Chapter Text
You once heard the saying ‘Humans can uphold the law, but Gods can speak them’. And Gods have terribly loud voices.
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The moment Jimmy’s eyes landed on Tango, it felt like time stood still. There he was, his Rancher, standing in the tunnel that served as a passage way through the mountain, connecting the two parts of Tumble Town. Forgetting to pursue the pesky bird called Grian, who was running from the Sheriff, Jimmy stood frozen in place. Wondering if his eyes were deceiving him, as he took in the massive Witch hat on top of blue hair.
“Is that… is that…?”
Tango sure looked different from the last time he’d seen him, but it was unmistakably his former soulmate. The same spark of energy and bright beaming smile. “My Rancher!”
Whereas before time was frozen, it seemed to speed up as they ran at each other. He hardly got time to prepare himself as Tango lunged at him. Warmth engulfed him as he spun his Rancher around, pulling him impossibly close. They laughed and cried and held each other for what felt like forever, before letting go. Brown looked into blue and all was well in the world, if just for a moment.
“I’ve missed you so much,” Jimmy whispered, hands grabbing Tango’s. “I’ve missed you too,” Tango said, a smile remaining on his face. He bumped their foreheads together. Jimmy closed his eyes and pretended they could stay like that for forever.
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“Hey, Rancher.”
Tango quickly grabbed the back of Jimmy’s shirt, pulling him back onto the roof. “Tango!” the Sheriff shouted surprised,” Don’t jump-scare me!” He placed a hand on his chest, where his heart was beating wildly, eyes wide as he looked at the ground he would’ve splattered on if Tango hadn’t pulled him back. The other chuckled, placing a hand on Jimmy’s shoulder, sitting beside him on the edge of the roof.
“How was the Goblands?” Jimmy asked, not entirely hiding the resentment in his voice. “Good, dark mostly,” Tango said,” And kind of smelly.” Jimmy chuckled. “Project Railway is a go,” the other continued,” fWhip sure knows how to build!” Tango couldn’t hide his enthusiasm, he loved seeing all the Empires and their crazy builds.
Goblands was impressive, drawing Tango in like a moth to a flame. When the little goblin who was in charge asked Tango if he wanted to work on his new project together, he couldn’t say no. that was before he had met up with Jimmy and learned of their history.
“He sure does,” the Sheriff said flatly, a frown on his face. His eyes were on his town, not looking at Tango. The flames on his head died down as Tango looked at his former soulmate. They no longer shared a link, a health bar, or strong emotions. Sure, he was happy they no longer felt each other’s pain or shared deaths, but he sometimes missed being able to feel Jimmy’s heart beat alongside his own. He liked to think he still knew the other well enough.
“The Goblands are like an amusement park, with all the things it’s going on,” Tango said, looking at Jimmy’s face to see his reaction. It was as he expected. The frown deepened as she casted his eyes down. Tango suspected Jimmy was beating himself up for not being an ‘amazing builder like everybody else’, as the blonde had said too many times before.
“Jimmy…” he said softly,” Goblands may have great builds, but it lacks character. It’s nothing like Tumble Town, in a good way.” Jimmy looked at Tango, his eyes shining with uncertainty. “Tumble Town has something special,” he continued,” it’s cosy, warm and calm.” Jimmy looked like a confused puppy, it was adorable.
“Tumble Town feels like home.”
Tango only now noticed that he had leaned closer, their shoulders bumped together. He could see the shine in Jimmy’s eyes, the pink on his cheeks. He looked into his eyes, choosing his next words carefully. “The other Empires may be fun,” he whispered,” but I’d always rather be here, with you. I’d always come back to you.”
Tango was so close to Jimmy, he could see the tear slowly roll down the other’s cheek. He wiped it away before it could fall. Keeping his hand on Jimmy’s cheek, he bumped their foreheads together. His free hand found Jimmy’s and held it close to his chest. They may not share a bond anymore, but he hoped the other could feel his sincerity, the honesty in his words. He hoped he could still feel the appreciation and adoration that were flowing through Tango’s veins.
“I’m sorry,” Jimmy whispered, closing his eyes. And Tango knew it wasn’t a simple apology. It wasn’t just for crying, for doubting Tango, it was for so much more. It was for the unspoken sorrow for losing their last life, for separating the two of them.
“I’m sorry too,” Tango whispered back. An apology for all the rage, flame induced injuries and cold nights they had to go through. It was there, on the roof of the Ranch Jimmy build for Tango, that they felt closer than they have in a long time. Holding each other close, they reminiscent over the days when they had cows and chickens and goats. The days they had each other and the days they had not.
Tango kept Jimmy from falling and Jimmy kept Tango grounded. Just like they had on Double Life, just like they would continue to do so. If they had any say in it.
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Tango grunted as the bright light hit his eyes, stepping out of the tunnel. It had been a long day down in the Goblands and his eyes needed some time to adjust to sunlight. He let out a deep sigh as he moved towards the Ranch. He wasn’t tired, no he was exhausted and he craved a bed and a comfy pillow.
Once he got closer, he could see the cows out and about, grazing on the few patches of grass that grew in Tumble Town. Their loud moos reminded him of old days, cow pen right beside their house, chickens in the basement and only one bed. He couldn’t help but smile as he thought of leather armour and growing weeds. Days spend out in the sun, taking care of their crops, Jimmy’s beaming smile whenever he complimented the other’s hard work and discussions of whether or not Tango was a builder.
His smile slipped from his face as a picture of a burning building filled his vision. Even when all he could feel rage, rage, rage, Jimmy was calm. The blonde kept him grounded, kept his cool. He couldn’t have made it all that way without Jimmy. No matter how much the other disagreed, claimed to be the reason it all ended.
It had been like heartbreak, feeling their connection snap. When he could only feel hurt, phantom pains of getting clawed apart, he tried to stay strong. He tried to hold on. But the Enderman had a different plan, wanting to separate Team Ranchers. No matter how much Tango tried, he still lost his last life. He lost Jimmy.
Wonderful, kind, Jimmy. The one who he barely knew before they got bonded, the one who had opened his arms and heart and welcomed Tango. Jimmy who had tried so hard to get a horn, beaming so bright as he smiled at Tango, showing off the goat horn. He had no longer needed one for himself, even tho he had wanted one just as bad. All he needed was Jimmy to keep smiling like that.
Sadly, the cruel world they found themselves in had other plans. Jimmy’s heartbroken expression when he returned from Grian, stating how he had been excluded. Tango’s promise to always, always, respond. It was meant to be, them having the same type of horn.
It was the worst of times, it was the best of times. He wouldn’t trade it for the world. Void, the thought of missing out on all the love Jimmy gave him made him feel absolutely miserable. Almost as miserable as he felt when he got teleported back to Hermitcraft, away from the Ranch, away from his Rancher.
The first few weeks were the hardest. Not being able to feel Jimmy. He hid away in the Frost Citadel, throwing himself in working on Decked Out 2. It had not helped getting over a lost love, it only made him more exhausted. To be able to travel to the lands of Empires, to see his Jimmy again, had been like a dream. But when the Sheriff had picked him up, swung him around and held him close, nothing had felt more real.
His heart throbbed as he remembered the look on Jimmy’s face once their eyes met for the first time since forever. Surprise, shock and so much hope shone in those eyes. Disbelief and happiness. He was getting a bit lightheaded thinking about it, his exhaustion not helping.
Shaking his head, he realised he had been standing there, staring at cows. How silly of him. He took one last glance at the cows, before stepping up to his home away from home. Pushing the door open, he wondered if he would make it to the bed before he’d crash to the floor. Apparently, he wasn’t the only one exhausted.
Jimmy, sweet dear Jimmy, was seated at the dinner table, head on folded arms, softly snoring. His Sheriff hat lay beside him, hair tussled slightly. The smell of cooked steak filled his nose as he noticed the plates laid out on the counter. Jimmy had apparently cooked them dinner, waiting for him to get back.
Tango felt like he could burst with all the warm fuzzy feelings he felt. Smiling softly, he bend down to kiss the top of Jimmy’s head. A soft murmur sounded, interrupting the snores. “Honey, I’m home,” Tango chuckled. Jimmy eyes opened, blinking, slowly getting aware of his surroundings. His eyes landed on Tango and he smiled.
“Welcome back, Rancher.”
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The fire crackled as they gathered around it. Tango had been able to make it in time for bonfire night, for the first time. At first, he had thought it was silly for him to sit around a big fire, being naturally warm himself, but he was never able to say no to Jimmy. Especially if he put on his puppy dog eyes.
So, there he was, sitting on a log, silently staring at a small bonfire that somebody kept feeding. He was not going to lie, he felt out of place. Surrounded by the villagers of Tumble Town, all dressed in various Western themed clothing, while he was dressed in all black and blue fiery hair. It seemed the villagers weren’t too sure what to make of him, rather avoiding him. Who knew one could feel so lonely while surrounded by so many other people? And the worst part was, he only came because Jimmy had asked him and he wasn’t even there!
Just when he was thinking about leaving and heading to the Ranch, 3 figures walked up to them. “Hello everybody, sorry we’re late!” Jimmy called out. “Had a bit of trouble with a supposed ‘God’,” a young woman said, air quoting while rolling her eyes. Scar chuckled as he sat down beside Tango. Jimmy sat down on his other side, bumping their shoulders together.
“Thanks for being here,” Jimmy muttered softly, a smile on his face. “Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Tango smiled back, saying the opposite of what he felt prior. Their hands found each other and he squeezed softly. Hooray for not being lonely anymore!
Tango could feel Scar leaning away from him, apparently muttering to the young woman from before. He learned later that her name was Chris and she was a deputy in training. Her and scar had a friendly competition going on who’d become deputy first. So far, neither had succeeded.
“Hope the God wasn’t too much trouble, Sheriff,” an older woman said,” I might just throw my boots at the fella if I see him.” Jimmy chuckled at her words. “Just the usual,” he reassured. “Is he still going on about the Toy thing?” a man asked, irritation clear in his voice,” What’s his deal?”
Tango looked curiously at Jimmy, who seemed a lot more tense now. It was the first time he heard anything about a God calling him a Toy, although he had a hunch to who it could be. “For real, he’s gotta shut his dam-,” Jimmy shot Chris a look. She didn’t finish her sentence.
“It’s nothing to be worried about,” Jimmy said. Somehow the small smile on his face didn’t reassure Tango in the slightest. He somehow felt as if he should be really worried instead. He was still a bit confused about the whole ordeal between Joel, the God of Stratos, and Jimmy, Sheriff of Tumble Town. Jimmy vs fWhip was easier to understand.
“What is-,” Tango began, but stuttered as all eyes were on him in an instant,” what’s the Toy thing about?” Various looks of irritation could be seen on the villagers their faces, and for a moment Tango wondered if they were annoyed at him. Chris decided to break the silence.
“Well, this tiny puny so-called God Joel,” she started, Jimmy shooting her a glare,” has gotten it into his tiny brain that our Sheriff resembles a kid’s toy, like Woody from Toy Story, you see?” Disagreeing murmurs sounded from the group. “He’s decided to torment our poor sheriff and call him a Toy every chance he’d got,” Chris continued,” He is belittling and disrespectful. And a straight up as-”
Jimmy coughed loudly. Chris simply shrugged.
Tango shot Jimmy a worried look. It sounded like the sheriff had a lot to deal with. No wonder he looked a bit paler than Tango remembered. Right as he was about to ask if Jimmy was alright, the other spoke. “Luckily, I’ve got you and Scar to help me deal with him,” Jimmy said,” besides, it’s not all bad. He’s just having a laugh.”
Tango couldn’t help but smile. Even tho it was borderline bullying, Jimmy excused the god’s behaviour. He really did see the best in others. Scar was muttering something, but he didn’t quite catch it. A villager picked up his guitar and began to play some tunes, making them all move on from the conversation.
People started to relax more, sang along or started to dance. Various food items were being roasted over the bonfire and people chatted among themselves. As the night progressed, Tango felt himself relax as well. He listened to some of the stories, tried to clap along to a song and held conversation with Scar. All the while, he kept his eyes on Jimmy. His nerves lessened as he could see Jimmy join in the general good vibes and relax a bit. His shoulders weren’t hiked up anymore and a calm smile was on his face. Their eyes met on several occasions, each time they smiled.
At some point Jimmy had sought out Tango’s hand, intertwining their fingers and not letting go. Sadly, he had to once a dashing young man asked him for a dance. Jimmy reluctantly let go of Tango to join him. Tango wasn’t jealous. Not at all. Not even a little bit. Nope.
“You’re getting a bit…uh…flamey there,” a voice suddenly popped up. Scar snickered at the yelp Tango let out as Chris plopped down beside him. The blue haired man shot Scar a look, daring him to say anything about it. “I uh- yeah,” Tango said, willing his flames to die down,” that happens when I feel a particular strong emotion, or strongly feel emotions, or... something.” Chris had this knowing smirk on her face.
“Jealousy is a strong emotion,” Scar muttered. Tango’s flames regenerated as he turned on the man beside him, ready to punch the other. But Scar had foreseen the outburst and dodged out of the way. He jumped up to join the group dancing, cackling as he went. Tango hissed out some threats as Chris laughed out loud.
“it’s alright,” she chuckled,” I’m kinda happy I caught you staring all lovey-dovey at our Sheriff.” Tango gave her a surprised look. “Oh, and don’t worry about John, he’s not trying to steal your man,” she gave him a wink,” I know for a fact that he’s crushing on Scar.”
Tango blinked owlishly. His brain did not know what to do with that information. “Uhh, thanks?” Chris laughed once more as Tango hid his face in his hands in embarrassment. They quieted down and watched the fire for a moment. Chris coughed slightly, getting Tango’s attention. “I’m actually really glad you’re here,” she said, her expression softened,” It makes him happy.”
Tango followed her gaze over to the Sheriff, happily dancing with his townsfolk. “He seems pretty happy, playing his part here,” Tango says, thinking back to all the times Jimmy spoke fondly about Tumble Town. “I used to think the same. Before-,” Chris sighed deeply, her smile faltering,” before he returned from the latest Death game.” Her voice dropped in volume, making sure nobody was listening in.
Tango was slightly surprised she knew of the Life Games Grian created, he heard from other Emperors that they never quite told their villagers about them. “Someone has to run this place in his absence,” she said, reading is mind,” People do wonder, but I tell them it’s important Emperor business he has to attend to.”
She let out another sigh, smile one from her face. “It’s hard when people demand to know when he will return, without knowing so myself,” she continued,” I… I try my best.” Tango reached out and patted her on the back. He felt a bit sorry for the responsibilities that were put upon her every time a Life Game rolled around.
“I think Jimmy made a great choice in picking his deputy,” he said, offering her a grin. She chuckled. “Not quite deputy, but I’m getting there,” she shrugged,” Just don’t tell Scar that I’m totally better than him.” Tango chuckled as well, eyeing his fellow Hermit. It didn’t seem that he had heard them, too busy making the ladies swoon. And John it seems.
Tango then remembered her earlier statement, a nervous feeling bubbled up in his stomach. “What do you mean with Jimmy being happy before? Isn’t he happy here?” Chris met his eyes. “He used to be, the first couple of times he returned, he needed some time to recover,” she explained,” but eventually he’d go back to what is considered his normal self and be happy again.” She paused.
“Up until he returned from the last one.”
She kept her eyes on Tango as she continued. “I was there. At his home to feed the cats, when he returned. There was a loud thud and a wrenched scream. I ran upstairs to find him on the floor, sobbing and gasping for air. He seemed lucid as he kept apologizing. Eventually he calmed down, but he refused to tell me what happened.”
She shuddered and averted her eyes as she recalled the memory. Tango felt sick. He only knew his side of the story. He too had been upset when he awoke in his bed in Hermitcraft, but hearing Jimmy’s story made him want to weep. “I just assumed he’d go back to normal after some time,” Chris muttered,” But he didn’t. Never really being the same ol’ Sheriff. Eventually he went back to work, but his smiles didn’t reach his eyes anymore. He became more and more tired, seemed to sleep less, and he just looked miserable. He looked so lonely. Like he was waiting for somebody who would never arrive.”
Tango looked from Chris’ crestfallen face to the Sheriff. It seemed he wasn’t the only one who suffered badly from their severed ties. Jimmy had been just a worse for wear as he had. It made him want to take Jimmy in his arms and hold him close. To never let go. He wanted to protect him, never to leave him again.
Chris patted him on the back. “Thank you for putting a smile back on his face.” Tango nodded. “I’ll try my best to keep it there.” Chris nodded back. “Good.” She then decided to leave him alone with his thoughts, bidding the others a good night. Some others decided to was time to head home as well, the group slowly dwindling down.
Tango didn’t mind the following silence. He tried to calm his racing heart, as he replayed the conversation in his head. Jimmy had been unable to feel happy once they’ve got separated, loneliness overtaking him. Tango felt more determined than ever to not let it happen again. No world or person could keep him away from his Rancher.
As he stood and walked over to where the sheriff stood talking to his people, he made up his mind. No one was going to take Jimmy away from him. And as the other’s eyes lit up and a beaming smile appeared on his face once he spotted Tango, the man knew. He was prepared to fight tooth and nails for him. He’d even punch God for him.
Tango would do anything for Jimmy.