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Javier is a very suave man.
Charming and sophisticated, he was always such a sight to see. One that would make people head over heels for him easily and understandably so. He has always looked effortlessly put up together– as if Aphrodite kissed a man into being. Not only that, but he always had a knack for flirting. A man who's always had a way with words, and a smooth one with it.
Yet, strangely enough, he always finds himself at a loss for words when you're near. A mere hint of your presence gets him all aware and mindful of everything, especially how he presents himself.
Whenever he’s out to do some robbing or hunting, the first thing he looks for when he returns to the camp is you. He’d slow Boaz down, his eyes wandering over the campfire to check if you were there. He’d hitch his horse and enter the camp, eyes still looking around.
Sometimes, the other guns or even the ladies would notice. “You looking for someone?” they’d ask.
And he’d shut down the question fast, just like a child guilty of being caught eating a candy after their mother warned them not to.
“Ay, no.” and he’d quickly cover the atmosphere with another topic, “Anyway, caught some meat right here. Pearson might appreciate it.”
He would always be successful at that. No one would press the matter anymore because Javier always shifted the attention to something else worth pressing to, at least from the perspective of most people in camp.
If he doesn’t see you around, he would unconsciously look forward to your return. Waiting patiently deep inside, anticipating your presence near him as he distracts himself with other things. He’d think perhaps you’re out for some job– putting on either the con artist or the hunter in you. He always thought of you as a younger version of Hosea, with the way you’re slick with words, not resorting to violence as long as it’s not necessary.
In hindsight, you rely on your wits to survive in this way of life, and Javier would always find himself as the opposite. If you’re the brain, then he’s the brawn– or the plan, and the gun.
If he sees you’re around the camp, it’s like his world suddenly shrinks with just you and him in it. He’d always try to subtly bring your attention to him, by doing the silliest things.
You’re heading to get your evening bowl of stew? He would go as well– perhaps take a second plate despite his plate still being full, or pour himself a coffee and strike up a conversation, pour you a coffee as well at that.
You’re cleaning your horse? He would go as well– citing how Boaz needs a good scrub, despite looking squeaky clean.
You’re sent up to do a favor for some members of the gang like Dutch? He would go as well– walking near where you and Dutch are talking so that Dutch would notice him and he’d send him to accompany you.
Javier never realized how silly he was with all these stunts, until that one fair day in Horseshoe Overlook. Almost everyone was out to do some work, figure things out in Valentine, after that mess in Blackwater. Even Tilly, Mary-Beth, and Karen headed off to have a breath of fresh air, accompanied with Uncle and Arthur.
You were also about to head out that time, when you caught Javier looking your way.
“You alright there, Mr. Escuella?” you say innocently, holding on to your horse’s reins.
Javier strokes his little ponytailed hair, one hand on his hips, “I-I am, of course. Just.. just thinking about what to do, is all.” he shrugs.
“Well, why don’t you go with me to the saloon? I was planning to go there for.. y’know, information and stuff.”
It takes a few seconds for Javier to answer, “I-I’d love to..” he stuttered once again, “But, I just remembered I have something to do.”
Shit, what was that excuse. Javier cursed himself the moment he realized how he turned that down. In his relief, you give him an understanding nod, “Too bad, then. Now… you take care on your way.”
Javier gives off a smooth salute as a farewell, “You too, señorita.”
With that, you leave off the camp with a smile on your face. Javier watched you trot away with your horse, obviously looking smitten as he studied the way you looked.
Little does he know, Hosea watched the whole thing unfold while he was sitting by the wooden table, a book open in his hands.
“What was that, Javier?” he says with a mocking laugh in his voice.
And with that, Hosea, the only man who saw right through him, got to confirm his observation. They had a pretty short chit-chat by the table before Javier went and headed off to the saloon in Valentine.
And it did not take too long for Javier to figure out his feelings– thanks to Hosea’s words of wisdom. He likes you. The way you laugh, smile, and even talk has always caught him in love. A dangerous gamble, he always thought. You were a woman out of his league.. but he was always in awe with you. Heck, at this point it's safe to say.. He's in love with you.
And when the night falls, the gang would call it a day. Some sleeping on their bed rolls, some resting by the campfire. You were one of those who slept early. Just being the regular morning person you are. But at times of distress, you were always restless and consumed by your thoughts. You’d sleep late, take some time to rest by the campfire.
Like that one fine night.
It was a chilly one, cold breeze hugging your figure as you sat together with some of the men. You, Bill, and Arthur sitting by the log, Javier was on the ground beside his guitar, while Hosea in the chair, telling a story about something while the others listened intently. It was always during nights like these that the camp would be lively, while also calm at the same time.
Lively with stories, and calm as the night breeze over the comforting warmth of the campfire.
And there you were, sitting in silence, stretching your arms forward for some heat while your eyes were staring at a blank space. You looked completely lost in thought.
Javier, being the man in love that he is, finds himself looking towards you. Hosea’s voice telling a story dominated in the air, but all his attention was over you. There wasn’t a smile on your face. It was a rare sight, and a worrying one at that. He knew you. A morning person, never sleeps late. What could be the matter for you to still be awake? The other men did not bother asking, perhaps they did not find it strange. But Javier felt worried, and he was itching to talk to you.
Completely distracted by his worry over you, Hosea was already done with his story before he knew it. Arthur already bid his farewell and went over his tent to get some sleep. Hosea too. While Bill lit up a cigarette and smoked outside the camp. But you… you remained. Still lost in thought.
Each minute that passed by, the urge to talk to you was getting strong. Oh, how he wished he could ask you what’s the matter, or whatever was bothering you. How he wished he could offer some sort of consolation… but the words wouldn’t form in his mouth.
So much for a suave man who always had a way with his words.
Javier sighed, frustrated over his acts. A hug crossed his mind, but he quickly shut it down. He did not want to cross your boundaries and he knew that he wasn’t that close to you enough for him to give you a sudden hug.
He glanced over his side and noticed his guitar lying beside him. An idea popped into his mind. With a smile curling up to his lips, he rested his guitar in his lap. He strummed the strings, starting a peaceful melody in your ears.
You on the other hand, who was initially lost in deep thought, grips back into reality as soon as you hear the guitar make a sound. Your eyes rest onto the sight before you, completely entranced– Javier was singing softly, the yellow ember of the fire glowing as he strummed across you in the campfire.
“Eres una obra de arte…”
You’re a piece of art
“Con solo mirarte…”
Just by looking at you
“Algo que da paz…”
Something that gives peace
And before you knew it, Javier met your eyes as he sang softly… it was as if you were the subject of his singing. A smile curled up into your lips as his eyes met yours, mesmerized by his beautiful figure and his gentle voice ringing in your ears.
“Cariño, eres un amor…”
Honey, you’re lovely
“Cariño, pintas en color…”
Honey, you paint in color
The gentle tunes of his singing filled the camp, a soft lullaby beneath the starry skies. At this moment, the two of you just forgot the world before you existed— as if time froze. It was just you and Javier, in the campfire… looking at each other, yearning.
“Quiero tanto devorarte…”
I want so much to devour you
“Esta vez besarte…”
Kiss you this time
“Si es que soy capaz…”
If I dare to
You never understood what he was singing. It was in Spanish, after all. But it doesn’t take a proper knowledge of his mother tongue for you to feel the emotions in his voice. As they say, actions speak louder than words.. but at this very moment, his singing, his lips, his eyes... they speak louder than the words themselves.
“Cariño, eres un amor…”
Honey, you’re lovely
“Cariño, pintas en color…”
Honey, you paint in color
As Javier continued singing, the two of you shared a knowing look. It was as if through his song, the two of you had a weight lifted off for the meantime. Temporarily free from the hiccups of life and the shackles of mind.
Two outlaws, just enjoying themselves… the company, the warm breeze emanating from the campfire— savoring the moment while it lasted.
Music never failed Javier. And he knew that if words can't express it for him, if his mouth couldn’t form the right words at this moment… then maybe a song will do for now.
This song is a love letter written from his mother tongue. A confession of the feelings he could not articulate.
And little did he know, you loved every single bit of it. For it was a comfort, a security, and a confirmation amidst the turmoils running in your mind.
It was testament that even love can transcend the barriers of language.