Work Text:
"Bandit... Heeler. Is this your hat?"
I reckon it is. If you ever find another Bandit Heeler give me a shout. But nevermind that. There's something about you I just can't shake. Nothing's ever given me a feeling like this. I don't know if I can put it into words, but I'm willing to give it a go.
Mom warned me about feeling butterflies when I'm older. Thing is, I don't just feel butterflies right now. I'm feeling hummingbirds, I'm feeling bees, I'm feeling... polar bears! Okay, maybe I shouldn't say that last one. I mean, polar bears are cool. But that's not why I'm feeling them, I don't think! I reckon it's because they're warm, fuzzy, and real fierce. Does that make sense? I hope it makes sense. Not that I usually do.
Wait a sec. Why should it make sense, Bandit, you dunderhead. This is all in your head mate! Quite a bit of echo in here today too. Guess that's what happens when you spend half the day being skint.
But now here I am, free from my brother's curse, free to speak my mind. But I can't find the words to say, just from looking at you. That's all I know how to do right now. What gives? Isn't this weird? Why does it feel so... natural? If I'm making you feel weird, I hope you let me know.
On second thought, am I dreaming? No no no, wait, don't answer that. My alarm clock's getting dropkicked if it yanks me outta this. But can you blame me for thinking it might be? You're glowing for Pete's sake! Running around with a sword, snatching up stray hats and returning them to their owners. Weird hobby, but I guess I can't be one to judge. All I've done lately is play video games, ride my bike and tease my brother.
Now here I am, at your mercy, feeling like you're putting in cheat codes to my heart. And you're about to unlock everything.
Wait, you're still staring at me. Dangit, you asked me something, right? What was it you said? Well, you're holding my hat. I like that hat, I like it a lot. Maybe a little less after letting Stripe have a stomp on it, but that's not the point. Point is, I think it would look better on you. Maybe that's a stretch. Maybe I could say that about anything. Maybe... You want to keep it? Is that what you asked? Shucks, even I know how to answer that!
"Yeah, of course!"
Uh oh, was that some cue? You're walking right towards me. What have I done? Did I say the wrong thing? Don't get too close, I've still got morning breath for crying out loud! It could be deadly! I could ruin my mom's perm and every plant in the house with one good yawn! And why are you stomping so hard? Am I in trouble? We just met mate, gimme a pass this once? Please?
Hang on. You're not stomping at all. That's me.
"Here you go."
Bandit you dunce, she was just returning your hat! 'YeAh Of CoUrSe.' What was I thinking? I just had to sound like a total fruit loop. I wonder what's going through her mind right now. Bandit Heeler, the chatterbox himself, reduced to a wee shrimp that can't say anything. This brush could slip from my sweaty hands any second. I smell like a walking dunny.
And you're... smiling. Smiling at me.
"Thanks."
What? Did I really just thank her for smiling at me? Oh wait, it's for the hat. Yeah, totally the hat.
"See you later."
AHHHHHHHHHH!
Please don't go yet, at least take me with you! I'm no dragon but with my morning breath I reckon I could pass as one. We could play as much as you want, whatever you want, and go wherever you want. Now that I've had this feeling, I don't want it to go away! Please stay.
Oh, you're off already.
Well, now that I think about it... Maybe it's for the best. Just watching you take off to tackle more noble deeds shows me you've got the guts to take on whatever comes your way. Who was I kidding? You don't need a hat like mine when you've got a crown like that. I reckon you earned it. Maybe I ought to earn this feeling.
"Yeah..."
Seems the stomping is settling down now. Next time I hear it, I want it to sound like a whole battalion.
"... See you later."
After I teach my breath some manners. Yikes.