threatening to shoot off his toes one by one if he does anything ungentleman-like,” Psalm said with a boisterous laugh. 

Being the baby and only girl of the family meant putting up with brute antics that were meant to defend my honor. I made my way through the saloon and out past Pat who was guarding the door to the wrap around porch. Leaning outside by a post, Dex stood unbothered as Junior presumably taunted him with threats. Both of his hands rested on his pistols but I knew neither man would take such extremes with each other.

“Alright now Junior, I think you done got your point across,” I said as I approached. 

Junior flashed me what was supposed to be an innocent smile. “We were just catching up.”

“Is that so?” I asked, arching a brow at Dex who smirked. He never lied to me for any reason so it wasn’t a surprise when he admitted the truth.

“Nah, Junior was threatening to kill me again but don’t be upset. We all know who the quicker draw is,” Dex said with a tip of his hat. “Now c’mon, I promised to get you home safe and sound.”

Junior huffed but as he retreated knowing as well he was not truly up to the task of a gun battle with the infamous Dex. Holding out his arm, I linked mine through it as we walked through the otherwise quiet town. The saloon and Hattie’s place were the only businesses still open at this time of night. Folks of upstanding society would not dare to be caught on the streets this late. The quietness gave us a sense of privacy as we strolled along saying nothing at first. I was enjoying his company without thinking of all the danger he put himself in the last few months. In my room was every newspaper article I could find that mentioned his latest endeavors. Everyone came with a reward higher than the last for his capture. Only reason he was safe here was because of the code established since this was his hometown. His hefty donations to the church and local charities also helped maintain the loyalty. 

“Honey Bee, I have seen many marvels, worldly and of God but none compare to you,” he said, after some time. 

We were on the outskirts of town now, heading down the main road that branched off into various lands. Our house, one of the biggest, was further out. I was never allowed to make this walk alone or to be alone in the bar really. Always surrounded by my cousins or uncles or Dex and his friends. Some of the church hens liked to call me names because of the lengths they went to protect me. Outside of Dex and my family, friends were hard to come by which is why I felt his absences so profoundly. Even more so when he said things like that.

I blushed, thankful for the cover of night as I said, “I find that mighty hard to believe but I thank you all the same.”

“I’m being as honest as I only am when it comes to you,” he said which was true. His life was made up of half-truths needed to protect him. 

“So let me return the favor. Your little crusades are starting to worry me more and more. The Northern Star says the Pinkertons are offering two thousand dollars for you dead or alive,” I said.

He waved his free hand while sucking his teeth. “The Pinkertons have trouble finding their own asses, let alone me.”

“That’s not the point and you know it. When will it be enough?” I asked, stopping our stride to look up into his eyes.

“You know when,” he said with a small sad smile, cupping my face. His hands were warm and calloused like I remembered them to be. Brushing the pads of his thumb on the underside of my jaw he stepped closer, seemingly looking at me and elsewhere at the same time.

He had been looking for his mother ever since she left him here almost fifteen years ago. Like him, she was infamous for courting danger and was off committing as many capers as her son. She taught him the world was not made for him so he took without regard having been bred to believe he was constantly owed.

“If you never do, are you willing to let life pass you by in a hail of bullets until one of them inevitably hits their target?” I asked. 

“I was hoping to let life pass me by at your side,” he said.

“How? You would have to be here for that,” I sighed, turning to look away only to have him guide my face back towards his.

“Plan to be. My soul won’t be settled until I find her but my heart is plenty settled with you. Living fast is fun, I would be lying to say it was not. It no longer fulfills me though. I do what I do to get her attention more than anything. However, it’s starting to feel like she don’t want to be found and while I don’t think I’m giving up…I think I can spread out my searching endeavors,” he said.

“What if we have children? You will not leave me widowed with a family, Dexter Tate,” I said.

“You want children with me now?  Last time I brought up that possibility you threatened to shoot me,” he said with a teasing grin.

Rolling my eyes I muttered, “I still might.”

Leaning in, he pressed a kiss to the corner of my mouth and another on to my cheek. “I won’t leave you a widow. After this last run you gon’ wish you could get rid of me,” he whispered against my skin.

“Tell me anything Dex,” I said, stepping out of his embrace and nudging us forward. 

He let his hand fall back to his side as he exhaled roughly. “I ain’t never told you no lie. I’m serious. This last run and I will be ready to set aside my life of crime. Just not my mission to find my mother. Maybe one day I will but I can’t let that one go quite yet,” he rasped. 

I squeezed his arm to let him know that I had heard him but hadn’t the words to address his declaration. Dex had not known an honest day’s work in a long time. I would truly have to see it to believe it.

“I have missed you terribly, you know?” I said, switching gears. I did not want to waste what precious time we had together by bickering. Dex did not like to stay in town long, a day or two max before he was off riding into the sunset. 

“Not as much as I have missed you Honey Bee. That I know,” he said.

We fell into a comfortable silence as we walked along, stopping every few paces to enjoy the stars and each other. There never did have to be much conversation for us to enjoy one another's company. Before I knew it, the house was only a few paces from view.

“Meet me upstairs?” I asked to which he grinned.

Stealing a kiss from my lips, he headed towards the back of the house. “You bet.”

I laughed at his excitement as I made my way up the porch. Gathering myself together, I took a moment to wipe away any lingering giddiness from my facial expression. Once I was ready, I pushed the door open and stepped into the parlor. I was not surprised to see Auntie Dot and my cousin in-law Carol doing needle work in the sitting room towards my left. They never went to sleep until their husbands returned home. 

“Evening ladies,” I greeted, slipping off my gloves.

“Early one for you. What you doing at home before the witching hour?” Auntie Dot asked.

“Uncle says I can’t focus when Dex is around so I have been banished to my room,” I said.

“Mmh,” Carol said, knowing full well it wasn’t that much of a punishment for me. We were mates though so my secret was safe with her. “All for the better. Don’t need to be around that no count anyway.”

“Well go on up to bed. Since you in early, you can rise early to make breakfast,” Auntie Dot said, with a wave of her hand.

“Yes Ma’am. Good night,” I said as I walked past the sitting room to reach the stairs. 

My room was technically the attic. It had been converted to a more livable space with two open south face windows, a four post bed, a small table and chair, and a decent sized armoire for my clothes took up most of the space. By the time I got there, Dex was shirtless and in the midst of slipping out of his boots. He had the windows open in order to let in the cool night air. On the small table was his coat,  shirt and his holster sitting on top of the pile. I walked up to him and turned, pointing to the button at the nape of my neck.

“Help please,” I said softly. 

Instantly, his nimble fingers worked to free me from the shirt that kept me more than modest during work hours. At times the high collar shirt was stifling but it was better than leaving perception up to chance. Once undone, I held up my arms for him to slide it off of me. His fingers trailed down the corset that society demanded I wear although I hated it. Knowing so, he undid the laces as quickly as he had done with the buttons. When that was finished, he pushed down my skirts leaving me in a thin day gown. His hands went to my sides, gently massaging at my tender ribs. Closing my eyes, I leaned against his solid frame as he held me closer. He placed a few kisses along my shoulders and neck, each sweeter than the last. 

“C’mon stand proper, so I can take down your hair,” he said gently, patting my hip. 

I obliged as his hands went to the bun at my neck. He pulled out several pins before he was able to uncoil the two braids that fell to the middle of my back. Taking his time, he unbraided my hair making sure to massage at my scalp for a bit when reaching the roots. A kiss to the crown of my head signaled that he was finished. Easing out of his hold, I grabbed his hand and led him over to my dresser. On top was a fresh bowl of water and a few washrags I had left out earlier. His hand reached for a cloth first, dipping it in the water before running the cool rag against my brow, down my nose and across my cheeks. Dipping it again, he wiped down the column of my  neck and my collarbone. 

“You are so gentle with me Dex,” I said partly in awe, looking up at him. The same man that the papers deemed as hell on wheels and a detriment to society was doting on me. His touch nurturing and soothing as he got me ready for bed.

“Because you deserve it. I see you have more cuts on your hands and by the way that you putting more weight on your left leg more than your right lets me know they been working you too hard,” he said with a small frown. “You need to be cared for, not treated like a mule.”

Grabbing a fresh cloth, I dipped my hand into the water and made sure it was saturated before starting at his forehead. “Have to earn my keep like everyone else,” I said, repeating the words that were often given to me alongside whatever grueling task was bestowed upon me in the moment. 

“Not in our house,” he said, causing me to still for a moment. We had talked about the home we would share together since we were kids. As orphans, we dreamed of having a place of our own without any strings attached. Now that we were older, sometimes that dream seemed further away and other times it was so close I could reach out and grab it with both hands.

“No, our house will be filled with joy. For both of us,” I said, as I trailed the rag along his broad shoulders before dipping it again. I wiped along his chest that was riddled with small scars from various knife fights. The one on his stomach stretched diagonally but healed smoothly. Between him and I both, there were enough scars to last a lifetime.

“And those littluns you spoke of earlier,” he added.

Nodding my head, I pushed up on my toes to place a gentle kiss flush against his. He wrapped his arm around my waist pulling me in closer. Within seconds he had me hoisted in his arms, slipping the rag from my hand and tossing haphazardly on the dresser as he moved us towards the bed. Depositing me gently, he dropped to his knees to free me from my boots. Once free, he sank onto his haunches as he picked up a foot to massage. A groan of appreciation slipped past my lips. 

“They hurt bad?” he asked, using the pads of his fingers to work out my aches. He was so methodical in the way he turned my foot slightly to make sure he got every angle that needed his touch. 

“No, mighty sore but I’ll manage,” I replied. “When do you ride out?”

“Soon as the first ray of sunlight shines across your pretty face,” he smiled, working his way to the other foot.

“Don’t stay away long this time. My heart can’t take these short visits,” I sighed. 

Here he was being all sweet on me and it was only for a few hours. By the time I woke up again I would go back to being treated low. With Dex, I was treated like a princess and had no worries. Easing up until we were eye level he said, “Mine either. I love you so much Honey Bee.”

“I love you too,” I said, as I brought my lips to meet his.

There was no way he could promise his return. Not with the life he currently led. Even if this was his lash hoorah, who was to say the law or anyone out there trying to make a name for themselves wouldn’t get to him first. No, all we had were these stolen moments that had to be enough because neither of us was letting go. We learned long ago that try all we might, the only eyes we had were for each other. His tongue swiped against mine as his fingers pushed up my thighs. I widened for him, letting him touch the place that most men wished they could explore. Tossing my head back, a moan slipped past my lips which he eagerly swallowed before saying, “You have to be quiet lest you want someone to find us.”

“Sorry,” I whispered.

“Nawl darlin’, don’t be sorry,” he said, kissing the inside of my thigh. “Be careful.”

Reaching over, I grabbed my robe and bit down on it as he used his lips to make me forget about everything and when I say everything I do mean everything. My eyes rolled back as he worked to make all of my troubles  melt away. Nothing mattered but his mouth on me and his fingers inside of me. He moved at a tantalizingly slow pace, seemingly unhurried to get me to the place he knew I soon would be begging to be. Sliding my legs over his broad shoulders, he then grabbed my hips to pull me flush against him. Suckling, he made stars come to my eyes with the sensation and I felt my toes curl in response. I felt everything really, the cool breeze from the window, the way his left hand held me steady while the right plunged in search of the right spot. He knew he found it when my hips bucked against his face and it was then I knew I was in a world of trouble. I barely had time to close my eyes when the waves of euphoria hit me like a summer storm. Thunder filled my ears as my body shook in his arms.

“That’s right Honey, you’re doing so good,” he murmured, still using his fingers to pump in and out of me. 

When it was coming to an end he used his tongue to gently lap up the mess that he made before kissing his way back up my body. Chuckling he removed the robe from my mouth to give me a kiss. I latched onto his shoulders, pulling him down until his large frame laid against mine. My legs locked him in as I kissed softly along his jaw.

“Honey…I need you to ease up now…I’m tryna’ stay a gentleman,” he rasped, in between kisses.

“That was not gentlemanly and you did not see me complaining,” I said, causing him to chuckle.

“No, that was me taking care of my woman the best way I can until we make things proper,” he said, easing up so that he could look me in the eyes.

He was steadfast about us not going further until he could marry me like I deserved. Claiming that he did not want to give the women in town any extra reasons to treat me badly if we slipped up and got in the family way. Not wanting to get lost in the planning of our future or wrapped up in promises, I pulled him back to me. “And you do but I will leave it alone...for now.” 

“Thank you love,” he said, placing a kiss on my forehead. “Tell me about all the things I been missing out on.”

Never the one to be able to deny his requests I began catching him up on the local drama one story at a time. Before I knew it my sentences gave way to yawns and my yawns gave way to slumber. The next time my eyes fluttered open I was alone with all traces of Dex gone. Well almost gone, on the pillow that he lied on was a note. Written in his scrawly handwriting was the following: If I make it to 25, you will be MY wife- YOUR Beau, Dexter

His birthday was in two weeks.

A smile spread over my kiss swollen lips. As I went to put the note down I noticed something catching in the light. On my left hand was a tear-shaped ruby surrounded by a cluster of diamonds set in a gold band. Never in my life had I seen a piece of jewelry so fine. In fact it was too fine for these parts so I would have to take it off eventually but I squealed as I looked over it. Moving my hand up and down, the ring stayed firmly in place, glittering effortlessly in the rays from the morning sun. He had gotten the perfect size.

Photo printed on 300 gsm acid-free archival exhibition-quality luster paper. Prints are available in the following sizes: -12"x12" -8"x8" -6"x6" -4"x4"