Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Not again.”

Inspector Carmelita Fox hisses in annoyance as she carefully closes the door to her office, not taking her eyes off her desk.

Sitting upon it was a bouquet of red roses, along with the Cooper calling card.

The fox woman carefully approaches the bouquet, hand on pistol holster. She knows that Cooper wouldn’t be foolish enough to stick around her office after his occasional “deliveries” – but old habits die hard.

She picks up the card, and when she flips it over there’s perfect cursive writing that says:

Thinking of you. Happy Valentine’s Day.

Carmelita sighs in defeat. She wants to be angry, to be disgusted – but she doesn’t have the energy. It’s been a long, long day.

She collapses in her chair and pauses, the gears of her brain turning.

Throw them away.

Why?

Because it’s harassment. It’s inappropriate.

They’re just flowers.

It doesn’t matter. Throw them away. Now.

I don’t want to.

Why?

The gears come to a sudden halt.

Why did she not want to throw them away?

It’s a simple question really, but it’s something she can’t seem to answer.

The vixen runs a hand over her face and looks at the clock.

Just go home. You’re tired.

She gets up from her chair and putters around her office, gathering up her belongings and does some small organizing. When she’s finished, she picks up her bag and makes her way to the door.

Carmelita places her hand on the doorknob and looks behind her.

The flowers were still on her desk, untouched.

Carmelita retreats back in her mind, how many times had he left roses on her desk?

Too many.

And every time he did, what had she done?

Garbage or evidence lockers.

Was he going to stop?

Probably not.

When was the last time a man gave you flowers?

What?

Why does he treat you like this?

I don’t like where this is going.

Are you sure? Because the collection of calling cards in your office says otherwise-

Carmelita takes a deep breath and promptly silences her thoughts.

“Screw this, I have a hot bath waiting for me.”

She opens the door to her office and exits.

But after five minutes she re-enters her office, takes the bouquet and calling card, and leaves.

Chapter Text

Sly Cooper loved diamonds.

Out of all the gemstones that he had stolen, diamonds were his favorite. True, some other stones had more color and shine. But diamonds, they were just...beautiful.

The raccoon gazes at his new haul, a 500 carat diamond retrieved from a notorious black-market weapons dealer’s private gem collection.

“All that trouble for that little thing?”

He turns to Murray. “You know what they say, good things come in small packages.”

Murray shrugs, and resumes eating his sandwich.

“I just intercepted Interpol’s communications,” Bentley chimes in from across the Safehouse.

“Cool,” Sly calls back, eyes still on the diamond. “What’s going on?”

“Inspector Fox just arrested the arms dealer on illegal weapon trade charges.”

“Uh-huh. Is she there? Is she on the radios? Can I talk to her?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Awww, you’re no fun.”

“Actually Sly, can you come to my room for a sec?”

Uh-oh

Sly stands up from his chair, and makes his way towards Bentley’s room. The turtle sits on his computer, eyes glued to the multiple screens surrounding him.

“What’s the problem?”

“There is none,” Bentley says coolly. “I did some more research, turns out this diamond was mined in an illegal mining operation in Russia.”

Sly cocks his head. “And?”

“Basically it means that few people know about it. So, if you want, we can keep it.”

Sly’s face lights up like a Christmas tree. “Seriously?”

“Yep. I know how much you like diamonds, so, happy early birthday.”

“You’re the best Bentley. Really.”

The turtle smirks. “I do what I can.”

A few days later, the Cooper Gang return to their main Paris hideout to plan the next heist, and it’s when Sly spots Carmelita in her office on one of his night runs that he gets an idea.

“Bentley, I need a favor.”

“Go ahead.”

“Can you find me a guy who makes rings on the dark net?”

The reptile turns to his brother, “You want me to find a black-market jeweler? Why?”

“I just want to get a ring made. Please?”

“...Okay, if that’s what you want.”

Two weeks pass, and Bentley comes into contact with a meerkat jeweler in the edges of Paris. The gang meet the jeweler in a warehouse, and when Sly shows him the diamond his eyes go wide with shock.

“Where did you-?”

“No questions please,” Bentley says to the jeweler curtly. “We’ll pay you double what we discussed if you don’t ask any. We just need a ring made.”

The meerkat grins. “Deal.”

Another two weeks later, the meerkat returns with the diamond, as well as an elegant gold ring with a single small diamond in the center

“Whose the lucky lady?” The meerkat asks as he gives the ring to Sly.

The raccoon chuckles. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

Chapter Text

Carmelita abruptly snaps awake, and sits up from her bed. Her eyes adjust to the darkness in the room, and it takes her a few moments to realize that she was safe, she was home.

She curses under her breath, after what happened during the whole Clockwerk part fiasco, her dreams had become tainted with the trauma that was left.

The young fox woman turns on the lamp on her nightstand and slowly removes herself from her bed. She crosses the bedroom and opens her dresser, sifting through her clothes until she find a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.

Carmelita opens the window and climbs onto the fire escape facing the alley, she sits on the window ledge and takes out a cigarette, lights it, and inhales the nicotine.

She holds her head in her hands and sighs.

How long could she go on like this?

“Those are bad for you, you know.”

Carmelita whips her head up so fast she almost breaks her neck.

Sly Cooper is sitting on the fire escape ladder, gazing at her with worry.

“Cooper, what the shit?”

Sly twirls his cane, “I was doing a night run and I wanted to check in. However, I’m glad I did.”

“What do you want?”

“I want you to quit smoking. It’s a bad habit.”

“My body, my choice.”

“And that particular choice is going to destroy your beautiful lungs.”

“Sly, please just go.”

“No. You’re not okay. Let me help you.”

“I don’t want your help. You make everything worse.”

“Carmelita.”

The way he says her name so delicately wills Carmelita to look at him again.

And, to her shock and embarrassment, her lip begins to quiver and tears stream from her eyes.

The reaction from Sly is immediate, he swiftly climbs down from the fire escape stairs and carefully approaches her.

“Hey...hey, hey, hey, it’s okay…”

Carmelita covers her face and chokes back a sob, her emotions flooding her brain like a broken dam.

“Do you want a hug?”

Her mind screams no, but her heart says yes. And Carmelita’s tongue sides with her heart.

“...okay…”

The raccoon's slender but strong arms wrap around her lithe frame.

“I’m here,” he breathes. “You’re okay.”

He pulls her in closer, and Carmelita drops the cigarette and wraps her arms around his neck.

“I don’t think I can do this Sly…”

“Yes you can,” he says softly. “You’re going to get through this Carmelita, and I will be right here until it’s over.”

The vixen sobs into his shoulder, and the thief strokes her back and whispers words of reassuring.

He stays with her for the rest of the night, and after he leaves in the morning, Carmelita makes an appointment with a psychotherapist.

Chapter Text

“What are you doing?”

Sly sits up from the sand and turns to Carmelita approaching in one of her summer beach dresses.

“Just relaxing.”

She sits next to him in the sand, the waves of the ocean crashing against the beach.

“What’s on your mind Ringtail?”

Sly smirks and slips his hand into hers. “I’m just blown away by how I’m the luckiest raccoon on the planet.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Because I haven’t arrested you yet?”

“That, and instead of getting arrested, I got married instead. But it’s kinda the same thing-”

“Ringtail…”

“I’m just kidding love.”

Carmelita chuckles and lies down in the sand. The raccoon and the fox were currently in Tahiti on their ‘unofficial honeymoon’ to celebrate their recent marriage.

Sly lies back down in the sand next to his wife. The two of them gaze at the stars in peaceful silence, until after a few minutes Carmelita speaks.

“Where do we go from here?”

Sly shrugs. “Where ever we want.”

“I know that…I just...this is the first time I don’t know what to do next. Usually I have a schedule, but you can’t really plan a life, it just kind of happens.”

“Correct.”

“So...what do you want to do?”

“Right now I would love to gaze at the night sky with my wife.”

“Sly, seriously, what are we going to do for the future?”

Sly pauses, just for a moment.

“We’ll do what we can Carmelita. We’re in a good position right now, so there’s no need to worry about anything. And whatever happens, we’ll be together, that’s all that matters in the end.”

“...I suppose you’re right.”

They gaze at the night sky and cuddle up against each other. After a few minutes pass Sly says: “There is something I would like though.”

Carmelita’s eyes meet his. “Which is…?”

“I, well, I would like a child. If you’re okay with that.”

“What makes you think I wouldn’t be?”

“Because...you’ve always been so career focused, and I don’t want to force you into being a mother if it’s not what you want.”

Carmelita thinks for a few seconds.

“Okay.”

“Okay..?”

“Let’s have a child.”

He smiles and gives her bedroom eyes. “Right now?”

She laughs. “Not outside in the sand, you goof.”

He kisses her quickly. “Can’t blame me for thinking about it, though.”

“It is getting kind of late though…”

“So it is.”

Carmelita grins and gives him a devilish look. “Bedroom, ten minutes.”

Sly’s face goes hot with excitement and nerves. “I will see you there, ma cherie.”

The vixen gets up and saunters back to the beach house in a way that makes Sly feel all sorts of emotions.

“Damn, I really am the luckiest raccoon alive.”

Chapter Text

The raccoon studies the marble statue, captivated by the detail in the wings.

“Sometimes I wish we could take it,” he whispers to Bentley.

“Sly,” Bentley whispers back. “It’s way too big to fit in the van, and to be honest I would feel awful. The Winged Victory of Samothrace is considered to be one of the last wonders of an ancient era. Stealing it from the Louvre would look very bad for our image.”

“Since when do you care about our image? We’re thieves.”

“Shut it, Sly. She’s coming back.”

Bentley wheels away from the young thief, as Penelope returns with Murray.

“Thank for waiting for me.”

“Of course,” Bentley says beaming. “I’m delighted to show you one of the many Parisian sites.”

Sly rolls his eyes. Of course ever since they’re return from Holland, Bentley had been completely smitten with their new recruit. He had insisted showing her around the city and gushing all about the history.

Sly didn’t mind Penelope. He thought she was a nice girl.

So why did it bother him that she and Bentley were getting along so well?

Shouldn’t he be delighted that Bentley had found someone he really liked?

“Hey guys,” Sly says. “I’m actually feeling a bit peckish. I’m gonna go get something to eat. You guys go on without me.”

“Are you sure Sly?” Penelope asks. “We’re not even halfway done…”

“I’ve been here a bunch of times, don’t worry I’ll be fine. Catch you later!”

Sly swiftly walks down the Daru staircase, navigating his way towards the nearest exit.

He’s about to leave the museum when he hears a familiar voice.

“I assure you monsieur Lapin, the new art exhibit will be completely safe under my officers’ watch.”

Carmelita?

Uh-oh.

Sly quickly ducks behind some people and turns his back to the voice, pretending to observe some art pieces.

“I appreciate your confidence Inspector, but I still insist that we delay the opening until the new security system is online.”

“Don’t you have any faith in the law?”

“I do! I just don’t want...that raccoon...to catch wind of a possible weakness.”

The vixen continues to debate with the elderly rabbit, and Sly chuckles, walking away. As much as he would love to stop and say hello, he’s not completely insane.

Still, it’s something that makes him feel a slight bit of sadness. Not being able to be with Carmelita in a public setting.

Like Bentley and Penelope can.

He stops mid-step.

Oh.

Oh no.

Sly clicks his tongue and shuts his eyes at the realization. It was jealousy. He was jealous that Bentley had found Penelope, and they were happy together, unlike him and Carmelita.

Now’s not the time to think about that, Sly thinks bitterly. I have to warn my gang that the police are close by.

But as he rushes to find his friends, he feels an emotion that he can’t quite name.

And after he tells Bentley and company about Carmelita’s presence, and after they quickly leave the museum, Sly remembers the name of the emotion.

Yearning.

Chapter Text

Year: 79 AD

The young raccoon runs through the cobblestone streets of Pompeii, the volcano behind him raining fire and ash on the city below.

He runs and ducks over screaming civilians and ruined obstacles, his chest burning, his heart pumping blood all over his body at an alarming rate.

The raccoon suddenly skids to a halt in front of an alley door and bangs on it furiously.

“Rita!” He screams. “Rita it is me! Let me in!”

The door opens, and Rita’s father, an older male fox, greets the raccoon.

“She’s not here, boy.”

“Where is she??? We must leave now! The mountain is exploding! The gods have cursed this city!”

“Why does it matter to you? You are a trash-scrounging thief. You are unfit for Rita.”

“Now is not the time for this!” The raccoon hollers. “Tell me where Rita is!”

A loud BOOM cuts through the air, and the earth begins to shake.

“Please.”

Rita’s father sighs, “She went to the marketplace. You will find her there.”

The young raccoon wastes no time. He takes off and runs into the direction of the marketplace.

“Sylo!”

He turns briefly to the elder fox.

“You understand this is the end for us?”

“Of course I understand,” Sylo calls back. “I want to be with her if this is truly the end of days.”

“Then go, Sylo. I will see you in the next life.”

Sylo quickly nods and runs off to the marketplace.

When he arrives however, it is void of anyone except farm animals.

“RITA!” He screams. “Rita!!! Where are you?”

“Sylo?!”

He turns and sees a young vixen emerge from an abandoned building.

“Rita!”

He runs and embraces Rita so hard he almost knocks them both over.

“Sylo! We have to go! The mountain is spitting fire!”

As soon as the words leave her mouth, however, there’s another loud BOOM.

The two mammals turn to the direction of the mountain, and are horrified to see a giant cloud of ash quickly racing towards them.

“Hurry, in here!”

Rita grabs Sylo by the hand and pulls him into the abandoned building. They crouch behind pots and furniture.

“Sylo,” Rita breathes. “I don’t think we can outrun the gods’ wrath.”

Sylo looks at his lover, tears falling down his face. The smoke and ash begin to close in on the two.

“Rita, I am afraid.”

“As am I.”

The raccoon and the vixen hold each other close, and the earth begins to shake violently.

“I love you, Sylo. No matter what happens.”

“I love you too, Rita.”

The air begins to get hotter, and the darkness surrounds the couple.

“Will we be together again, in the next life?”

There’s a pause amid the chaos.

“We can only hope.”

And the two lovers were encased in the earth, saying no more.

Chapter Text

“Hey, Grandpa Bentley?”

The elderly turtle looks up from his digital tablet. “Yes Ari?”

“I found this in the attic, can you tell me what it is?”

The young boy holds up a small device, and Bentley immediately recognizes it.

“I see you’ve found your great-grandfather’s binocucom.”

Ari cocks his head. “What’s a binocucom?”

The reptile wheels over to the boy. “It’s something I built many, many years ago. It was for your great-grandfather back at the turn of the 21^st century. He used it for his work.”

“What does it do?”

“Well, it took pictures, recorded audio, helped your great-grandfather communicate with us during jobs, and many other things.”

“How does it work?”

“Well, I highly doubt it’ll turn on now. But I think I can fix that.”

Bentley takes the device and wheels his way over to the other side of his workshop. He pulls out an old cord and connects it to the binocucom.

“Now, let me just retrieve any files on it and let it charge for a bit.”

The turtle presses several buttons on an old laptop, and a hologram suddenly pops up in the middle of the room.

“It looks like there are some files still here. I just hope they’re nothing inappropriate, knowing your great-grandfather there are some things best left unrecorded.”

“What?”

“I’ll explain when you’re older, Ari.”

Bentley presses some more buttons, and the image of a young fox woman appears on the screen.

Ari looks at the image. “Is that…”

“Yes, your great-grandmother Carmelita. Back when she was a young detective.”

“She looks...different.”

Bentley hums and presses another button, and a different picture pops up. This time of a raccoon, a turtle, and a hippo around a Christmas dinner.

“That’s you!”

“Indeed, along with your great-grandfather and your grandpa Murray.”

“I wish I had met grandpa Murray.”

A pang of sadness suddenly strikes Bentley. “He would’ve loved you Ari.”

Bentley presses another button, and a third photo comes up. A picture of the fox woman and raccoon man, with a young foxcoon child.

“Grandma Rose!”

“Yes, little Rose. My how she’s grown up.”

“She looks not much older than me!”

“Yes, yes, let me see what other photos are here.”

The turtle and the young boy go through several other files: Rose as a teenager, a picture of the raccoon man and the fox woman on a beach, Grandpa Murray and Grandma Penelope in front of a van, and even great-uncle Dimitri.

After an hour of looking at photos and talking, Ari’s mother comes to Bentley’s workshop.

“There you two are! It’s dinner time!”

“We will be there to eat in a few minutes Catherine.”

“Well you better hurry, the casserole’s getting cold.”

Catherine turns around and heads back to the dining room, and Bentley turns the hologram projector off.

“Grandpa Bentley? Do you miss them?”

“Who?”

“You know, my great-grandpa and great-grandma, and Murray, and Penelope, and Dimitri?”

“Of course I do, but I have you, and your brother, and your parents, and your aunts, uncles, and cousins. Regardless of who comes and goes Ari, family is forever.”

The reptile and the young boy begin to go to the dining room on the other side of the large house. But Bentley suddenly has an idea.

“Ari, I would like you to have the binocucom.”

“Why Grandpa Bentley?”

“Because I want you to take it with you and make more memories with it. I want you to keep it so you always have your family with you, wherever you are.”

“Okay! Thank you so much Grandpa Bentley!”

The two of them exit Bentley’s workshop, and the turtle shuts off the light and closes the door.

The casserole was still warm.