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Tango returns home exhausted. He wishes it was physical exhaustion forged from moving cattle or harvesting wheat. He wished he could blame it on the journey home or recovering from the damage his soulmate took. But he can’t; it wasn’t physical. He’s not stupid. He’s witnessed Pearl and Scott fight on several occasions. He noticed the way Bdubs’ eyes linger on Etho as Impulse turns a blind eye. Today he saw Grian and Scar argue until the two had to separate. It hasn’t been long. It seems that every soulmate pairing is falling apart.
Entering the ranch, he locks the gate and makes his way up to their home. Jimmy recently rebuilt it, with a nice curved roof over the top and a window peeking in.
Tango will be the first to say it looks much better than before, no matter how much Jimmy claims he prefers the old one. From the window, Tango can see his soulmate feeding the cows they kept inside for some strange reason. He found himself staring, admiring the man inside, gently clinging to the feather around his neck. A gift, Jimmy said. Tango didn’t know much about avians or what the feather meant, so he asked Grian.
“Why do you ask?” Grian responded, gathering logs for his base
“Well, he gave me one and-“
“He what?!” The chopping of wood stopped as Grian turned to face him, bewilderment coded on his face, “Can I see?” his tone changing into gentleness. Upon receiving it, he didn’t think much of it, pulling the feather attached to the string out of his inventory. Grian admired the golden feather, circling around Tango to see it from various angles.
“Do you want to hold it?” He moved the feather towards Grian as the other moved swiftly away.
“No!” he yelled before frantically looking around. When he decided the coast was clear, Grian sighed, “Okay, Tango, look. I know we’re enemies and whatnot, but you have to listen to me.” He sat down on a stump and motioned for Tango to do the same, “You have to protect that feather like your life depends on it.”
Tango chuckled nervously, bringing it to his gaze, “Why, exactly?”
“Because it’s a token.” He explains bluntly, “Avians rarely give out feathers. They mean a lot to us. A canary feather symbolizes selflessness, trust, and compassion, but most importantly, love to avians. Jimmy gave you this, and I think he’s only given one out before. You better protect it with your darn life, or I will kill you.”
He ran a gentle finger along it as he thought about the one Scar wore around his neck. His heart ached as he thought about Scar and Grian. They were perfect for each other yet still managed to fail.
What does that mean for them? Tango moved towards the home, opening the door and grabbing Jimmy’s attention.
“Tango! Welcome home.” He greeted, leaving a gentle kiss on his cheek. When Jimmy looked back at his face, his eyebrows furrowed, “What’s wrong?”
Tango didn’t meet his eye as he busied himself with putting away his item, “Nothing.” He responded plainly, “Just tired.”
He left a hand grab onto his shoulder protectively as Jimmy squatted down to meet his gaze, “Tango, what’s wrong?” he probed, eyes full of worry.
Tango looked away, hands tightening on the chest, “I don’t want to lose you.” He admitted quietly
“What do you mean?” Jimmy pressed gently, allowing Tango the time to explain
“It’s just. No one’s staying together. Like they’re soul bound, and it means nothing to them! They just fight and lie and.” He can feel himself getting angry, his hands staining burn marks on the chest.
A hand reaches to his, calmly rubbing his knuckles. He looks up to his soul bound. “No one’s ever stayed with me this long. Well, no one I’ve felt safe with anyways. I can’t lose you.”
Jimmy’s hand leaves his shoulder and moves to cup his face instead. Tango instinctively leans into the touch. “You’re the first person to not treat me as some kind of jinx.
When we first met, I kept wondering when you’d leave and not come back. But you did.
Every time.” Jimmy stared deeper, hazel mixing with red, “I promise, no matter what happens, I’ll always come home.”
Tango buried his face into Jimmy’s chest, and his hand rested on his back, rubbing soothing circles around his shoulder blades. Any thought was replaced by Tango wondering how stupidly lucky he was to end up with Jimmy.
But nothing is sacred, is it?
Especially not when Bdubs is waving Tango over the next day. Tango heads over in his direction, putting the armor he was going to enchant away in his inventory.
“Hey! What’s up, Bdubs?” He called once they were within talking distance
“Tango! You heading to the deep dark?” Bdubs asks, making his way closer to Tango
“I was just on my way to it,” he responds, stopping when he feels the distance is close enough.
“Oooo! Can I come?
I have some tools I’ve been meaning to enchant forever ago.”
“I don’t see why not.” Bdubs gives Tango a toothy smile, even though most of them are missing, as he makes his way to gather his items.
Tango waits for a minute, gazing over at their midcentury something modern house; he never got the name down. It doesn’t take long for Bdubs to burst out of the house. He waves goodbye to his soulmate as he approaches Tango. A pitying look is all Tango sees when waving to Impulse.
The two exchanged pleasantries as they made their way to the staircase leading down to the deep. This mainly consisted of what they would enchant or plan for the day. That was until Bdubs had a question,
“Y’know, I’ve been meaning to ask, why do you carry that feather around your neck?” He moved his hand to point at it, but Tango instinctively covered it, bringing it closer to his chest.
“Jimmy gave it to me; it was a gift.” Hand still covering the feather tightly, especially with the unsettling tone Bdubs’ voice adopted
“Must be awfully special then.”
“Mhm” was all Tango could respond to as he slipped the feather down his shirt.
When they finally reached the stairwell, Tango went inside, listening closely as Bdubs followed. The way down was silent, their footsteps echoing when they got further down to a cave.
Getting to the enchanter became easier each time Tango did it, and before he knew it, he was ready to go back up.
When Bdubs returned to the staircase, the two began climbing up. The silence broke when Bdubs asked what enchantments he got.
“Mostly protection, but I got a couple of blast protection and unbreaking too. I added sharpness to my sword-”
“How’s your relationship with Jimmy?” Bdubs suddenly interrupted, effectively freezing Tango in place to look back at him
“What?”
Bdubs sighed, looking guilty, “I’m sorry. I know I should’ve said something earlier.”
“What are you talking about?” Tango interrupted seriously,
“It’s just that he’s been acting strange around Impulse and me. Well, especially me. I don’t want to say he’s been flirting or anything like that, but he told me not to worry about you.”
Tango huffed in annoyance as he continued up. He’s known Bdubs long enough to know he loves causing drama. And after the whole being overly interested in his feather earlier, he just isn’t having it.
“Look, Bdubs, I’m not in the mood right now. Now say one more thing about my soulmate, and we’re going to have problems.”
He didn’t look to Bdubs the rest of the time.
Not on the way up, not when they reached the surface, and not when they parted ways. Tango made his way home wanting nothing more than to be held in the arms of his partner, wanting to just be held as Jimmy talked about his day.
But the ranch was empty when he returned. He sighed, deciding to do something productive instead of waiting around for Jimmy.
He emptied out the newly enchanted armor into the secret barrel and went to gather wheat. He thought keeping his hands busy would stop his mind from wandering, but it didn’t. Instead, he thought, just for a moment, what if what Bdubs said was true. He wouldn’t blame Jimmy for wanting more. He deserved it.
Tango knew it was his own insecurity talking, but what if?
When he heard the ranch gates open, he was snapped out of his thoughts. He turned to a pair of golden wings sparkling in the sun. His thoughts were immediately forgotten as he ran towards his soulmate, tackling him in a hug.
“Woah!” Jimmy exclaimed, “Everything okay?” tone worried as he ran his fingers through his hair.
“Just missed you.” He could feel the vibration of Jimmy’s chest when he chuckled. “But I met up with Bdubs, and he got on my nerves too.” At that, Jimmy tensed up, and his hand froze in his hair.
Tango looked up at Jimmy looking everywhere but Jimmy’s eyes, “Oh! Are you gathering the wheat? Let me help you!” He moved away from Tango’s hold over to the wheat field. Tango stood there, confused, a little pissed, but he wrote it off. Maybe Jimmy’s just having an off day or read the moment wrong. It happens to everyone. Yeah.
There was an apparent tension between the two has the picked-up wheat. Tango tried to initiate a conversation, only for his words to fall on deaf ears. They were about done; Tango gathered the last of the wheat while Jimmy planted seeds in their place.
Just as he reached for the last bundle, Jimmy suddenly spoke, “What did he say to you?”
Tango scoffed, “Doesn’t matter.”
“Tango,” Jimmy pleaded, grabbing Tango’s wrist.
Tango continued to stare at the wheat, but he caved regardless, “Asked about our relationship, said you were flirting with him, said not to worry about me.”
There was a hesitancy to Jimmy’s response, “And do you believe him?”
“No.” he felt the grasp from his wrist loosen as he met his eyes. He couldn’t help but melt at the fond look Jimmy gave him. Then he remembered, “Oh, he did keep asking about the feather, though.” Pulling it out from under his shirt, “Like he was strangely interested.”
“He what.” Jimmy deadpanned. Their communicators buzzed. Bdubs messaging ‘Collect’ in the chat. Tango ignored it; it probably didn’t pertain to him anyways. That was until Jimmy straightened up, letting go of Tango.
“I’ll be back,” he informed, stoically moving towards the ranch’s entrance. And just like that, Tango was alone again.
But something was up, and honestly, he’s tired of not knowing what. So, he waited a few seconds before quietly following Jimmy, ensuring a far enough distance between them. Just like he suspected, Jimmy led him to Bdubs’ base, with the man himself waiting outside. Tango made his way closer, trying to reach a close enough range to hear the two. By the time he got close enough, they were mid-conversation.
“Enough, I’m not asking again. What do you want?”
Jimmy demanded
“Wow, so hostile. I thought we were friends, Jim.”
“We were until you lied to Tango.” He doesn’t know if it was the tone or just that he said his name, but Tango felt his stomach flip. He peeked over his hiding spot, trying to catch sight of his soulmate, who, for lack of a better word, looked pissed.
“Ohhh, you know I was just messin’. I’ve done that to everyone! But he didn’t believe me, so good on him.” He complimented,
“Uh-huh. And I’m sure you’re interested in things that aren’t yours too? Say, feathers?” Jimmy snarled, wings puffing up
Bdubs laughed, putting his hands up in surrender, “You caught me. One the topic of which, give me one.” He smiled, hand out, ready to collect.
Jimmy took a step back, “Excuse me, what?”
“It’s a part of the deal, Jimmy. I want a feather.”
“I- I can’t just give you one Bdubs.” Jimmy stammered as Bdubs made his way closer
“You made the deal.” He reminded, taking out his sword, “It’s just a stupid feather anyways.”
“I’m telling you, I can’t! Bdubs, please!” Jimmy pleaded, looking away as Bdubs raised his sword. Without hesitation, Tango ran to protect his soulmate, slashing Bdubs with his sword before he could hit Jimmy.
“Tango?” Jimmy mumbled, lowering his hands from his face. Tango didn’t look back. His eyes focused on Bdubs as his wound was sealed, likely by Impulse.
“Tango!” Bdubs cheered, “I’m glad you’re here! See, Jimmy won’t give me a feather, but he owes me one. So if you’d be so kind as the give me yours, I’ll-” His request was cut short when he reached for Tango’s neck. A sword and talon coming dangerously close to his own neck. The pair didn’t let down their guard, even though Bdubs looked unfazed.
“He doesn’t owe you shit.” Tango seethed as Bdubs simply laughed, pushing the sword away from his neck.
“Actually, that’s where you’re wrong.” He snickered, “I’m using one of my IOUs here, you know, that ones that were Jimmy’s idea?”
A look of disbelief washed over Tango’s face as he looked at a helpless Jimmy, looking between the two men.
“Oh, don’t tell me he didn’t tell you?” He taunted as Tango’s sword cut into Bdubs’ neck, drawing blood.
“Shut up!” Sparks erupted from his hair as he pushed the sword further
“Okay, that’s enough!” Impulse yelled, sword drawn as he approached the group.
“We’re done here.” Tango growled as he removed his sword, walking toward the ranch. Steam hissed out from his mouth on the way back as Jimmy silently walked behind him.
Tango was used to anger, he was more prone to it as a nether born, but he got used to someone helping him through it.
Jimmy helping him. But Jimmy can’t really help when he’s the one Tango’s anger is directed towards.
Tango blew the gates open to the ranch and stormed inside. He threw open chests for food despite already having half a stack of bread. He heard the squeak of the gates closing. They really should. He really should fix that. Soon after, he listened to their front door open, closing softly. He felt a pair of eyes watching him. Even as he moved to the bedside table, mindlessly looking through it, trying to ignore the eyes that bore into his skull.
“Tango?” Jimmy whimpered. When Jimmy realized we weren’t getting a response, he continued, “I- I’m sorry. I never meant for it to get out of hand or put us in danger or-”
“Or to tell me about it?” He responded coldly
“Well, to be fair, I didn’t think he’d actually exchange them, so..”
“And that’s your reasoning?” Tango blew up, flames bursting from his hair, “After everything? Seriously?
What else are you hiding then?”
Jimmy tried to reason, or at least give an explanation, but Tango’s rage overpowered the man. “What happened to protecting us? Was all that just some talk so you could go back to Bdubs? Seriously?” He could feel the smoke rising threateningly close to the wood roof. “Void, was all this just for show?” He went to tear off his necklace, knowing full well the feather would turn to ash in his hands.
“Tango, no!” A hand reached for his own, pulling it back. Tango winced at the contact, but he wasn’t the one hurt. Jimmy hissed in pain, holding his hand in his own, a large burnt covering the surface of his palm. Tango’s fire died out immediately as he went for the med kit in their chest.
He frantically moved items out of the way, looking for a familiar red. He didn’t slow until a voice spoke up.
“It was when we first met after we died,” Jimmy spoke softly. Tango’s ear twitched, and Jimmy continued knowing he was listening.
“We didn’t have much, anything actually.” He chuckled, “I was desperate. I felt like I needed to prove myself and show I was useful. So you.. didn’t feel like you were stuck with a curse.” Tango moved towards Jimmy wrapping him in his arms, a med kit in his hand.
“Jimmy-” A finger pressed against his lips, he looked up to Jimmy. He looked to where Tango was, sad eyes paired with a disappointed smile.
“I know, I know, we talked about this before, but… I never had someone say they were proud of me, like genuinely proud. What can I say? I was addicted. I didn’t want to lose that, yet here we are.” He finished with a fake cheer, sad enough to break anyone’s heart.
Tango silently let go, slowly taking Jimmy’s burnt hand. He led the two to their bed, softly rubbing ointment onto Jimmy’s hand. Soft “Sorry”s whenever Jimmy hissed in pain. The feeling in the room drastically changed from just a few minutes ago. A once-ranging tension seamlessly turned into a domestic sight. Tango began wrapping his hand, soft cloth covering the rawness of his soulmates hand,
“I’m sorry,” Tango murmured, watching Jimmy’s head poke up. “I was upset and took it out of you. That was wrong. So so wrong. And I hurt you and... I’m sorry.”
Jimmy carefully cupped his cheek and brought their foreheads together, “We both messed up today. Nothing we can’t handle.” Tango sniffed as he closed his eyes, “You’re not losing me, not tonight.”
“And I’m staying home. Right beside you. To the end.”
They didn’t know if they had tomorrow. The pair didn’t know if these were empty promises.
But tonight, just for tonight, they held each other. Gentle touches and silent promises.