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Boothill was doing as usual, walking over Penacony's main alley after finishing a bounty they assigned the cyborg. She looked as always, wild, strong and even a bit intimidating for some people, which she didn't mind after all. At the moment she was looking around for a place to spend the couple of days she had free before heading for the next bounty or mission they told her. But for now, she found a tavern to spend some time, and who was she to deny herself a drink after work?
As she was about to enter the bar, she saw from the corner of her robotic eye the shine of red perfectly maintained curls waving with grace in the slight wind. She knew the owner of that beautiful hair the second she saw it, and she was as amazing as their hair, and even more. Soon the idea of the bar disappeared and was replaced with that beautiful redhead she spotted a couple of meters away.
Argenti was a Knight of Beauty, and she indeed honored her title with her looks. She was a walking beauty, perfect red curls hanging behind her back, sweet light skin bathed with a constellation of freckles and some beauty marks. Green shiny eyes adorned with long red lashes and thick well-maintained eyebrows. Her lips were plump and stained with a perfect reddish shade that fitted her oh-so perfectly. The woman was beautiful and tall, but also had a strong build, her shining silver armour covered her, but the few times Boothill saw her without the armour she could see the muscles and curves of her body and… Damn she was fine under all that metal-
“Oh! Boothill, my dear friend, it’s a pleasant surprise seeing that our paths crossed again” The sweet yet strong voice pulled her back from her thoughts and she quickly glared at the woman smirking.
“Hey Rosey, what’chu doin’ here?” She asked as she placed her hand on her hip. Argenti gave her a heart warming smile and started rumbling about how she had a mission in Penacony too, and now that she finished she had been on the planet helping people in need of her help, how kind of her, as always of course.
Boothill smiled slightly all the time, as they sat on an edge of a construction. She couldn’t help but be dazed by her looks, after all, the redhead was the most astonishing woman she had ever met, in looks and heart. Because she was not only good looking, but she also had an amazing heart and concern for the world, people and living creatures in it; she helped people in small tasks, rescued any small or big injured animal and treated them until they could leave healthy again, she even took dying plants and helped them recover. It was… amazing at some point.
“Boothill, my friend, are you still there?” Boothill blinked twice, shaken out of her thoughts and glared at her nodding softly.
“Yeah, yeah, ‘m fine Rosey, sorry for tha’ I dazed off a bit” She said with a slight awkward chuckle. “Well… What do you wanna do beautiful, got any plans today?” The woman couldn’t help but ask with a playful smirk. She had been teasing and flirting with Argenti, I mean, how could she not? Even if the redhead at first got on her nerves with all that flattery and fancy words, at the end she got used to them and even liked hearing those words, and… Not only hearing but meeting her, she had grown fond of the knight, and… quite liked her if she was being honest.
Meanwhile Boothill was immersed again in her thoughts about the beautiful knight, Argenti thought for a bit and smiled looking at her. “I think I’m free for the day, what do you have in mind, my silver cowgirl?” Boothill quickly shot her a bright smile and -the best she could- hugged her neck pushing her towards her playfully.
“Nothin’ really… wanna have a drink? No alcohol for ya, ‘course… I know! ya’ can come ta ma ship- fudge I forgot it’s under repearin’ at the moment… Have any place ya wanna go in mind?” She asked a bit ashamed for not having her ship ready at the moment, which Argenti waved off and pointed at a tiny terrace of a bar. It was… perfect, not many people, the sun warming the seats, and it looked like a good place. Boothill agreed in a blink of an eye and now was waking next to the knight towards the seats. After a small argument with Argenti of who paid the drinks, which the cyborg won, they took their drinks, Argenti a grape juice and Boothill a beer, and sat where they agreed, starting a small chat as they drank and caught up with each other’s life, even if it was not much to say, they both enjoyed spending time with the other since they didn’t meet that much because of their paths and duties. But at some point, even if Argenti had a permanent smile on her face, Boothill noticed a small flick of… something, making her frown slightly. Argenti was a bit more stiff, her brow a bit more knitted and her expression a bit tighter, not as her usual cheerful and smooth self, even if she tried to seem like it.
“Rosey” She said, gaining the woman’s attention, she sighed and spoke, a tint of worry on her voice “ya feelin’ good? Ya look a bit.. off” At that, Argenti coughed softly, a bit nervous. She caught her.
“Oh- I’m fine really, nothing to worry about I’ve been at worst, you don’t have to worry your mind with such an insignificant thing my dear friend” She said with a smile, not as big as before, trying to wave off her problem, of course Boothill frowned and huffed at that, not convinced.
“Insignificant ma’ ash, Gent’ I don’t care if ya had been in worse situations, ya look off an’ uncomfortable, tell me” She said sharp, but with a softer tone, encouraging her a bit. Argenti glared at the side… Embarrassed? Was she really embarrassed?
“I… Don’t think it is proper of me to talk about this my dear silver friend… I know it may be a natural thing to talk to, but it’s still an unpleasant thing to bring on in a conversation” He said hesitating and playing with a curl of her hair. Boothill huffed holding the bridge of her nose, cold fingers to warm skin making contact. She glared at her and spoke.
“Argenti, I have talked about worse things, ya know? Talkin’ about how- forget it I’m not bringin’ tha’ on. Jus’ trust tha’ I won’ be disgusted, ‘kay?” She said with a slight comforting smirk. Which seemed to work since Argenti relaxed and breathed before composing herself again, thinking of how to say the matter. Finally she straightened her back, the armor shining with the sun as she moved slightly.
“I am truly sorry to worry you, my silver cowgirl, it’s nothing you should worry about, since it’s a natural process we… or at least I have to go through and… Well, simply I may be currently on my cycle and I feel a bit unwell and more tired than usual, but it’s nothing you should worry about, I, unfortunately, feel this way every time of each month I suffer this, and I usually take medicine that helps numbing the soreness but I run out of it last time and forgot to buy more, so, please don’t worry to much about it, it is really not worth your worry, my friend” She said a bit nervous, her cheeks tinting a bit red as she avoided looking at the cyborg in front of her. Boothill sighted and glared at her, her worry decreasing slightly.
“So you r’ havin’ period cramps, that’s it?” She said with a teasing smile, Argenti nodded a bit confused, making Boothill scoff a soft laugh. “Rosey, why would I be disgusted by tha’? Even if I don’ have ta suffer tha’ anymore since I change ma’ body, I had to deal with it too, tho I was lucky, I didn’ have tha’ much cramps” She said with a soft smile on her face, then he glared at Argenti and frowned slightly. “Sura ya're fine? I can help if ya wanna, or we can go to yur ship if ya're more comfortable”
As soon as she suggested the plan, Argenti glared at her and nodded softly with a thankfully smile. “That would be… lovely of you, Boothill, thank you kindly “
Boothill returned the smile and, after Argenti left some tip on the table, they stood up and started walking towards the redhead's ship. They chatted as usual, keeping a light chat until a comfortable silence surrendered both of them. Boothill usually couldn't stand a silence like this, it made her nervous, but… with Argenti was different, she felt relaxed around her, without the necessity of forcing conversation with her, just… Wanting to walk next to her in a peaceful quiet.
They eventually reached the One and Only, the redhead offering her to walk in freely, letting her know to behave like at home, no need for extra formalities- even though she knew the Ranger would not worry with any formalities. She walked inside the ship, it was small, just the necessary for a living. Modest and impeccable, everything at its place and shining clean. Then she turned to the woman, who was searching through the kitchen drawers. Boothill walked and stood next to her, glaring at the small frown on her brows.
“What’ chu lookin’ for, Rose?” She asked, crossing her arms over the cold metal plates of the cyborgs chest, ready to scold her if she was planning to cook or something else.
“Painkillers- Oh Eons, I finished the last one a while ago and I totally forgot to buy more of them for these cases… I'm truly sorry you have to see me like this my silver friend, I'm being such a mess right now an-”
She was cut off by a click of Boothill's tongue and a roll of her eyes as she walked to the counter, resting her weight there.
“Fork tha’, everyone has bad days Rosey, ya don’ have to place yurself tha’ low” she said with a surprisingly soft and tender tone she rarely used. “I'll go for ‘em- n’ dont'cha dear move yur pretty ass from the couch or Imma get mad, understood?” She threatened as she took her belongings and walked out of the ship, not before shooting a last glare at the standing knight in the room. She closed the door behind her and left the redhead alone, and now, she finally had some time to think about… Everything. She had been thinking for a while. It’s been quite a long time since she had a relationship, it couldn’t even count as ‘serious’, but it was a bit more than the one night stands she rarely had, which had been a while since she had a ‘night out’, well… since she started meeting Argenti, in a friendly manner… unfortunately. However, she was… different, she was open, gentle, and loving. At the start the redhead was a bit annoying for the cowgirl with all those fancy words and compliments, though she surprisingly got used to it and at the main time, even enjoying hearing the endless flattery of her knight friend. And all this was making her go crazy, she knew she developed a ‘more than friendship’ feeling towards the Knight of Beauty, but on the other hand she didn’t wanna fuck it up and end one of her trully cared friendships. So for now the cyborg could only take care of Argenti like a ‘friend’ would do, hiding her feelings behind a cocky smile and all that attitude she always wore to hide her feelings.
After at least 15 minutes where she went to buy the painkillers Argenti needed, and stopping on a bakery, taking a couple of slices of pie and a freshly baked baguette for Argenti, she finally returned to the ship and she was greeted with a scene that made her synthetic heart skip a beat. Argenti was on the couch, wrapped up in a blanket as she watched some show on the TV. Her armour was on the floor, at the side of the sofa, perfectly placed and taken care of, as she usually did from what the cyborg knew. And when the redhead heard the gate opening, her eyes quickly moved to see the cowgirl walking towards her, a soft welcoming smile warming Boothill’s heart even more once she saw it.
“‘M back Red, ya didn’ do a thing, did’cha?” She asked with a playful threat, provoking a warm smile on the other as she shook her head and moved a bit, giving Boothill more space, and as she was correcting her posture Boothill pushed her back into her original one. “Don’ get all ‘propper’ on me would ya’? Jus’ stay in tha’ most comfortable way ya prefer, I won’ judge or be scandalized by yur ‘indecency’ as you call it” She said joking as she squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. And this seemed to calm Argenti a bit since she sank into her posture again, her feet now on the couch again, bending her knees over her chest and resting her head on them while her arms wrapped both legs together hugging them. She looked…cute, real cute, which only made Boothill only more nervous. A cough escaping from her lips as she recomposed herself.
As she stared at Argenti’s face the knight finally noticed the food Boothill brought and her eyes widened slightly, a quick glow on them took Boothill’s attention provoking a small fond smile on her face. Then Argenti glared at her and the ranger hid that smile with a sided one.
“Ya like tha’, don’cha? I always see ya eatin’ bread, especially tha’ one… I honestly don’ understand why ya like it so much but… Who am I to judge? I eat fudgin' bullets” She said handing the bread to Argenti, who took it and, careful not to let the crumbs fall to the couch, cut a piece of it with her hands and started eating it. She looked happy and relaxed until she glared at Boothill and realized, then she stopped eating and munched the piece of bread covering her mouth and glaring away. When she finished gulping the food she cleaned her lips with her thumb, which Boothill couldn’t help but follow the movement of the finger, she gulped and glared up at the woman who glared at her.
“I’m sorry for my indecency my dear I totally forgot and- let me get some plates so we can both enjoy this snack-”
“Hold on beautiful, lemme do tha’ for ya instead” she said, cutting the knight’s words and standing up. The redhead was about to protest but just sighted and nodded, accepting the ranger’s help with a soft ‘thank you’; Boothill could only smile and walk towards the kitchen to get what she needed.
She moved through the small space that was the kitchen, there she took a knife and two plates out and… When she saw the tea leaves an idea crossed her mind, she looked back and saw Argenti on her phone, yep she was gonna do tea for her. She knew what infusions could calm down the cramps and help her through it since she used to make a lot of them for herself or her sisters back then at the farm, at least she could use that knowledge after a long time again, now for the knight. Chamomile, mint and a bit of ginger were placed on the tea pot while water started boiling on the kettle, then she placed the water on the beautiful ceramic with the teas and leaves, took the painkiller she bought for the redhead and returned to the main room, where Argenti was on her phone, watching some kind of flower information from what she saw in a from her back when she walked out of the kitchen. Not that she cared what she was watching of course, Argenti could see whatever she liked, but she had a special interest for plants from what Boothill knew; knew the meaning of a lot of flowers, how to treat them, liked taking care of her own small collection of plants… It was kinda cute if she was honest.
As soon as Boothill’s heavy metal feet echoed through the room, Argenti turned to watch her return with plates on one hand, with cups on top of them, and the steaming teapot on the other.
“I’m back doll, made thai for ya, it’s gonna make wonders to ya, trust me” She smiled and went to the kitchen again, taking a small bottle of cinnamon and the sugar. When she returned Argenti was already sitting up straight, cutting some bread pieces and parting the pie so both of them could eat some. Boothill could only smile and sit next to her, a slight unsure, yet reassuring hand landed on the knight’s thigh, and she glared at her with a soft expression. “I brought ya the painkiller, it’s on the plate, ‘n take it with the tea, don’ let it get cold” She said softly as she let Argenti serve the two of them the tea, she wasn’t planning on drinking any since she didn’t need it, but she wasn’t going to complain either way. Argenti gave her a wide, grateful smile and took the cowgirl’s metallic hand and kissed her cold knuckles, which provoked a blueish tone to spread over the white haired woman’s cheeks. But she didn’t pull the hand away as she usually did, in fact she even intertwined her fingers shyly between the knight’s, which took her by surprise, yet she stood silent and smiled as she complemented her tea with some cinnamon, her left hand still grabbed around the other woman’s hand.
It was true that Boothill couldn’t feel; her body was mostly numb, which made it easier to not get distracted with pain if she got injured in the middle of a battle, she was almost numb in all her metal body but her hands. She could feel with her hands, not like she did with her original body, but she could feel pressure, touch, warmth… And she could feel Argenti’s hand on hers, even more now since she took her gloves off. She could feel her hand warming up around Argenti’s, the soft skin grazing the rough metal, a warm touch contrasting against the cold one. The feeling of battle scars of her fingers and hands transformed into a tender caress as her thumb stroked the ranger’s hand. She knew it was a simple act, that Argenti was really affectionate with people but… This was different from what she usually did, it felt more intimate. She never saw her holding someone’s hand like this, and she never did it with her, so… why was she doing it now?
Boothilll cleared her throat and glared at her profile, she looked as beautiful as always, her face was now more relaxed and her body seemed too.
“Did the… Tea help?” She mumbled softly, gaining Argenti’s attention, who crooked her head slightly.
“I’m sorry my dear, I haven’t heard what you said, do you mind repeating yourself?” She asked with a soft polite smile.
“I asked ya if the tea helped ya with the pain” She said a bit louder this time. Argenti smiled and nodded softly.
“Oh indeed it helped me, I feel much better now after drinking the infusion” She said squeezing tenderly her hand “I am truly thankful with you for taking care of me like this, if I am being honest, it had been a long time since someone took care of me like this and… I really appreciate your care my silver ranger, you’re being so lovely with me” As she talked, a reddish tone spread over her cheeks, adorning her freckles and shining emerald eyes. Darn, this was too much for Boothill to handle-
Suddenly the cyborg stood up and frowned as she let Argenti’s hand go, feeling the cold come back after leaving the warmth of the woman’s hand, who looked at her confused.
“I… sorry I need ta use the bath” She said as she flew to the place, closing the door behind her. She needed to calm down and regain her composure, cause that loving look on Argenti’s eyes shuttered it. She opened the faucet, and splashed some water on her face, sighted and glared up. She knew she didn’t have a chance with Argenti, that woman was… Never said better from another world she couldn’t reach, and she was a simple and rough looking woman with no manners nor modesty. They were opposites, like oil and water, and even their paths led to entirely different purposes, so it was better not to get her hopes so high.
When she came out of the bath Argenti was standing in front of the door, which took the ranger by surprise, and when her beautiful green eyes looked at her she saw the worry in them.
“Boothill, my dear I- What’s wrong? Did I do something wrong? Made you uncomfortable? I’m truly sorry I shouldn’-” Boothill pitched the bridge of her nose and held her hand up stopping her rumble.
“Fudge Genti, hold yer horses, stop rumblin’ like tha’, ya did nothin’ wrong, ‘kay?” As she raised her eyes to the redhead she sighted. Of course Argenti was not buying that. And Boothill was a bad liar with her, so she just sighted and glared away. “‘S nothin’ ya have ta worry”
Suddenly she felt warmth on her hands again, Argenti’s warmth as she enclapsed the cyborg’s hands around hers, which tensed Boothill more than she already was. Argenti had a sharp eye and noticed it, which provoked a deeper frown and more worry to flood her expression.
“My dear you don’t have to lie, what’s wrong?” She said, raising her hand to Boothill’s cheek, holding there gently as she stroked the ranger’s cheek with her thumb, making her melt and relax into the caress. Boothill glared up at her feeling nervous, a shaky breath left her lips as she closed her eyes moving her head so her lips brushed the inside of Argenti’s bare hand. She was nervous, not her usual self but… Fuck it, she couldn’t hold her feelings forever.
One of her hands moved tentatively to Argenti’s waist, not holding yet, just to let the woman know her intentions, then her other hand went to hold the other’s hand resting on her face, pressing it gently. And as she expected Argenti tensed and stood silent, of course she was too polite to tell her to fuck off. And with that Boothill left a defeated sigh and started moving away, she didn’t even know why she even tried if she knew the answer.
“I knew ya were-” Suddenly Argenti blinked and her eyes shined back again, she felt her delicate hand on her face again, and the other redhead’s hand holding her arm back, pushing her closer again.
“My- My silver cowgirl I- Sorry, I completely disconnected. I'm not uncomfortable with your acts, I even appreciate them, so please, don’t think wrong of my careless actions, I did them involuntarily” She explained, a bit nervous thinking she might have messed up. Boothill was… surprised, she expected Argenti to politely back off and let her know she didn’t feel that way but she never saw this coming. Still a bit unsure, she moved her hand, grapping it gently on Argenti’s waist, and now, she didn’t tense like before, only flinched slightly just to relax again under Boothill’s touch. “Sorry for that, I’m not used to it and you’re a bit cold, it is quite alr-”
“Genti- stop messin’ around with me, ‘s only makin’ me more fudgin’ confused ‘bout your darn intentions” She jumped a bit harsh, not annoyed but a bit anxious and worried. She stared at the beautiful green eyes in front of her, shining bright and making her heart melt, and… she couldn’t help it anymore. Pulled Argenti a bit closer to her, now grabbing her waist properly, yet gently so she wouldn’t hurt her or oblige her to stay, moved her face inches away from hers and whispered… “pull me away if ya don’ want ta Rosey”
Nervousness could be seen floating around, lips met in a quick and still kiss, nothing came as a response from Argenti, which made Boothill interpret as unreciprocated feelings. But when she was about to pull away, Argenti responded and her eyes fluttered closed while a shy hand moved to hold Boothill’s arm,her body relaxing a bit under the cowgirlr’s touch. Surprised, the ranger pulled slightly away, enough to talk and look at her eyes. Her hand was still on her waist, her thumb stroking her hip bone gently.
“Genti..?” She was about to talk again when those still lips now pressed back at her lovingly, making her heartbeat rise and her fans to start increasing speed to cool her body down. And soon, she melted into the kiss, her hand holding Argenti in place and her lips tickling as the knight placed her own soft and reddish ones on hers. It didn’t last much since Argenti pulled away trying to catch her breath. Her cheeks were flushed and her chest raised and fell against Boothill’s chest plates and fuck, she looked… enticing and was one of the most beautiful views she had ever seen, and… Eons she couldn’t stop here, not with Arenti looking at her like this. “Fudge Red- Can I-?” And without finishing the phrase Argenti nodded eagerly, her hand reaching to cup Boothill’s cheek lovingly. And of course, who was Boothill to deny her beautiful knight of what she was asking for if she could gladly provide it?
And without thinking more, Boothill took her hat off and pulled Argenti closer again, closing the small distance between them into a slightly more demanding kiss. Boothill smiled through the kiss, feeling the woman’s strong back behind her under-armour shirt, her fingertips pressing a bit harder into the skin as a soft huff left Argenti’s lips. The kiss wasn’t rushed, it was slow and poured all the emotions they felt for each other without words, which started being languid once Argenti opened her mouth slightly, yet it didn’t escalate more, there was no need after all. They only wanted to feel each other, to pour their feelings into that loving kiss, and nothing more. Until Boothill smirked slightly on the kiss and started to increase the need, turning the kiss into a more heated and demanding one.
A soft gasp left Argenti’s lips as she felt Boothill’s sharp teeth biting slightly her lower lip and her cold hand making an act of presence under her shirt, contrasting with her heated skin. And there she pulled away, resting her head on the ranger’s shoulder trying to control her ragged breath. Boothill could only leave a soft chuckle as her arm rolled around her waist hugging her tenderly, while her other hand raised to brush her curls affectionately, calming and reassuring her.
“Ya good..?” She asked slightly breathless, a loving smile on her lips. Argenti nodded softly and hugged her back, nuzzling her head closer to Boothill’s neck, breathing her scent. Gunpowder, oil and smoke, now blending with her rose cologne, turning into a curious yet, appealing scent. After leaving a rapid sweet kiss where the cyborg’s skin joined with the metal of her body, she pulled away, looking at her face. Boothill had a loving smile on her lips, her usual cocky self was gone, which made Argenti flush even more. Boothill could only glare at her and smile, her face was almost the same shade of red as her head, and her lipstick smudged over her lips made the image even more beautiful to her. They stood in silence for a bit until…
“I… My dear I…” Boothill waited until Argenti recomposed herself slightly as she kept playing with the woman’s curls “I assume we… share the same feeling my dear but… what… should we do?” She asked a bit nervously, her face flushed and her eyes shining with hope. Yet she hid all those insecure feelings under a sweet smile. Boothill could only chuckle and lean into another quick kiss.
“What do ya think ‘bout goin’ back to tha sofa, cuddle a bit n’ you restin’ as ya should be doin’ at the moment?” She said with a sharp smile. Argenti sighted and chuckled lightly, a warm smile forming on her lips as she leaned into another innocent kiss. Boothill felt her heart warm and relieved, knowing the knight shared the same feelings opened a new possibility for both of them. There was no need to rush this, they could take their time and let things happen between them. Boothill glared at Argenti and could feel her heart flutter at that sweet tender smile on her lips.
“That sounds sweet, my lovely ranger”