The Almost Second Husband Of Ace Matthews (Cooper Howard/The Ghoul x OC)

Six-Shootin' and Seduction

Just a warning, things get a little steamy in this chapter x

They stepped into pandemonium. The main square of Dusty Plains was barely recognisable, transformed by colourful streamers and mismatched lanterns swaying in the night breeze. The usual air of resigned monotony had been swept away, replaced with an infectious energy that thrummed through the air.

Laughter rang out, and children playfully chased each other through the bustling market, weaving between half-dismantled stalls and filling the air with the irresistible aroma of sizzling roasted meats and delectable sweet treats. As the bonfires flickered and crackled, illuminating the night sky with a warm glow, couples swayed and twirled in a blur of vibrant colours, their movements filled with an infectious sense of joyful abandon. Despite herself, Ace felt a spark of excitement ignite within her.

Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all...

The Ghoul seemed to sense her shift in mood. His bony hand tightened on her arm, a silent question in the gesture. She glanced at him, then back at the crowd, her resolve faltering. It was one thing to brave the stares in the light of day, with a gun and badge, and quite another to be the centre of attention in this whirl of civilian celebration.

For the first time in a long, long time, the Ghoul was the one beaming with enthusiasm. His eyes danced with delight, and there was an almost childlike eagerness in the way he leaned slightly forward as if trying to absorb every sight and sound at once.

Her heart clenched at the sight. Damn it all, she'd be the one to ruin his night.

But the moment they stepped fully into the crowded square, the joyous buzz died down, replaced by a silence that pressed in from all sides. Conversations faltered, music stuttered, and the colourful crowd seemed to part before them, leaving an empty circle around the unlikely pair.

Every eye was fixed on them. The stares weren't of open hostility, more of stunned disbelief, followed by whispers that carried even over the dwindling music. A wave of heat washed over Ace, prickling her face and neck with shame. Suddenly, the dress felt like a costume, a punchline to some cruel joke; it was all wrong.

A muscle worked in Coop's jaw, and the light faded from his eyes. "Perhaps this wasn't..." he began, his voice low.

"Let's just... go home," Ace muttered, turning to retrace their steps.

Then, a voice chirped through the tense silence. "Well I never! Ace, Mr. Cooper, you two look just... wonderful!" Tessa, a swirl of pink and yellow, pushed her way through the crowd, her smile impossibly wide.

The shocked silence shattered. Tessa, seemingly oblivious to the tension, grabbed Ace's hand with surprising strength. "That dress is just perfect on you!" she exclaimed, "Why, I was just tellin' Tommy how you were the prettiest girl in all of Dusty Plains, wasn't I, sugar?" She looped her arm through a bewildered-looking man, who offered a shy nod and a mumbled greeting.

And then, the spell was broken.

Slowly, conversation resumed, the curious stares morphing into sly smiles and knowing looks. Tessa, pink-clad and bow-ified, bustled them towards the bonfire, chattering non-stop about the music, the food, and the various eligible bachelors who had 'sadly been scooped up already'. Ace, still slightly dazed by Tessa's whirlwind energy, let herself be carried along in her wake. The Ghoul trailed behind them, his expression a curious mix of bewilderment and a stoic amusement that was painted onto his slender face.

As soon as they stepped away from the bar, the curious stares resumed. Ace could practically feel the eyes tracking their every move, hear the whispered speculation swirling around them like dust devils.