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It was desolate on the planet Boothill was on. The night was cruel, and the winds were high. He was shivering from the cold and the shitty 1 star hotel he was staying at was not helping in the slightest. The windows were basically falling apart as he brought the blanket closer to him, trying and failing to block out the harsh conditions he currently faced.
“Stupid forkin’- dumb heck-hole.” He shivered and sighed. It was true that ever since he became metallic and robotic Boothill couldn’t feel much. However, in the areas he could, well, he felt immensely more than when he was human. Both his face and nape were struggling to keep warm from the harsh wind that was creeping into his room. He hated that doctor for not including anything in his systems to heat him up, only things to cool him down.
Damn this planet. The bounty he completed was definitely not worth the absolute loneliness he felt in this room. It was empty, and it was freezing. He was so, so cold, and he despised it. It reminded him of that doctor’s room. Of when he truly lost himself. When he was reborn as Boothill, the Galaxy Ranger, sworn to a path of revenge. (He curled into himself, mimicking that of a hug but lacking the warmth.)
He caught himself missing someone, someone who made Boothill feel he was human, even though he wasn’t. (Argenti would argue. He has argued.
“Isn’t it the soul that makes one human?” He would ask, and Boothill would scoff in return.
“My soul’s been poisoned an’ tainted with blood. It’s what happens when you choose the path of revenge.” Boothill stared ahead, reminiscent of something he couldn’t quite capture. A sigh escaped from the Knight on his left and he felt a light stroke of a finger on his cheek, startling him. He quickly looked at the Knight, the warmth of the touch- despite the gloves, not leaving.
“It is still a soul nonetheless hm?”
“…”
When no reply was given Argenti continued, his eyes locked onto Boothill’s.
“Every soul is beautiful, even the ones covered by darkness. It is why I believe that Idrilla still exists, and why I believe you are human. And a beautiful one at that.”)
The memory of the Knight had only strengthened Boothill’s emotions. He craved the warmth the universe denied him. He knew that being a Galaxy Ranger meant that being alone was the only choice there was. He knew damn well that this was the life he chose and yet-… and yet he still felt lonely. How could he not? After losing his family, after losing his humanity. (The Knight would persistently argue he hadn’t)
“Aeons, why do I miss you?… Why do I feel like I need your warmth? Why does everything about you make me feel human?” He mumbled, not expecting a reply. There was a simple solution, really. Argenti was one text away. One phone call away. All he needed to do was open his contact info. It was an act he weighed and debated in his mind. Argenti was similar to him. Forever bound to a path where he was meant to be alone.
He could not form attachments lest he waver from finding his Aeon. Boothill knew this. (He sat up, rearranging the sheets as he did, and looked for his phone.)
Argenti was a Knight of beauty, always chasing after something that would eventually destroy him. Boothill knew this. (He hesitantly opened Argenti’s contact.)
Argenti found beauty in everything, including Boothill. (Boothill knew this, he did not believe it.)
It only took three rings for the Knight to pick up.
“Dear Ranger?” Argenti croaked. It was quite obvious he was sleeping.
“It’s fairly late…are you alright?” Boothill winced, he did not mean to interrupt the Knight’s rest just because he could not. “M’ mighty sorry Rosey, I just uhm…” Aeons above he was suddenly feeling nervous. He didn’t even know if he had a valid reason for calling Argenti. It was a silly thought he acted upon without proper consideration. (Really?)
“Oh Lan fork me- m’ so sorry for callin’ you this late at night. I don’t even know why- I mean, I do it’s just- ugh.” Boothill hated how he couldn’t form coherent thoughts, distracted by the Knight’s voice.
“Look- m’ sorry. I’ll get outta yer pretty hair-“
“Oh, please don’t worry Dear Ranger. I was not asleep.” The Knight interjected, “ I was merely looking at the One and Only’s recent repairs and must have dozed off. You have not disturbed me in any way, be certain.” Argenti’s voice was soft, and reassuring. It made Boothill feel warm, he made him feel warm.
“If that’s the case…how far are you from Kryo Ansei Vll?” Boothill brought his knees close to his chest, still shivering from the cold. “Its the one with really cold nights and snowy climate. S’ similar to Jarlio-VI.” He heard Argenti hum in contemplation.
“I’m looking at my navigation system, and it would appear that I’m less than 1 system hour away, surprisingly. Why do you ask?”
‘Okay… he’s not that far, I can wait that long.’ The Ranger thought.
“I was wonderin’ if you could…spare a trip there?” He inhaled and closed his eyes, leaning his head against the half broken headboard. It might’ve been stupid, asking the Knight if he could spare the Silver Cowboy time to visit him. But he still asked, hoped. (because that’s all the universe would ever let him do).
“I had a bounty and I'm tryin’ to sleep at this really crappy hotel at the moment… It’s obviously not working since I’m here callin’ you,” a pause and then a soft sigh of amusement from the other side. “And I don’t know why but- I think it’d be way easier if you were here, Rosey.” If Boothill was still capable of blushing he would be as crimson as Argenti’s hair. Argenti chuckled in response and Boothill could just tell the fucker was smiling.
“I would be honored to stay with you. Hah, I was unaware you fancy my company that much, Dear Ranger!” He could hear Argenti’s movements as he made preparations for a route to Kryo Reve Vll.
He was relieved that the Knight was so compliant in coming. Boothill would not know what to do if Argenti declined his offer. “Well then, I shall see you soon My Dear Ranger! I do hope you will send me your location when I get there.” Boothill smiled, and held the phone close.
“Pft- ‘course Rosey, I want ya to find me, no?” Argenti chuckled again before the call abruptly ended. Boothill put his phone aside and laid back down, his eyes boring into the ceiling above him. Content and patient until the chill of night creeped up on him once again. He gave a shaky breath, already missing the warmth of the Knight’s voice.
He both loathed and loved how Argenti was able to make him feel loved. Boothill relied on that feeling at times like this, and he didn’t know what to make of that. The Ranger knew he could rely on Argenti to give him the very warmth he seeked, but did he deserve it?. His daughter, his fathers, and his homeland were all warm, but they no longer existed. The warmth he once knew and found comfort in would never be his again, and he could do nothing about it.
But Argenti- he radiated warmth, so maybe he could. He made Boothill feel as though he did deserve the feeling of love and comfort. Of the warmth that was once his home, his family. It was dangerous, feeding on the feelings Argenti easily gave him. Aeons, was he hungry though.
(Hungry for the Knight and everything he offered to the Cowboy, no matter how much he doubted)
It must have been quite some time of just him and his, frankly embarrassing, thoughts before a sudden buzz made Boothill snap out of it and unlock his phone.
“ My Dear Ranger, I have landed and I hope you are still awake.
I shall need that location now, as I do wish to see you soon”
He smiled at the message, all of his previous thoughts disappearing. It felt nice to know Argenti would be quick to his side if he only asked. Even if it was because all Knights of Beauty were diligent in their kindness. He brought his phone to his mouth and spoke.
“ I’d be darned if I somehow fell asleep just cause I was waitin’ for ya. Heh, here I’ll send it. Though you might hafta sneak in through the shirt-bag of a window. Didn’t exactly reserve this here room for two, ya `know?”
Boothill sent the message and waited for Argenti’s reply, smiling so much his dimple showed. His eyes widened when he realized what he had just done, and he couldn't suppress the groan he let out. Flopping on his back and spreading his limbs out like a starfish when he realized that just two messages from the Knight had him acting like a schoolgirl.
“Ugh, I’m really actin’ like I got a fudgin’ crush on the guy.” He sighed and brought his hands to his eyes. “Fork me sideways and call me a nice lady. This’s so darn stupid-“
The Ranger jumped as his phone gave another buzz, quickly picking it up and reading the message.
“ Boothill, could you do this Knight of Beauty a favor and open the window? It’s quite cold out even with all my armor on.”
He blinked and looked at the message once more. His jaw slightly agape as he looked to his window. ‘He couldn’t have made it here that fast…right?’ But there he was in all his beauty, Argenti, smiling and waving at Boothill through the window.
“…haha, well I’ll be forked.” Was the last thing he said before quickly rushing to unlock the window and guide the Knight inside.
“Ah, my friend! It had been too long since our last encounter! May I offer this rose as a good sign of our reunion and my heartfelt gratitude!” Argenti did his usual bow and kneel as he lifted the rose towards the cowboy, the spotlight he summoned even brighter in the dark room.
Boothill laughed and happily took the rose, giving it a good smell as he closed his eyes. He had long gotten use to this grandiose gesture the Knight would always do whenever he met someone. It was familiar, and constant. Something that was rare for the Ranger.
“It hasn’t been that long, has it Rosey? I coulda sworn it’s only been a few weeks-“
“My Dear Ranger! It has been far, far longer!” Boothill was suddenly cut off by the Knight abruptly standing up and grasping his hands, rose unbothered however. “Don’t tell me you don’t cherish our moments of friendship as I do!” He said, eyes full of something that looked like worry. “Hey, don’t start puttin’ words in my mouth Rosey! I musta just forgotten the days spent without you that’s all!” It was a very quick and not thought out response, afterall it was hard to think of something with Argenti’s eyes on him. And it’s not like it was entirely untrue! He had forgotten the more recent days, yes, but that had mostly been because of the bounty…
Nevertheless, the Knight seemed happy with his answer. Even more so than before. He let out a breath and let go of Boothill’s hands, putting one of his own to his chest and smiled. “It's good to know you value our unexpected meets as much as I do, friend!” Argenti opened his eyes and rejoiced.
Boothill chuckled, “Pipe down will ya Knight! There are other people sleeping here ya know?” he joked. Argenti widened his eyes and nodded his head, understanding he did need to tone it down.
“Ah, my utmost apologies to those I have disturbed tonight then.” The Knight in silver whispered in earnesty. Boothill couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled in his throat as Argent quickly opened his eyes, and gave him a gentle smile. “It’s been awhile since I’ve heard your wonderful laughter, Dear. I’m happy you’ve asked for myself here tonight, and I’m thankful Idrila was able to make us meet again.” Argenti’s smile widened, and the Ranger reciprocated. It was nice, comforting. The cold became more bearable by the second, and Argenti looked at Boothill like he was worthy of praise from a Knight of Beauty. Aeons, he was so pretty. His crimson hair framed his pale skin, providing a contrast and like he was glowing. (He probably was, with the spotlight and all)
“Now, what can I do to help ease your rest? I’d be more than delighted to fulfill any requests you have for me!” Argenti’s words quickly snapped him out of his own thoughts. His mind once again was being rather wild tonight. Bringing his attention to the Knights' words, Boothill remembered why Argenti was even here in the first place. The comfort of their usual banter distracting him.
“Ah right…well hah, I’ll be honest ‘Genti I dunno exactly what t’ ask of you- I kinda just realized it’d be easier to sleep even if you just stood here- Not that I’m saying you should! It’s just… ah sorry for making you travel here when I don’t even know what I wanted you to do-“ Boothill brought his hand to his neck as he softly rubbed it. Argenti looked at him with patience and something akin to endearment, hands folded in front of him..
“Dear Ranger, do not fret! For I know a sure way for you to get a good night’s rest!” The Knight smiled at him again and Boothill felt himself become warmer. Strange, it's not like Argenti had brought a heater with him from the looks of it… “Really? An’ what might that be, Knight?” Boothill responded, his grin growing as he pointedly ignored the sound his fans made as they whirred.
“Let us sleep together!”
“What!?” Boothill shouted, all notions of silence absent from his mind. His fans picked up speed as he saw a warning note in the bottom of his view. ‘WARNING LEVELS OF HEAT INCREASING AT RAPID SPEEDS! PLEASE STOP WHATEVER YOU’RE DOING IMMEDIATELY’ He eyed the message and ignored it. Focusing his attention back to the Knight who declared something very strange from his usual polite comments and compliments.
“Ah, I’m sorry, let me reiterate that in a more… polite manner?” Argenti cleared his throat and abandoned his folded hands position, opting to hold Boothill’s hands still as he continued, “I wish for us to sleep in a literal sense, as you have said previously that I bring you comfort even from just standing. I shall shed my armor and sleep beside you to help ease your worries better!” The Ranger let out a sigh of relief, the tension throughout his body left and he felt his systems cool down.
“I see… whew Knight, you shoulda started with tha-”
“However, if you would like to sleep together and engage in a night of pleasure I would not be opposed!” Argenti once again interrupted, making Boothill’s systems flash that stupid warning on the bottom right again.
“Rosey! Please, just- just sleepin’ together would be dandy ‘ight? I didn’t call you for just a quick fork, okay!?” He took his hands from Argenti’s and hid his face even though he could not blush.
“Of course Dear Boothill! I did not mean to imply that’s why you called me here, I was simply offering! You have made it clear tonight that you would not enjoy that so I apologize for making you uncomfortable my Dear…” Argenti's head hung low as he apologized, his face grimacing. Boothill exhaled as he tried to calm down and rationalize the situation.
“Yer fine Knight,” he sighed. “It’s my fault for… blowin’ this whole shirt-bag outta proportion.” Boothill sighed and looked away in shame, he couldn't handle the Knight’s gaze on him. He heard Argenti sigh, as he still avoided his gaze.
“Boothill, look at me.”
“Argenti please I-”
“Just look at me?”
Boothill raised his head in reluctance and looked at Argenti, whose eyes were firm and determined.
“I’m sorry I’ve made you feel this way, Dear. Your reaction was not unreasonable,” He paused as he grabbed Boothill’s hand on his left. “I made a bold and brash proposition and did not properly think of how you would react. While I wanted to lighten the mood, I had no intention of making you uncomfortable. Please, accept my apology as a sign of regret for my actions and inconsideration.”
( ‘The reason I’m acting like this isn’t because of embarrassment, Knight.’ Boothill involuntarily thought. He wanted to be rid of the idea that the reason he got flustered was anything other than shock. He can’t afford to love another again, especially if it isn’t reciprocated. Because this apology may be sincere, but it’s not like it’s from love. ‘He’s a Knight of Beauty, of course he’s considerate. Don’t make this anything it isn’t, Boothill.’ )
“Well, if you say it like that then I have to accept yer apology!” The Knight’s face twisted even more. “Heh, I’m kidding… Of course I forgive you Rosey, ‘sides I was just surprised for the most part! Didn’t know you could crack jokes like that!” He laughed easily, ignoring the thoughts his brain supplied.
Argenti smiled and gave a sigh of relief, all signs of tension and worry slowly disappearing from his figure. “I’m glad you feel that way Boothill, and I’m grateful you accepted my apology.”
The Knight gave the Ranger one last smile before he walked towards a door and began speaking again. “Well, now that I know you’re not opposed to the literal sense, I will be heading towards the closet to remove my armor.” He paused and turned to look at Boothill, “Please wait for me, I’ll only be a minute Dear Ranger.” Boothill nodded and let a crooked smile make his way to his face as he sat back on the bed too big for a singular body.
Argenti disappeared into the closet, and Boothill looked to the closed window Argenti had entered through moments before. He smiled, happy at the thought of how quick Argenti was to be by his side. Before his mind supplied more weird and presumptuous thoughts about his relationship with The Knight, he redirected his eyes to the ceiling and closed them for a brief second, taking in his surroundings once more.
The cold was almost unnoticeable now, what with his overheating because of a certain Knight. The piercing, harsh, environment, now replaced with relaxation and newfound comfort. If he really focused, he could even find the winds against the window calming.
BANG ! The window shook.
…Nevermind
“It took considerably less time to remove my armor so I hope the wait was bearable Dear Ranger!” The Knight shouted softly across the room, making his way back to the latter.
“Hah, wasn’t waiting that long at all Knight!” Boothill replied with enthusiasm. He opened his eyes and looked at the other. They widened when they took in Argenti’s body. It wasn’t like this was the first time he saw Argenti without his armor, being he’s had to patch the other up and vice-versa, but it still didn’t change the sheer difference his actual body made from the one Boothill was used to seeing.
Argenti’s armor hid everything and made his figure very bulky. Once everything was removed, all that was left was a slim body suit that hugged his body (muscles, to be precise) a bit too tight. Out of… “respect”, Boothill only kept eye contact with him and didn’t let his eyes wander to other parts of the Knight’s body- lest he start overheating again.
( ‘Of embarrassment, only embarrassment.’ )
“So Rosey… how are we gon’ do this- exactly?” He coughed and blinked up at the Knight as he approached.
Argenti did not seem to notice Boothill’s awkward body language as he replied, “Like I said earlier, we shall just sleep next to each other. I hope this way, you can get some proper rest.” He smiled and sat next to Boothill, keeping his gaze with the other.
Boothill took a deep breath before responding, not wanting to mess this up. “Alright then… so I’ll just uh-” He slowly shifted to lay down sideways on the bed, trying to motion the Knight to follow his movements. It was incredibly awkward, what with the silence, the eye contact, the way the bed creaked with each slight movement any of them did. Torture was the only word to describe the atmosphere.
It was an agonizing few seconds before Argenti finally decided to act and join Boothill, facing the Ranger as he pulled the covers over the two. The tension as they eyed each other was palpable, suffocating even. Argenti remained silent as they continued staring, what was going on in those beautiful red eyes, Boothill could only guess.
It’s quite ridiculous, he’s the one who invited the Knight, yet he can’t even form a sentence when the situation actually arrives. Hell, he can’t even look away to ease the atmosphere because of those damn eyes. Vibrant as the blood he’s made spill. Though, he shouldn't compare his eyes to the tainting sins he’s done since becoming the man he is today, the Knight is far above that. (If only Boothill knew, then the Ranger might feel some comfort in knowing he wasn’t alone).
He’s caught off guard when the other man reaches for his face, fingers uncovered from his usual gloves. The hand on his face feather light and distant, as if he would run away if they fully grasped him whole. This time, he doesn’t jump before relaxing into it, reminiscent of that day where he felt unburdened by his sins. Beneath a thin sheet accompanied by the other's light touch, Boothill felt the tension wash away, as if only they existed.
His eyes softened as the Knight spoke, “It’s funny, before this I was actually hoping we would see each other soon. I missed you dearly, if you couldn’t tell by now Dear.” Argenti said, dramatics and exaggerations dropped as he spoke casually. “I wish sometimes… I wouldn’t have to hope and rely on Idrilla to make us meet again.” He looks down, breaking their eye contact first, a look of bittersweetness overtaking his expression. “It’s unfortunate I have to though, as we both lie to our duties and destinies. Right, Boothill?” Before Argenti could even think or muster the thought of pulling his hand away, Boothill brought his own, metal, hand on top of the Knights’.
“It might be dumb, stupid, or even a shirt idea to think we could meet without chance.” Argenti chuckled with sadness in his voice as he attempted to pull his hand away to no avail. “But… it’s still an idea I wanna make true.” Boothill gripped Argenti's hand softly as to not hurt the other.
“We can meet up every once and awhile… plan out meet ups and stuff ‘nd… do stuff together-”
“Yes! We can do that! We shall partake in this… hangout - every month if we are available Dear Ranger!” Boothill, surprised with the sudden energy that hit the other man, started to blink rapidly. Argenti found both of his hands on the Cowboy’s face as he brought them closer together. Breaths mingled as Argenti eyes looked though there were stars in them and his smile no different. Boothill swore he could be blushing with how much heat there is on his face, though that may have been due to Argenti’s hands.
“Y-yeah! I’m glad yer happy with that… deal.” Boothill smiled sheepishly, his sharp shark teeth on full display. Eyes darted around Argenti’s face, unable to look anywhere else because of how close they were. Realization of that closeness must have hit the Knight like a truck because his face is flushed red and bright like the color of his own hair.
Argentu scooted away to create some distance between the both of them, coughing into his fist before he spoke, avoiding eye contact again, “Ah- apologies for getting so close Dear Ranger, I was simply erm- excited! At the notion we would be seeing each other more often…” Boothill chuckled, as he found this current situation quite entertaining. The Knight of Beauty he’s known to fluster and charm, has now fallen to a similar state because of a simple Galaxy Ranger. (Even if he was just as flustered only moments before.)
“Don’t cha worry I’m… happy too Knight. No need to feel embarrassed for gettin’ forkin’ excited!” He smiles again and he can’t help but bring the other closer- wanting the heat and warmth again. His hands trace the other’s sides he pulls Argenti closer, the red flush on his face for some reason increasing? “C’mon don’t get shy on me now partner! You were so bold a few minutes ago!” Argenti chuckles before meeting Boothill’s gaze again. “I suppose I don’t have anything embarrassing to expose tonight anymore then.” He jests, the flush of red not leaving his face.
“Ya really don’t, besides if you do- I’m sure I wouldn’t mind. Especially since I’ve gotten used to yer weird entrances!” He offers a comforting smile, and Argenti smiles back. ( ‘Don’t say that so easily dear, you’re giving this Knight hope for a future that’s fruitless in terms of probability. )
A yawn Boothill fails to suppress overtakes him, retracting his hands from the Knight’s sides and putting one under his pillow and the other in between the two. “It seems I’m beat Rosey, looks like ya did make me sleepy and it wasn’t a bad idea to call you.” He closes his eyes and breathes out, sudden exhaustion in his mechanical body. (How did that work?) He feels Argenti’s hand over his and he holds it there, smiling once again.
“It would seem so, Dear Boothill.” The Knight whispers, careful and kind to not disturb the other’s sudden tiredness. Their fingers are interlocked now, and it’s evident neither of them mind. Breaths once again mingled with their proximity, but this time no one made a move to introduce more space, suddenly quite comfortable with sharing the heat Argenti radiated.
With one last glance before sleep overtakes Boothill, he admires Argenti’s face. How it looks so soft beneath the moonlight. How it glows with the atmosphere. How it looks at him with adoration, and something else he can’t quite place with the heaviness in his eyelids. His eyes close and this time he keeps them closed. His
“Goodnight, Argenti…and thank you” He whispers as sleep overtakes him before the other can respond. He doesn’t hear if Argenti responds or not, already quite aware the Knight probably acknowledges his gratitude. He falls asleep knowing Argenti is beside him, holding his hand and providing the warmth and comfort he can’t provide for himself.
“Goodnight to you as well, my love. May your dreams, if you can and do, be filled with my love for you.” Is what the other says once he’s sure Boothill is asleep. He kisses their intertwined hands and carefully strokes the other’s face, mindful to not wake the other. Sparing one last look to the face that must have been utterly and certainly blessed by his Aeon, he sleeps. And he dreams. And he loves, even while he’s not awake.