I own nothing but Nicki

CHAPTER TEN

"Frailty thy name is woman."

Or

"Love all, trust a few, and do wrong to none."

Don Falcone himself arrived shortly after, taking it upon himself to personally apologize to Nicki for the "unfortunate occurrence". She was the picture of forgiveness and Oswald watched in awe of her. He was dumbfounded when Victor asked his boss if he could "go to work" (those three words sending a shiver up and down Oswald's spine) and Nicki quickly negated his request. All were shocked by this, even Nikolai's jaw dropped, and Victor regarded her with a cool glare before turning back to Falcone. "Sir, this was a direct assault and a complete disrespect towards a rival family-"

"It's my decision to make," Nicki cut in, meeting his chilling gaze with an intense one of her own.

"I'm not sure you're in any condition to make it."

"I'm fine."

"Your head is-"

"Fine."

"Children." Don Falcone called them down sternly, but there was a slight twinkle of amusement in his eye.

"It is my decision, right?" NIcki asked, unrelenting.

"In a way," Falcone reasoned. "But it would be a direct disservice towards the Maroni family if we let this act go unpunished."

"Sir the girl says-" Nikolai tired but Falcone held up a hand to silence him.

"Victor will punish this man as he deems necessary. But at your request, he won't be killed." Don Falcone delivered this compromise to Nicki with a tone of finality and though she still looked less than happy, she nodded her head. Victor's grin stretched across his face as he nodded to his boss as well. The situation now resolved, Falcone began moving everyone along. "We'll keep him here for you. Get your sister home."

Victor gave a quick nod before jerking his head towards the door, indicating for Nicki to follow him. Eyeing him with a fierce glare, she began following him, head held high and barely acknowledging that she was injured. Just before she exited, she stopped, hand on the door. "Don Falcone," she called back softly, turning to face him. The older man granted her his attention. "You should know that Mr. Cobblepot has come to my aid, not one, but twice." She let a small smile play across her lips as she turned her now softened doe-eyes to the beaten and bruised man in the booth. "Fish Mooney has a really great man there."

Oswald felt his face get warm as she left with a wink. Falcone turned his attention back to the small man and gave an impressed grunt, cocking an eyebrow. "Well," he reasoned. "At least someone in this place knows how to do their job."

"Don Falcone, that's hardly fair."Fish Mooney was all charm now as she approached her boss, but he froze her in her place with a hard look.

"I'm afraid you may have forgotten the reason we have invited Nicholleta Maroni into our territory," he challenged. "Perhaps you need a reminder?"

Fish was now stiff and expressionless, her face careful not to give anything away. Oswald couldn't help but wonder what exactly she was hiding. Disdain? Fear? "I remember perfectly," she said answered slowly. "It occurs to me though that maybe not everyone is aware of how our precious little twins came into mafia possession." Her blank expression faltered as she shot a venomous look towards the onlooking Russians.

"Educate them." Facone replied, and with that he left without another word. Oswald was in complete adoration of the man as he watched him go. To be Don Facone…to make the strong and fierce crumble with a look. To tie the tongues of the smooth talkers with just one word. There was such power radiating off that man, and he barely had to do anything to make the aura known. Oswald ached to have that kind of influence. To-

"Well," Fish cut into his reveries, clapping her hands together and turning to address the Russians and her own boys. "I've suddenly remembered that you all don't actually know about the little…mouse infestation…we had about thirteen years ago. So I guess it's story time." She shot them all a dangerous smirk before giving Butch a pointed look.

Butch gave a semi-amused huff. "I guess it's time to break out the old home videos."

Thank you so much for the review! I really can't tell you how much I appreciate the encouragement and I'm glad you enjoy reading this. It warmed my heart to hear that you like the way I've been writing Oswald. He's my favorite character hands down and because he's just such a complex human being. Also…I'M SO EXCITED THAT YOU'RE A NEW ALBION FAN! Just like you, I was pretty sure my sister and I were the only ones who had ever even heard of it! I think it's just a masterpiece and I never get tired of listening to any of the albums!