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Your friend’s always pranking you in public.
You could be heading home from the Saloon late at night and suddenly, feel this presence trailing you.
Your instincts kick in, and you hurry away, your mind conjuring up all sorts of terrifying scenarios. You pick up the pace, but so does the figure behind you and now you're fully convinced it's a serial killer closing in. You trip over your own feet, because, well, of course you do and just as you're about to let out a scream that could wake the dead, you hear it– those all-too-familiar snickers and giggles descending upon you. Yeeep, your friend's at it again. Classic.
This was just how things were. Wherever you found yourself, his pranks lurked. They were mostly tolerable, despite the mild inconvenience and occasional public embarrassment but, hey, if it made your friend happy, who gives a damn…..
….Is usually what the mantra is, but today? You very much gave a damn. This idiot really outdid himself this time. He managed to prank you in front of the entire Saloon (again), and let me tell you, it wasn't your typical kind of joke. Somehow, he convinced Dina, the bartender, to warmly announce your "engagement" to Starlo. That was seriously low, even for him. And this is coming from the same guy who’s once made you walk around half naked (long story).
Your friend was well aware you had it bad for the Sheriff, and it seemed your love life was fair game in his cheeky routines.
“Let's give 'em a round of applause and wish 'em all the happiness in the world, everyone! Congratulations, lovebirds!"
The Saloon bursts into a cacophony of cheers and whistles. You whirl around, frantically scanning the crowd for Starlo. Thankfully, he's nowhere to be seen. With a sigh of relief, you muster the courage to set the record straight and explain your friend was just being a goof. Just as you prepare to speak up, you hear a chorus of voices chiming in with, "It was only a matter of time!", “Took ‘em look enough!” and “You owe me 15G!” You sink into your seat, feeling utterly embarrassed and defeated. One thing’s clear: your friend will not escape payback. He is going to regret this.
... Mmmmaybe not. You're about as skilled at revenge plots as a fish is at climbing a tree. The most you could come up with was to quietly sneak behind him around town and, when the time's right, leap onto his back, screaming "Thief! Help! I'm being kidnapped!"
……
Eh, good enough.
With your schedule cleared for the next day, you fully commit to keeping an eye on your buddy. There was no way he'd be getting away from you. You shadow him as he socializes with various acquaintances, and though he definitely deserves it, you decide against embarrassing him in front of his inner circle (ugh, he could learn a thing or two from you).
You patiently wait until he's on the porch of the Saloon, all alone, just about to light up a smoke. You buzz with excitement, a sneaky giggle threatening to escape your lips. You hush it and press yourself closer to the wall, in fear he might've heard you.
You don't glance back to check on him; instead, you catch the sound of him taking a puff, and your body sags in relief. You feel like you could take on the world! It's pretty ironic that you're about to embarrass him in the very spot where he embarrassed you the previous day! You're practically giving yourself a mental standing ovation, completely basking in your own glory.
You're so caught up in your self-congratulatory moment that you almost forget that you're supposed to, you know, latch yourself onto this guy's back. You jolt back to reality, remembering your mission, your purpose, your destiny.
You strain your ears, still trying to pick up any sound that might indicate where he is exactly. Then you hear the distinctive clack of boots. Good. He's still around. Man, you don't even hesitate. You dash out, eyes clenched shut, limbs flailing, and you seize him.
"KYAAAAA! Help! I'm being kidnapped! Oh! HEEELPPP! Any brave sheriffs in the area?! AAAAHH!"
You hear a choked yelp.
You revel in your victory, but it's short-lived as strong hands swiftly grab at your sides, yanking you away from his back to his chest. Confused by this, you halt your theatrics. What the hell does your friend think he's doing?!
“Oh, well if it ain't you!”
Whuh?
No.
No, no, no, no! This can’t be! Ohh, for the love of-
If it wasn't clear enough, you're currently clinging to the object of your affections. The man himself, Starlo. You've ensnared him like a koala on a eucalyptus tree, your arms wound tightly around him, refusing to let go.
Peering down at you, Starlo's lips curve into an impish grin. “Well, now... I'm not spyin' any kidnappers 'round these parts.” He pretends to glance around briefly before redirecting his gaze back to you, his expression turning sly, “Or are you pointin' fingers at me?” he teases, leaning in a little closer. His voice deepens, a husky timbre laced with amusement, “Accusin' the very Sheriff you were hollerin' for just a moment ago... My, my, that's mighty bold."
You avert your eyes and spot your friend – the actual target – making his exit, throwing you a smug salute. Did he orchestrate this? Did he know you were there?! Damn it all!
"Hey, Star... Haha," you squeak, your attempt at nonchalance falling flat.
"Hey there, pardner."
"Would you mind... setting me down?"
"No can do, buckaroo. I don’t take kindly to such accusations. Heh, tryin' to tarnish the reputation of your local sheriff, huh?" His grin widens. "You, my friend, are under arrest."
You glance down to find your hands tightly bound by a lasso. What?! When’d he tie this?!
"Star! Come on! You’re not serious!"
"As serious as a rattlesnake bite, sweetpea," he nearly dazzles you with a grin, "But, seein' as you're an ol' pal of mine… I reckon I can let ya off with a slap on the wrist."
You scowl.
"Now, now, don’t go poutin' on me. Adds to your charges," he wags a finger. "A'right, now that we’ve cleared that up, close your eyes."
Your heart races and you mentally jump the gun.
Is he about to plant one on you?! A kiss?! Could this be it! Has the day finally arrived? Does he feel the same way?!
You oblige and quiver with anticipation, eagerly awaiting.
But…
..nothing happens.
You're getting impatient. What in tarnation is he waiting for?! You click your tongue and decide to help him out by leaning forward and before you know it, you feel something soft and warm on your lips. Oops!— you hadn't meant to get that close!
Oh well!
His lips feel all warm and fuzzy. It’s not a bad sensation, not at all. Ahh, you feel like you're floating on air. Literally. Your confusion mounts as you realize that you're not just imagining it— you're actually suspended in mid-air. Before you can even begin to comprehend what's happening, you're sent careening towards the floor.
"S-shit! Sorry! You alright?!"
Fortunately (for you), Starlo cushions your fall. You groan as you try to sit up but your hand slips, sending you tumbling back onto his chest with a resounding thud. He grunts in reply, and when you glance up to apologize, you're greeted by his tense expression, his face visibly drawn and strained. The blush doesn’t go unnoticed. Teal suits him well, you think.
“Yeah, I’m alright, you?”
"Couldn't be better," he manages with a tight-lipped smile.
He avoids meeting your gaze, straightening himself before offering you a hand up. Still, his eyes evade yours, leaving you unsure of his stance. Is he regretting this?
“Star.. did I perhaps-”
"That weren't much of a punishment, was it?" he interrupts.
You blink at him, "Was that not what you had in mind…? Y-you told me to close my eyes!"
“W-well! It wasn’t for a.. For.. er… For a.. That!” He pulls his cowboy hat down with one hand, partially obscuring his slightly flushed face.
You panic, feeling weirdly defensive and embarrassed, “Then what was it for?!”
"I was fixin' to flick you on the forehead, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Thought I might hurt you too bad, so I kept hesitatin'... But then you leaned in, an'..."
Oh, brother.
You've totally misjudged the situation. You feel like an absolute fool. Giving him some space, you stutter, "I'm really sorry. I wasn’t thinking! Honestly, I... uh... I... kind of... really...L.." Tears well up in your eyes. Crying? Seriously?
"H-huh? Hey! Easy now, no need for them tears. Ain't like I despised it or nothin'." He grips your shoulders firmly, trying to steady you.
What.
“Just didn’t…” He's all bashful now, his voice taking on a softer, more tender tone, "Didn’t figure you felt that way 'bout me.. too.."
TOO?!
With a throaty cough, his voice reclaims its commanding depth and vigor, "Wasn't plum disgusted by it, not one bit. Hell, you could do it again and I wouldn’t flinch!"
You smile, eyes glistening ever so slightly, "I'll hold you to that," you remark, playfully teasing as you consider another kiss.
Quickly, you snatch his hat and hoist it up, creating a makeshift shield. You're not risking any unexpected photo ops from your friend. Who knows if he's fully left the scene? Leaning in once more, you press a kiss onto his lips, this time more assertive.
The kiss, though brief, is delightful, sending sparks flying.
When you pull back, you notice the teal hue on his cheeks spreading like wildfire across his face. You swear you could see swirls in his eyes.
Clunk.
Aaaaand he’s out– cold.
So much for not flinching.