Ain't Nothing but a Hound Dog

Copper Russell -- 32 -- Sheriff -- I'm on the trail of something...

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A Final Farewell -- [Coperi]

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frostskader:

Peri could see it in his eyes. The guilt. And that’s why she didn’t want to cry. She didn’t want to create worry others. She was okay. She really was. No matter how many times she had to reassure herself. But her smile was real and that was a good thing. 

“I will I promise. I’m a good flyer you won’t need to pay for me I’m sure. Just a place to sleep is all I’ll need.” She admitted letting out a sigh watching him move to Isabel and when she made grabby hands Peri scooped her up into her arms cuddling her close and kissing the top of her head.

“Be good to your Daddy okay? I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon enough.” She spoke in her little voice before letting her go back to Copper smiling up at him. She could let go of him. 

Copper watched with a soft smile as Peri bounced Isabel and little Bel giggled. His heart swelled until it felt like it was bruising in his chest. That had started happening a lot more since Isabel had been born. He didn’t know he was capable of such love. At first, it had made him wary, but he embraced it--especially once Sheila had run off. He’d had to embrace it. And he didn’t regret it at all. It made him softer.

It made him feel whole. 

He smiled soft and took Isabel back gently from Peri, gathering up his daughter in his arms, and he knew, despite how reluctant he was to leave the friends he’d made here behind (the first true friends, besides Tod, he’d ever made), that he was making the right decision.

Leaning forwards, he grabbed the back of Peri’s head gently, pressing a kiss to the centre of her forehead.

“You’ll always have a place to stay with me,” he promised her with a smile at crinkled the corner of his eyes. 

“I’ll see you soon, lassie. Stay safe. Call me if you ever need anything.” He took a hesitant step back, and then, another--towards the door. He opened it with another nod and a smile to Peri. 

Then, he stepped through and closed it behind him, opening the door to the next chapter of his life. 

[harrypotterhousequotes]

HUFFLEPUFF: “I have been all things unholy; if God can work through me, he can work through anyone.” –St. Francis of Assisi

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A Final Farewell -- [Coperi]

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frostskader:

This time the tears that were welling up in her eyes she couldn’t hold them back Not as a few trickled down her cheeks and she quickly tried to rub them away. He wasn’t out of her life. She had to remember that at least. Once again it didn’t hurt any less. Hearing the same little term of endearment he had just used for his daughter seconds ago just made her all the more emotional even if she didn’t want to be sad around him.

“Please do. Or I’m coming over just to show you how to do it. I’m sure I could fly over no problem.” Besides on one of those little babysitting journies, Peri had promised to let the little girl fly one day. Even if she didn’t understand what Peri had promised. So that still had to happen eventually. “Christmas sounds good. I’ll make sure I’m the one to bring the first frost over to you guys. So when you see that think of me.”

This time though with the touch on her cheek her smile was real. “You too, yeah?” It may not have been a long time they had together but Copper had filled a little void in her life and while that would take time to patch with him gone, she was defintely a little better for having him in her life. 

She wouldn’t trade that for anything.

Ach, she was crying. Copper frowned and his heart squeezed and he immediately felt awful about it. He didn’t know what to do, except touch her cheek again, even though she’d quickly wiped the tear away. His eyes searched hers as she spoke, a worry blooming in his chest.

At the mention of the first frost--Copper’s lips twitched and the worry turned a bit warmer and he smiled softly.

That was so strange. Just a year ago, he would’ve been uncomfortable and not known how to take such a declaration, but now, it just--made him feel warm. He was grateful for it. 

“Of course, Periwinkle,” he told her gently, squeezing her biceps again. “Be careful when you come to see me, please. I’ll pay for your airplane, if you want. Or the ferry. Just--stay safe.”

With that, he walked across the floor to pick up Isabel and carry her back over towards Peri. The little girl leaned forwards excitedly, babbling and making grabby hands towards one of her many babysitters. Copper chuckled a little. 

“I think someone wants to say goodbye,” he said, holding out the baby to Peri.

[itsjamiedornan]

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A Final Farewell -- [Coperi]

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frostskader:

Even with Copper’s smile, Peri’s felt forced. She couldn’t help it. Her heart hurt and she wanted to cry. She didn’t like this. She didn’t want to lose him. But she couldn’t be selfish. She couldn’t. Put others before yourself. 

Didn’t make this any harder even as Isabel babbled ‘her approval’. Squeezing Copper’s hand back she tried to keep herself steady. Soon enough Peri pulled her hand back and stood up to wrap her arms around Copper. She needed to just hug him more than anything.

“I’m going to miss you…. a lot…. I want pictures and letters and all that. Okay?” She whispered hiding her frown now that he couldn’t see her face.

Copper had not expected a hug.

When was the last time he’d gotten a hug? He tried to think back on it...about a month ago, when Rajah had left for Ireland. That had been the last time. And Copper--he wasn’t really a touchy-feely person. No. That had been beat out of him a long time ago.

So, at first, when her arms came around him, he tensed. After a moment, he let a breath out, though, and wrapped his arms back around the small girl, holding her tight to him. She felt chilly to the touch (frost fairy, he had to remind himself to keep from worrying.) He pressed his cheek against her hair for a moment and chuckled at her.

He felt a tickle in his throat which he firmly ignored.

“I’ll miss you too, macushla,” he told her fondly, giving her another squeeze before pulling back, just enough that he could put his hand on her shoulders. “Call me, write to me. I’ll send you pictures all the time. Isabel will want to FaceTime, I’m sure. I’ll get Rajah to show me how to do that properly. And you can come visit. Maybe for Christmas, yeah? If you don’t mind sitting through Midnight Mass.” 

He touched her cheek gently. “I won’t be to far. You call me if you ever need anything, aye?”

[vahkarian]

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A Final Farewell -- [Coperi]

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frostskader:

Peri’s heart seemed to stop at that. Of course he was leaving, most everyone did. She wasn’t truly sure why she thought anything here would be different. Her heart and her mood sunk into her chest like it was weighted down by steel as her mind processed everything.

Southern Ireland. 

Now there were places further away that was true. That was a bright side right? Glancing to the side away from Copper her eyes fell onto little Isabel and Peri understood. It didn’t make it hurt less but she understood. 

“Am I allowed to visit?” She managed to ask putting a smile right back onto her face where it should be. No matter how hard it was.

Copper blinked a little at the question, and then, he couldn’t help it, but he grinned. It just--surprised him. He hadn’t really expected anyone to care enough to want to come visit. To go out of the way to see him. He knew he’d fucked up--a lot, in his time as Sheriff. That half the town hated him and the other half thought he was incompetent. 

Strangely enough, that wasn’t why he was leaving.

He just needed somewhere safe for Isabel. That was all.

“Yeah, yeah, ‘course ya can, lassie,” Copper told her warmly, reaching forwards to grip her hand for a moment, giving it a squeeze. “We’d love that, wouldn’t we, macushla?” Copper asked, turning to squint at his daughter busying herself on the floor with the ice cube.

She babbled in her baby talk that wasn’t anything. 

“Think that’s a yes,” he said, turning back to Peri. “And I’ll come visit too, ‘course.” 

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A Final Farewell -- [Coperi]

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frostskader:

Tilting her head at him peri nodded. She knew the visit wasn’t just social and that was the basic small talk.

How hilarious the being trapped in a Greek world was small talk. But in a way she supposed she was getting use to it. It kept her on her feet and for a basically 20 year old it was fine to be so spontaneous. She wasn’t sure how others did it with more connections and responsibilities.

“Yeah? What’s along the same lines but not really?”

Copper shifted a little in his seat and felt--weirdly guilty.

He had come to care about the little faery quite a bit. She was cute and quirky and had this kind of--bright energy that drew people in. She was fragile, she was a little lost, and he didn’t want to leave her all alone now. 

But, he knew he had to do what was best for his daughter. That she needed to grow up somewhere that wasn’t tumultuous. That Copper wasn’t putting himself into danger every other day just to make ends meet. She needed stability. Needed a place to grow and flourish where Magicks weren’t held back at all.

“I’m resignin’--I’ve got a position in Cork County, Southern Ireland,” he told her, just ripping it off like a plaster. “I’ll be gone by the end of the week.” 

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Wake up Call | Dr. Ice & Copelsa

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from-my-freezing-hell:

Elsa watched quietly as Copper considered her proposal. It was the best - and the only plan he had. At the thought of going to prison alone she grabbed at the sheets and pulled up her shoulders.

The silence dragged on and she began to shiver lightly. She was going to insist that she needed her freedom, but she wasn’t ready to go all in for it. Albeit she had to. She watched him warily when he was ready to speak up, fearing for the worst.

Then, she sighed in relief. “Thank you Officer, for trusting me. Of course. I understand.” She collected more of the blanket in her fists as she clenched them. “Yes, I would love to do that and of course I agree.” Elsa took a deep breath and nodded in addition. “Thank you a lot.”

Copper smiled a little, thinly, at Elsa’s words and he felt--for once, like he was really doing the right thing. He didn’t want to punish her. He didn’t feel the anger burn in his chest like he usually did at these things. Because he’d learned--it was just an accident.

People didn’t go to jail for accidentally causing a car wreck. They didn’t go to jail for accidentally setting off a gun and shooting someone. 

Of course, this should, perhaps, still go to court, but since no one died--well, it was up to individuals to sue or do what they will. 

He nodded at Elsa. “Come by the station as soon as you get released and we will get the paperwork started. I’m going to keep a guard outside your door. Both for your protection and, well, just for security.”

With a smile and another nod, he looked at Dr. Sweet and then back to Elsa.

“I’ll see you soon. Rest up.” 

And with that, he turned on his heel and left, instructing the officer with him to stay outside the door.

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A Final Farewell -- [Coperi]

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frostskader:

Nodding her head she pulled out the glasses. “I don’t mind at all.” Already giggling at Isabel she leaned down to wave and get her attention before bringing over the drinks to the table.

“You do too huh?” She already knew of people that didn’t and it was nice to know others hadn’t forgotten it either. “No actually! I kept my head down and played nice.” It was sad and she had guilt about it considering everything else. But she was safe and she was proud of herself about that too.

Isabel picked up one of the ice cubes that Peri had dropped for her and sat on her bum in the middle of the kitchen floor where Copper could see her, she wasn’t crawling quiet yet, but he was a bit paranoid about it anyways. Perks of being a cop, though, meant he was good at keeping his attention in more than one place.

“Good, that’s good of ya’ lassie, I wouldn’t have wanted to hear ya got hurt or nothin’ like that.” Copper felt a bit uncomfortable that he hadn’t done anything about it. Part of him had felt very wrong about doing the same thing and keeping his head down but--he had to take care of his daughter first, and he wasn’t ashamed of that. Besides, he knew he was no match against all the Magicks.

“Uhm, I gots--somethin’ to tell you, while we’re on the--subject. Okay, well, it doesn’t really, have much ta do with it but--I have somethin’ to tell you.” 

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A Final Farewell -- [Coperi]

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frostskader:

Peri sighed and smiled into the hug.. She couldn’t help it. His warmth was inviting. It always was.

Walking them over to the kitchen Peri glanced back walking backwards as she gestured to the stove. “I have tea or coffee. Or plain water.” Peri offered pulling out her own ice tea press to mmake her own drink.

“I’m good, happy to be back here. The whole greek thing wasn’t fun.” Sure it was easy but it wasn’t her.

“Water, if you would, and maybe a few ice cubes for the babe, since she’s still teething. If you don’t mind the mess,” he said with a chuckle as he leaned over to put Isabel down so that she could happily crawl along the floor. 

“Ah, so you remember that,” he said with a hum as he straightened back up. “That was part of the reasn I came over. Wanted to make sure you were alright. You didn’t get mixed up in nothin’ too serious, did ya’ lassie?”

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from-my-freezing-hell:

“I understand.” She responded soundlessly. How could she not? All this pain she’d caused to the innocent would need to be repaid. Elsa exhaled wearily and nodded. She agreed with Copper no matter how grim it might’ve sounded. She needed to be punished so at least some of the suffering could be compensated.

A punishment then, or…

“Perhaps I could help the community?” She responded, now musterung up the courage to look Copper in the eyes. “However I can. It might not be much at the moment, but..” She kneaded the bed sheets a little. “I’d like to make up for what I’ve done.”

Community service.

Copper rolled the idea around in his head. It had the benefit of showing that there was punishment and, perhaps, a willingness on the side of Magicks who have caused incidents like this on--mostly accident, or under duress--to have a want and investment in making the town better.

The drawback was there may be push back from those who had been harmed or inconvenienced. That was just a--risk that Copper was going to have to take. People will be angry no matter the situation. If Copper dragged her off to a magical prison somewhere? People would be up in arms about it, and Copper wouldn’t say that they were necessarily wrong.

His face softened some and he nodded.

“Community service. 120 hours of it. And you’re on probation. We’ll draw it up official at the station, assign you a probation officer that you’ve got to check in with and who will be in charge of your community service. Also, I would like to make this information public and issue a statement concerning the circumstances. Publish it in the Swynlake Squire. Perhaps...you would like to write an apology that will be publishing adjacent to the statement? Do you agree to these terms?” 

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A Final Farewell -- [Coperi]

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frostskader:

Cleaning up her place as much as possible Peri wouldn’t have it that her place was a mess when Copper came around. Sure it was simple and already basically clean but she tidied it up. Put a pot on to make some tea or coffee if he wanted anything. She couldn’t even begin to guess the news he would have and she kept jumping back from it being good or bad. Especially after the greek fiasco. 

Smiling brightly at the man, she waved at little Isabel before ushering them in. “Hi, how are you guys?”

“We’re good, thankfully,” Copper told her, leaning in for a one armed hug, tucking the smaller girl into his side for a moment.

And that was new too. Copper may not be particularly fond of Swynlake, but leaving it was definitely bittersweet. He had grown a lot here, he knew that he had. His entire world view had shifted. He’d become a father. The friends he had made here--Faline and Anita and Terence and Esmeralda and Tink and Periwinkle and all the people on the force--he would remember them forever, keep them tucked in his heart.

He’d come back to visit, of course. He didn’t think he’d ever be able to shake the responsibility he had for this town. At least, not all the way.

“How are you?” he asked her as he pulled away from the hug.

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paul-patts replied to your post “A Final Farewell -- [Coperi]”

ugh raj shoutout i love their happy irish au

IT’S NOT AN AU IT’S REAL LIFE

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A Final Farewell -- [Coperi]

Copper balanced Isabel on one hip as he knocked on the door to Peri’s apartment. He’d called her earlier to ask if he could drop by, he had news for her. Not to mention, he wanted to make sure she was alright after this hell business. 

And what a business that had been.

He’d been glad that two days after they’d gotten back, he’d gotten the news that his application at County Cork had gone through and he’d be leaving this literal hellhole in a month’s time. He’d be meeting up with Rajah, Sheriff and Deputy for a small municipality on the coastline. 

But, he had to say goodbye to those who were still here. 

“Hey Peri,” he greeted with a smile as she opened the door. Little Isabel open and closed her fist at the sight of her sometimes-babysitter.

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from-my-freezing-hell:

“That’s okay.” She said wearily and let her head drop back into the soft pillows, letting her hair spill everywhere. This needed to be done for everyone who still meant something to her.

“It all started a couple years ago…” Elsa did her best to summarise it. How far her journey of exploring her powers had taken her together with Anna at first, then, all of a sudden, she had been alone. Because she was dangerous for her sister and anyone else who could keep her company.

“I was isolated from everyone whom I could hurt for about ten years until I couldn’t take it anymore.” She opened her eyes again to train her dilated pupils on Copper. “I had lost all hope to be together with Anna and lead a normal life. I wanted to kill myself..” She briefly averted her gaze, then stared right back into his eyes. “No matter how much I tried though, it wouldn’t let me. So I did the last thing I could think of.. and froze my own heart. My fear did get my family into danger. I wanted to get rid off it.” Tears started to glisten in her eyes. “But I judged wrongly. I couldn’t control what I had done and instead I went and hurt even more people, because I didn’t feel anything anymore. I didn’t want to do any of this.” She dried her eyes with the sleeve of her pajama. “Do you believe me?”

Copper listened to her story and when she asked that question in the end, Copper didn’t know what to think.

Did he believe her? 

Yes, he did, short answer. Copper spent a good majority of his adult life analyzing people. Empathizing with them. He, for the most part, knew the liars from the innocent. And while Elsa was not innocent--she was not lying. Why would she be? She’d already given herself up.

Long answer was he didn’t know what to do now. She’d still caused a snow storm, a storm that--admittedly--could’ve been much worse, and there were no fatalities. And, technically, there were no...specific laws...against creating a snow storm...

Copper ran a hand over his beard and shifted from one foot to another.

“I hope you understand the position you’ve put me in,” he said gruffly, but he sighed and crossed his arms. “Technically, you didn’t break any laws. And--no one was killed...but--there needs to be some kind of justice.”

He eyed her carefully. “Any ideas?”

[ritalemish]