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Playlist: Argenti Loves Boothill
SAVAGES – ARGENTI’S YOUTH, A KNIGHT IS BORN
SAVAGES: MARINA – FROOT (10 Year Anniversary Edition) YT: Marina - 4:17
A young boy stands atop a hill looking out at the devastation caused by the war on his planet. Fires can be seen in the distance, highlighting a skyline consisting of burnt-out office buildings and destroyed houses. The boy glances to his right, looking at a section of the city where he should be able to see his home, however there is nothing there but huge crater. His parents had placed him in a bomb shelter near their house just before the missile struck, saving him from their fate. “Is his fate worse?” he wonders occasionally. His naturally platinum blonde hair is matted and dirty. Life has been hard after his parents died and he has had to fight and even kill to survive. It takes a piece of his soul every time he’s had to resort to violence, and this stress is manifesting itself as a streak of blood red hair in his bangs. This streak gets wider daily. His clothes are tattered and his skinny, undernourished body tells the story of the unending search for food he faces, now that he is alone in the world. He ventures out into the lawless, violent urban landscape during the day to compete with remaining denizens of the city in the search for supplies. Packs of starving wild dogs roam the streets, a danger to anyone unlucky enough to enter their territory but even more terrifying are the hollow-eyed people, who will kill at the slightest provocation. At dusk, he retreats to his burrow with precious morsels of moldy bread crusts and jars of dirty water held tightly in his hands. His only solace in this solitary existence is an ocarina he has found, its once vibrant colors of red and white with hints of gold filigree now faded. His ability to play it is limited but it comforts him on cold, lonely nights. In addition to his ocarina, the boy finds comfort in a large stray black and white cat that occasionally visits him in his hidey hole. The boy looks forward to these visits; the cat eases his loneliness and provides him with companionship as it purrs and rubs against his thin shins and accepts the meager treats he offers it.
He casts his mind back to a time before the bombs when a delegation of Knights had visited his city. They’d arrived to investigate a rumor that there was information pertaining to their lost Aeon, Idrilla, in the city’s archives. The boy found the knights mesmerizing. They were so gallant and kind and colorful. Each Knight was clad in shining armor emblazoned with a unique flower motif. They sported a wide variety of weapons with which they were lethally proficient, as they’d proven when they fought off the creatures of the anti-matter legion who attacked the boy’s city while the knights were in town doing their research. He vows to the cat that one day he will seek out these Knights and attempt to join their order so that he can learn to protect the innocent. He desperately wants to prevent other children from going through what he has. The cat blinks its large grey eyes at him and meows softly, as if offering him the encouragement to realize his dream.
ZOMBIE – BOOTHILL’S SORROW, VENGANCE WILL BE MINE
ZOMBIE: THE CRANBERRIES – NO NEED TO ARGUE YT: The Cranberries – 5:08
Thick black smoke can be seen in the distance, billowing out of the mines that are working at a frantic pace to remove all the precious minerals embedded deep in the earth of the planet. These resources have prompted the invasion of the planet by the notorious IPC, and the subjugation of the planet’s native inhabitants. They are being forced to perform backbreaking work for long hours in said mines for little or no reward. The indigenous people try fighting back but their technology is primitive in comparison to that of the invaders; horses and handguns verses tanks and missiles.
A young cowboy with long black hair stands in the yard of the destroyed farmhouse. A vicious battle has taken place here resulting in the slaughter of the inhabitants of the farm as well as many of the farm’s livestock that had been caught in the crossfire. The fields surrounding the house are littered with the bodies of horses and cows as well as the occasional chicken and barn cat. Bodies of the IPC Corporation invaders also dot the landscape. The defenders of the farm put up a valiant fight before they were slaughtered.
The cowboy had been absent from his home at the time of the attack. He had snuck aboard one of the ships that housed the leaders of the invading corporate army. He had hoped to strike at the company’s heart by assassinating some or all its leaders but had been unsuccessful. While aboard the ship, he had overheard the plot to attack his farm. With his heart in his throat, he had raced back to his home hoping upon hope to arrive in time to make a difference, but he had been too late. His beloved family, including his much-loved adopted daughter, were gone.
In front of him are seven recently dug graves. Crude wooden markers have been erected in front of 6 of the 7 mounds. The seventh grave, the smallest of them all, sits slightly apart and is unadorned. The cowboy stands in front of this grave, his broken heart is unable to comprehend how his little girl, once so vibrant and alive, could be buried cold and dead in the ground. As he stares mournfully at the grave, he hears a tiny sound. Looking down, he sees a tiny red & white furred kitten trembling at his feet, innocent green eyes showing its terror of recent events. He scoops up the baby and brings it to his face, gently rubbing it against his stubbled cheek. The tiny kitten gives a soft meow then begins to purr. At this sound, the cowboy’s emotions let go and with shoulders heaving, he pours out all his sorrow. Tears stream down his face as he lets out a howl of grief that startles the little kitten who had fallen asleep in the pocket of his jacket where he had gently placed it.
Later that evening after dropping the kitten off at a neighbouring home to keep it safe and with the job of burying his loved ones finished, the cowboy looks off into the distance. He has survived the battle but at what cost. As he looks at the small grave now covered in bouquets of colorful wildflowers, an overwhelming anger settles over him and a relentless need for revenge is born. With a hardened heart, he finally turns away from the grave and heads out to face his future. He is done crying. As he firmly secures his hat to his head, he cements his new identity in his mind. My name is Boothill now, he affirms wordlessly.
MOTH TO THE FLAME – ARGENTI’S INTEREST
MOTH TO THE FLAME: THE ENVY – MOTH TO THE FLAME LIVE WAREHOUSE REHEARSAL (Official) YT: common sense – 3:54
As Argenti is walking through the markets of the Xianzhou Luofu, his mind is fixated on thoughts of the cyborg cowboy Galaxy Ranger he’d met on the Radiant Feldspar. The man fascinates him so. His reckless manner, his noble spirit, the spicy way he speaks, his monochrome hair that hangs so straight down his back, his intriguing face with a mouth sporting shark-like teeth, his gunmetal grey eye with kissable beauty marks beneath it, and his long, lean body made of metal has captured the Knight of Beauty’s attention in the way that no other has.
When they are paired together to hunt for Sparkle’s bombs on the Radiant Feldspar, Argenti finds himself drawn to Boothill’s unbridled enthusiasm and the relentless, fervent way he throws himself into the search. When Argenti hears Boothill’s low, smooth drawl calling him pet names like Darlin’ or Sugar or best yet, Rosie, it makes him feel…a feeling he’s having a hard time identifying. He finds himself wanting to make Boothill acknowledge his existence; the normally reticent Knight inserts himself into the group text that Boothill is in with the Nameless of the Astral Express and even calls him “my silver cowboy” in a text at one point. When the search for the bombs is successfully completed and the sky over the Radiant Feldspar explodes with fireworks, Argenti finds himself edging closer to Boothill while they stand at the rail admiring the colors. Argenti’s heart flutters as Boothill glances at him and gives him a toothy grin. Although he’s confused by his feelings, the knight has had no experience with “affairs of the heart”, he can’t stop himself from dropping to one knee in front of the startled and nonplussed Galaxy Ranger to offer him single, red rose, as a token of his heartfelt salutations. Boothill accepts his offering and tucks the flower in the brim of his hat.
Back on the One and Only, Argenti thinks about the day’s events. He isn’t sure why Boothill has left such an impression on him but thinks that in Boothill, he’s found a kindred spirit. Boothill seems to be carefree and unflappable, but the knight senses an undercurrent of sorrow in him that fuels the redhead’s desire to protect him. The melancholy that Boothill strives so hard to conceal is reminiscent of the knight’s own past adversities. He sighs to himself, murmurs a short prayer to Idrilla, and goes to bed. He knows he is playing with fire and he’s not sure if his Aeon would approve but is unable to stop himself from desperately hoping he will run into Boothill again. The butterflies in his stomach continue to flutter as he thinks about the cowboy.
DO I WANNA TO KNOW – BOOTHILL’S INTEREST
DO I WANNA KNOW: ARCTIC MONKEYS – AM – 2013 YT: Arctic Monkeys – 4:37
When Boothill is introduced to the gorgeous Knight of Beauty, his first impression is that he is a “goody-two shoes”; pontificating non-stop about his lost Aeon and throwing out, apparently sincere, compliments to everyone he meets. Boothill is honest with himself, he is physically attracted to the verbose Knight. The Knight, Argenti, is blessed an almost other-worldly beauty and his voice is rich and deep, like melting chocolate. It makes Boothill unconsciously shiver when the Knight showers him with compliments, compliments about his “beauty” and his noble spirit. Argenti’s hair is a sparkling fire-red color, it cascades down his back like a waterfall and constantly shimmers as if there’s a spotlight trained non-stop on it. His hair has an intriguing streak of platinum blonde in the bangs that draws the eye to his incredible mint green eyes and flawless face. His silver and red armor with its golden highlights and its rose motif is blindingly shiny. He is polite, gracious and graceful yet, when push comes to shove, he is a formidable fighter who uses his razor-sharp lance to defend the weak with all his considerable might.
While strolling together through Aurum Alley, they come across a child crying by the side of the road. The little girl recoils in fear from the menacing looking cyborg, however Argenti unhesitatingly kneels in the dirt beside her and with kind words and comforting gestures, he coaxes her to confide in him. She shyly gestures to a nearby tree where her cat is stuck in the upper branches. Boothill watches in awe as the Knight of Beauty promptly drops his gauntlets and kicks off his sabatons then, with the grace of a leopard, scrambles up the tree trunk to the branch where a large orange cat is perched, meowing mournfully. A few moments later, hands covered in cat scratches and bite marks, the Knight presents the rescued cat to his owner. The little girl in her joy, throws her arms around Argenti and gives him a big hug. The Knight is taken aback by this impulsive gesture but soothingly pats her head and wipes the tears from her face. The little girl smiles as she scampers away with her cat in her arms. Later that day, with this incident still playing in his mind, Boothill, unconsciously sentimental about his own lost daughter, presents the blushing Knight with a huge bouquet of red roses. The radiant smile Argenti bestows upon him in response to this gesture replays repeatedly in Galaxy Ranger’s mind over the days that follow. He is focused on his mission of vengeance but unconsciously, he looks forward to the day when he might cross paths with the Knight of Beauty again.
I AM NOT A ROBOT – THE DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIP
I AM NOT A ROBOT: MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS – 2013 YT: Marina and the Diamonds – 3:35
Fate has cast the Galaxy Ranger and Knight of Beauty together regularly. They have met in towns and on the battlefield and have developed a friendship of sorts. They meet so often that they both subconsciously look for the other the minute they land at a new destination, and both are not consciously aware of their disappointment if the other cannot be found. Boothill often hitches rides to his next destination on Argenti’s ship, The One and Only, when they do meet up and the redheaded Knight is more than happy for the company. On this day, Boothill is sitting on a couch in The One and Only‘s living area with a cigarette dangling from his lips and Argenti at his side. Argenti, while crinkling his nose up at the smell of smoke, understands that smoking is an indulgence that connects Boothill to his humanity and he is more than willing to sacrifice his own comfort so that Boothill feels more human. Argenti is watching with fascination as Boothill makes minor repairs to his cyborg body. His eyes sparkle with interest as he watches Boothill open a compartment on his arm, revealing the hoses containing his synthetic blood, as well as the pistons and wiring that allow him to function. “Hand me the smallest flathead screwdriver you have Rosie,” Boothill requests. Argenti, blushing at the endearment, searches through the repair kit in front of him for the requested tool and hands it over when he finds it. As Boothill reaches for the screwdriver, their hands touch. The warmth of Argenti’s hand feels so good to the cyborg, that he lets the touch linger until it leaves them both confused and flustered. Boothill unconsciously secures the red rose that is tucked behind his ear as he resumes his repairs. Argenti’s eyes flick between Boothill’s arm and his face, which is staring down in deep concentration. His look of fascination softens as he stares at Boothill’s features and his eyes shine with his affection for the man next to him. From their conversations, that carry on into the wee hours of the morning, Argenti feels that Boothill is one of the few souls that understands him and can see past the glittering persona to the man beneath. Boothill, he believes, would understand why the Knight jerks awake from a sound sleep night after night with the sounds of bombs, explosions and gunfire as well as the screams and moans of the dead and dying echoing in his ears.
When his repairs are finished, a touch-starved Boothill requests Argenti remove his gloves. Without overtly acknowledging this moment of weakness, Boothill grabs Argent’s hand and brings its warmth to his cheek in a soft caress. Boothill sighs and leans into Argenti’s hand, eyes closed and animated features at peace for a change. Argenti is one of the few people the wary cowboy feels comfortable enough with that he can let his guard down. Argenti finds himself staring at Boothill in wonder, exceedingly aware of the trust he is being extended. Recognizing Boothill’s need for connection, he reaches out his other hand and begins gently caressing the cowboy’s sleek white and black hair. Boothill sighs again in contentment and squeezes his Rosie’s hand tighter. They sit like this for several hours, not speaking, just enjoying each other’s comfort. On a table, in the background of this quiet moment, a vase full of red roses can be seen.
DRUNK TEXT – FEELINGS ARE STARTING TO OVERFLOW
DRUNK TEXT: HENRY MOODIE – 2023 YT: Henry Moodie - 3:08
Boothill is sitting in a bar on Penacony after the final battle with Sunday in his emanator form. He’s been celebrating with the Astral Express crew and his new Penacony acquaintances but now, as his friends have all left to return to their rooms, his mind is filled with the thoughts of a certain red-haired Knight. He has been thinking of Argenti at unexpected times, and it’s beginning to annoy him. Through all their chance meetings and time spent together on The One and Only, the redhead has wormed his way into Boothill’s heart and this unexpected turn of events has left the Galaxy Ranger shaken. As he unconsciously fiddles with the rose tucked in his hat while lolling drunkenly on his bar stool, he places his phone on the bar inadvertently dialing a voice-to-text contact. He calls out for another Asdana White Oak and after a brief conversation with the bartender, Boothill throws back his drink. With the alcohol in the last drink tipping him into inebriation, Boothill lays his head down on his arms for a rest, mumbling quietly under his breath. The bartender decides to leave him as is for the time being.
Argenti, in his bed in a Penacony hotel, is tossing and turning as he is unable to sleep. He finds thoughts of a certain uncouth cowboy are increasingly cluttering up his mind and he is unable to decide how he feels about it. He has toyed with the idea of reaching out to the Galaxy Ranger by text but isn’t sure what to say. The moment they shared on The One and Only has seared itself into his brain and he is uncertain about what the next step would entail and if the cowboy would even be amendable to it. As his phone pings, he is instantly alert. Although he missed the final Penacony battle as he’d been ensnared by a vision of a sorely missed friend in Ena’s Dream as well as taking on a side mission of rescuing the IPC representative, Adventurine, from his banishment to the Nihility, he worries that another emergency has cropped up that requires his assistance. He wipes the sleep from his eyes and reaches out for his cell phone, which is lying beside a vase of beautiful red roses displayed prominently next to his bed. His eyes widen as he starts to listen to an unbelievable voice-to-text message from Boothill. "Could he mean me", he thinks wonderingly. Then he hears a sentence that leaves no doubt in his mind that Boothill is thinking of him. He flops back on his pillow with a look of sheer hope and consideration on his face.
Voice-to-text message: “…..barely audible clinks ….Oi, Gallagher, bring me another Asdana White Oak…..inaudible response…sounds of a drink being poured and placed down on a bar, ice cubes clinking together….thanks man, hey how do ya’ll tell someone how much they mean ta you?....muffled reply… they are so pretty, and kind, and pretty, way outta my league. I, I, I can’tttt….heavy sigh, long staticky pause followed by mumbling...knights of beauty and galaxy rangers, who’d let us join forces….so fudging pretty….R, Rosie, I……loud snoring…” Voice to text message ends.
S.E.X. – FEELINGS OVERFLOW
S.E.X.: NICKELBACK – DARK HORSE YT: Nickelback – 3:54
Argenti and Boothill team up to investigate a mysterious cult on Penacony. This leads them to meet at the front desk of The Reverie to extend their rooms for a few more nights while the investigation proceeds. The Trailblazer, who is manning the front desk, takes one look at the pair and decides to play matchmaker. He mischievously advises them that there is only one room available and they will have to share it. Argenti immediately indicates his acceptance, but Boothill is a bit more apprehensive. It takes some convincing, but he finally accedes to the arrangement, and he and Argenti head up to drop their belongings off in their shared quarters. Boothill is uncomfortably aware of the fact there is only one bed in the room but as Argenti is not making a fuss about it, he decides to keep his doubts to himself. He watches as Argenti ceremoniously arranges a bouquet of red roses in a vase on his bedside table, then places the single red rose that he carries with him always, on his.
After their mission is successfully completed and Qingque is saved, Argenti and Boothill go out on the town for a celebratory dinner. They end up at a country bar where Argenti cheers as Boothill shows his prowess at riding the mechanical bull and where Boothill scratches his head in consternation as Argenti, who professes to have never played before, hits bullseye after bullseye during a friendly game of darts. As the music blares they sit at the bar pounding back drinks and laughing together. This is the first time he has seen Argenti visibly tipsy and Boothill can’t help teasing him about it. When a slow song starts playing, a girl comes up to Argenti and asks him to dance. After an apologetic glance at Boothill and with no way to refuse her without sounding boorish, Argenti accepts and takes the girl out onto the dance floor. He attempts to keep a mannerly distance from her, but she is so delighted that he’s accepted her invitation, she moves too close and grabs on to him. He gingerly puts his arms around her to avoid a scene. Argenti tries to keep his attention on the young lady, who is chattering away at him, but he can’t help glancing over at the bar where Boothill is still sitting, staring at them. Argenti is having a hard time determining nature of the expression on Boothill’s face as he’s never seen it on his companion before. Boothill is finding it hard to admit to himself that he’s experiencing the green-eyed monster while he watches the girl fawning all over over his Rosie.
As the music picks up, more patrons hit the dance floor for a square dance. Argenti finds himself getting increasingly dizzy from the unusually high amount of alcohol he’s consumed as he’s swung around the dance floor. While stumbling from partner to partner, he desperately tries to signal Boothill for help, but the cowboy is no longer in his seat at the bar. The Knight eventually missteps but before he hits the floor, he feels an arm around his waist arresting his fall. He looks up at his savior and finds himself eye to eye with Boothill who is staring intently back at him. Argenti is immensely grateful as Boothill leads him off the dance floor, guiding him with a possessive hand in the small of his back. They leave the bar and slowly start to make their way back to their room. Boothill slings a comforting arm over Argenti’s shoulder, pulling him in close. Argenti tiredly leans his head on Boothill’s shoulder savoring his unique smell of leather, smoke and whiskey. Boothill gently rubs Argenti’s shoulder as his soft, sweet-smelling hair tickles his nose.
In their room, Argenti, with no forethought, leans over to Boothill and gives him a gentle kiss on the cheek. This ignites something in Boothill, and he can hold back no longer. He pushes Argenti up against the door, pinning him in place with the bulk of his body and slowly leans in until their faces are mere centimeters apart. As he studies Argenti’s eyes he sees a look of startled innocence slowly being replaced by a dawning look of desire. “Is this really what ya want Darlin’” Boothill whispers, his lips hovering over Argenti’s. “If we get started, I ain’t gonna be able to stop” he warns. Argenti’s mind whirls with thoughts of his Aeon and his duty but far above all of that right now, is his emerging love, and lust, for the man in front of him. “Yes, my love”, he whispers back, voice husky with desire. “Yes, I want this more than anything I have ever wanted before.” With that declaration, he closes the distance between them and presses his soft lips on Boothill’s, savoring his taste and groaning deep in his throat. Boothill swings him around, and with their lips still locked together, maneuvers him backwards until his legs hit the bed. A maid, pushing her cart down the corridor, smiles to herself as she recognizes the soft moans and cries coming from within the room. She thoughtfully hangs a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the doorknob as she passes by.
FROM THIS MOMENT ON – THE AFTERGLOW
FROM THIS MOMENT ON (FEAT. BRYAN WHITE): SHANIA TWAIN – COME ON OVER YT: Shania Twain – 4:42
Boothill is lying on his side, in bed, watching Argenti sleep. He admires his lover’s soft yet masculine features as well as the strong lines of his body, muscles sculpted in marble even in peaceful repose. He marvels that such an incredibly beautiful and noble knight would have any interest in a bucket of bolts like him. Argenti makes a soft murmuring noise which prompts Boothill to reach out and take him in his arms. Argenti sighs in his sleep and contently snuggles closer to his other half, entwining their legs together and resting his head on Boothill’s metal chest. Boothill gently smooths Argenti’s hair back from his face and tenderly cups his cheek as he pulls his sleeping lover in for a kiss. He smiles as he savors Argenti’s soft lips against his. Boothill knows in his heart that Argenti is a complication that he will have to deal with in the future but for now, he is content to lie next to him and caress him as he sleeps. For the first time, since losing his family, Boothill’s heart feels full of something other than hatred and the need for revenge. It scares him a little.
Argenti is sitting up in bed reading a treaty on his Aeon while Boothill is recharging next to him. He’s had no prior experience with physical love but has no regrets about the moments of intense passion that he has shared with the incredible man at his side. He is feeling more peaceful than he can ever remember feeling. As he glances at Boothill, who is immobile and vulnerable, he is overcome with feelings of love and devotion. It scares him a little as these feelings are ones that he normally reserves for his Aeon of Beauty. Argenti lifts Boothill’s limp hand to his lips and presses a soft kiss to his palm. He sighs in contentment and returns to reading, keeping Boothill’s fingers laced with his. “I love you dearest one,” he whispers.
(EVERYTHING I DO) I DO FOR YOU – DANGER, WHAT DANGER
(EVERYTHING I DO) I DO IT FOR YOU (Classic Version): BRYAN ADAMS – CLASSIC YT: Bryan Adams - 6:28
Argenti and Boothill arrive together on a beleaguered planet after receiving the inhabitant’s distress call. They head out to hunt down the stings that are attacking the nearby villages at night. Argenti stands back and marvels at his companion’s tracking skills as he unerringly brings them to the field where the bugs are hiding. “Beware ‘Genti” Boothill advises as he cautiously makes his way through the field to locate their quarry. Argenti calls his lance to his side as he covers Boothill’s back. Suddenly, the ground explodes as hordes of stings come shooting up into sky from the burrows they had made in the ground. Argenti and Boothill stand back-to-back to cover each other’s vulnerable spots. Their fighting styles are incredibly complementary. Boothill, with his guns blazing, picks off the bugs as they approach the pair while Argenti, with his red and silver lance, gracefully skewers anything that slips through, all while keeping up his shield to protect them. They perfectly embody the warrior ethos that they both embrace and their faces reflect the thrill of battle that they are both experiencing. As they glance at one another in a moment of downtime, Boothill grins cheekily at Argenti whose eyes shine back with his love and admiration for his partner.
At one point during the intense battle, they get separated from each other. Boothill, after finishing off the final bug attacking him, looks over at Argenti who is surrounded by bugs and fighting desperately to keep them from overwhelming him. Boothill immediately charges into the fray to rescue him, his anger overflowing as he picks off those who would injure his love. Panting with exertion, both warriors freeze as they hear the low buzzing of an enormous sting rising from the depths of its burrow and on to the field of battle. The Knight of Beauty and his Galaxy Ranger gird themselves for the final battle of the day. Their confidence in their fighting prowess and in each other is complete and the sting, as large and vicious as it is, stands no chance.
That evening back on The One and Only they reminisce about the battle they fought that day, while contentedly sitting side by side cleaning off the bug guts from Boothill’s guns and Argenti’s armor. Boothill glances over at Argenti in his tight, black tank top and notices a red stain on his side. Eyes crinkled with concern, he lifts his lover’s shirt to reveal a slightly enflamed puncture wound, slowly dripping blood. As Boothill frantically looks for the first aid kit to clean and disinfect the cut, Argenti gently reassures him it is but a scratch and points to the many scars, left by more dangerous wounds, that dot his torso and from which he recovered. Boothill is not listening. He is in a panic brought about by the fear of losing yet another person that he cares deeply for. Argenti, sensing this, lets him fuss over him and administer to his wound without protest.
TRULY MADLY DEEPLY – DREAMS OF PEACE
TRULY MADLY DEEPLY: SAVAGE GARDEN – SAVAGE GARDEN YT: Savage Garden – 4:38
Argenti and Boothill are astride majestic stallions, racing through a field of golden wheat while their long hair flows behind them. Argenti is dressed in a white shirt embroidered with red roses tucked into tight, black pants, and black riding boots. Boothill is wearing a denim vest, well-worn blue jeans, cowboy boots and his ever-present cowboy hat with a rose tucked in its brim. Their faces are flushed and their adrenalin is running high. Boothill pulls ahead on his jet-black steed, yipping with joy. He stands up in his stirrups and turns around to look at Argenti who is trailing behind him. Excitedly, he gestures for Argenti to catch up. Argenti gently nudges his grey and white stallion and with a sudden burst of speed he is sweeping past Boothill, sticking his tongue out at him impishly as he races by. Their competitive spirit ignites and the two dash headlong across the field, each maneuvering to outdo the other, all the while laughing and hollering as they strive to win. This continues until they reach the bank of a flowing river. Here they dismount and sit together on the shore admiring the views of the mountains in the distance, and of each other. As they lean into each other to kiss, passions flare and they take advantage of this moment of privacy to express their love for one another.
That evening, they sit in a cozy camp by a campfire that Boothill has built using the skills he’d mastered as a young lad on his home planet. Argenti sits quietly and listens as Boothill strums on his guitar and sings to him the songs of his youth. He eventually feels confident enough to join in on the choruses of the songs and surprises Boothill with his rich baritone singing voice. Argenti pulls out his ocarina and attempts to serenade Boothill in turn, but the abominable noises he makes leaves both men wishing they were earless. Even the tethered horses appear to be wincing and shifting uncomfortably. “I still have not mastered this art” the Knight ruefully confesses to Boothill who wholeheartedly agrees. They lay down in their tent that night, contentedly snuggling together. “I love you, my silver cowboy”, Argenti whispers into Boothill’s ear. “I love you too Rosie”, Boothill replies gently as they drift off to sleep.
Later, the redheaded knight and his cowboy lover open their eyes and exit the Penacony dreampool they are sharing. As they dry each other off, they remember their mutual dream with great fondness. They know there is work to be done but are grateful for the moments they can spend together in romantic bliss.
STUPIDLY HAPPY – DOMESTIC BLISS
STUPIDLY HAPPY: XTC – WASP STAR (APPLE VENUS, VOL 2) – 2000 YT: XTC – 4:14
As Argenti and Boothill’s relationship continues to flourish, it is the little things that they enjoy most. Cooking together in the kitchen for one. While Boothill doesn’t need food to survive, he is concerned that his lover’s only source of sustenance seems to be bread. He is at home in the kitchen and he encourages Argenti to join him there to help him prepare meals for them to enjoy. Argenti is not much of a cook, but he treasures these moments with Boothill and eagerly throws himself into the chore of chopping vegetables to add to whatever culinary masterpiece Boothill is creating. Boothill sometimes wishes Argenti was a little less enthusiastic in his efforts, as the vegetables are usually diced to such an extent that they are almost non-existent. He marvels that a man who is so adept with a bladed lance can be so inadept with a kitchen knife. For his part, Argenti is just glad to be a part of this domestic bliss, and he will often stop in the middle of whatever he is doing to walk over and plant a soft kiss on whatever part he can reach on the man he loves. Boothill accepts and often returns the affection bestowed upon him.
After dinner, Argenti and Boothill sometimes sit in the living space of The One and Only and have long discussions about everything and nothing while Argenti sips tea and mends his armor and Boothill enjoys a glass of whiskey and a cigarette. Bit by bit, they have lovingly drawn each other out and have established enough trust that they start to confide in each other stories of their past experiences. Argenti’s tender heart causes his eyes fill with tears as Boothill describes his love for his lost daughter and his anguish in losing her and the rest of his family. It helps him understand Boothill’s unquenchable desire for revenge against the person who deprived him of them. Boothill mourns for Argenti who has never really known the love of a family; he lost his parents at such a young age and spent most of his youth hiding in a hole underground. It helps him to better understand Argenti’s need to find beauty in things normally considered mundane. Their mutual tragedies bring them closer together.
Not all their discussions are of the past though. Argenti will often discuss his mission to locate his lost Aeon with Boothill, drawing upon the Ranger’s enviable instincts in the hunt to help narrow down locations to search. Boothill, with eyes gleaming, will plan aloud his vengeance on the head of the IPC marketing division, Oswaldo Schneider, bouncing increasingly complicated and convoluted ideas off Argenti who listens quietly then offers unerringly good advice based on his knightly training in the art of warfare. They do not always agree on everything, but they respect each other’s opinions, and their animated debates often end in a draw. They studiously avoid discussing topics like their relationship and where it will take them in the future. Their love is centered in the present and is evident in everything they do.
DON’T LET GO – A NIGHT ON THE TOWN
DON’T LET GO: THE ENVY – DON’T LET GO – 2010 YT: The Envy – 3:34
It is a rare moment when Argenti and Boothill get a night on the town together, what with their mutual and individual missions. Tonight is an exception, however. They arrive at the bar and sit closely next to each other at a small table, listening to the music, drinking fruity cocktails and whispering and laughing together. They are in a bubble all their own, with eyes for each other alone. The other patrons of the bar often glance over at them, envious of their extraordinary beauty and their obvious devotion to each other. The girls sigh and shake their heads, feeling sorry for themselves as they realize they have absolutely no chance with either man. Some men do as well.
While the couple are enjoying a particularly competitive game of pool, they are reminded of the first time they’d played pool together back on the Radiant Feldspar. It was the first time they’d bonded over something other than battle. After an intense and close match, Argenti had struck a pose and used flowery, over the top language to playfully pretend to praise the Aeons for his unexpected win. In response Boothill, pretending to be annoyed, slowly made as if to unholster his gun and had jokingly told him to “get back to the table for another game ‘fore he blows his fudgin’ head off.”
Although Boothill had been very attracted to Argenti’s undeniable good looks and lithe, muscular body, it was during that first game of pool that he discovered they had more in common than he’d originally thought; they were both clad in silver, both packin’ heat and the cherry on top, both oozing with righteousness. This was the first time he’d witnessed the usually reserved redhead let his hair down and have fun. He found himself drawn to Argenti’s quick wit and was caught off guard by his subtle humor which had the left the Galaxy Ranger breathless after fits of laughter. He had found himself hoping the night wouldn’t end so he could spend more time with the man who seemed to be able to draw him out of his shell without effort.
For Argenti’s part, he had always believed that Boothill was worthy of the Beauty’s favor due to his blazing hot, chivalrous heart but it was when he observed Boothill leaning over the pool table lining up next shot, that his interest turned carnal. To his dismay, the view had caused his trousers to tighten, and the Knight had been forced to hide behind the pool table and to keep his head down to prevent observers from noticing his tented pants and the intense blush covering his face. The enraptured knight found immense beauty in the handsome cowboy’s every word and gesture and this phenomenon had him hoping the night wouldn’t end so he could spend more time with the man who sparked his ardor.
Their flirtatious banter and attraction for one another that night was obvious to even the most casual observer, this being Dr. Ratio who was in the same lounge attempting to read. He’d eventually slammed his book closed in annoyance and had moved off to find quieter surroundings.
In the present, when they finish their pool game and are back at their seats, a beautiful rock song called Don’t Let Go starts playing. The knight and cowboy rise from their chairs and begin to dance, holding each other close. Boothill finds this moment particularly poignant as it was watching Argenti dancing with another that prompted him to confess his feelings for the Knight. Argenti, for his part, is in the arms of the only one he ever wants to hold him. As song after song plays, the pair remain on the dance floor swaying to a love song only they can hear. The romance of it is apparent to all who covertly watch them.
YOU MAKE LOVING FUN – IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS
YOU MAKE LOVING FUN (2004 Remaster): FLEETWOOD MAC – RUMOURS YT: Fleetwood Mac – 3:34
One of the most indulgent aspects of Argenti’s self-care routines is the nurturing of his fiery, curly red hair. His only luxury is the expensive hair care products he uses to nourish his beautiful locks and to keep his hair shiny, soft and sweet smelling. Boothill is happy to contribute to its care by spending time every night brushing out Argenti’s hair, often leaning in to bask in the scent of roses that comes wafting off it. Argenti adores this time spent with his love and leans back into Boothill’s chest, smiling gently while his lover performs his ministrations.
One of the things Boothill has retained from his humanity is his long, luscious hair. As a human, his hair was pitch-black, hanging just below his waist. The shock of his transformation into a cyborg has caused most of his hair to turn white, however his bangs have remained the same ebon color of his boyhood. Argenti encourages Boothill to take better care of his tresses by spending time each night gently washing his lover’s hair, giving him a relaxing scalp massage, adding product to bring out its luster, then blow drying it and braiding it in the intricate style of Boothill’s youth. If he could cry, Boothill would have wept over his lover’s sweet consideration of him.
Care and maintenance of Argenti’s armor and Boothill’s cyborg body is a chore that brings them closer together also. Argenti is meticulous in cleaning, oiling and repairing his armor whenever he removes it; Boothill is considerably less meticulous with his body. It is Argenti’s pleasure to clean and polish his lover’s torso and limbs to a glossy shine. It is one way he can demonstrate his love for Boothill without making him uncomfortable with flowery compliments. Boothill enjoys the attention although he’d be damned before he would admit it out loud. “Give it a fudgin’ rest Rosie” he’d grump as Argenti rubs a polishing cloth across his chest all the while reveling in the faint feeling of Argenti’s touch.
I DON’T WANT TO MISS A THING – COULD THIS BE OUR FUTURE?
I DON’T WANT TO MISS A THING (From “Armageddon” Soundtrack): AEROSMITH – ARMAGEDDON – THE ALBUM YT: Aerosmith – 4:59
It has been established that neither Argenti nor Boothill wish to talk to each other about what the future could bring once their missions are accomplished, as there are too many uncertainties to consider but they each have a secret dream.
Boothill dreams of a ranch on a peaceful planet, where he can hang up his guns for good. In exchange, he will raise animals, grow crops and have a family. In his dream, he is standing in his cozy kitchen, looking out the window at everything he has ever wanted. In the distance, he can see cows and horses dotting the fields while in the barnyard, chickens are pecking for grain, and the barn cats are hunting field mice. He hears a dog bark excitedly and looks over to see his hound dog wagging its tail happily. Beside the dog is Boothill’s true love Argenti and their adopted blond twins romping together in the front yard. Argenti indulges their kids by holding their hands while whirling them around, then tossing them up into the air and catching them in his strong arms as they plummet back down to earth. The kids are squealing and laughing so hard that their sides hurt. Boothill is smiling so hard that his mouth feels like it is going to split. He longs to go and join them in their frolicking, but dinner won’t cook itself so, with a sigh, he gets back to the joyous work of feeding his beloved family.
In Argenti’s dream, he's on a peaceful farm on a distant planet. He and his family are hard-working and self-reliant. They must be, there are no neighbours for miles around to rely on. At night when darkness falls the silence which he treasures is complete. There is a village several kilometers away that they can travel to, should he feel a need for a night out with his love, however that hankering is rare. He has everything he desires right in front of him. He is sitting on the squeaky porch swing enjoying a lemonade after a hard day of working in the fields. He looks out to admire his heart, Boothill, and their 5 adopted children as they feed their livestock and get ready to move them to the barn for the night. He watches with love in his eyes as Boothill gently instructs their children on how to perform their chores. The youngest are tasked to feed the chickens while the oldest take care of the cows and horses. Boothill’s patience with his children is exemplary given his impatience with almost everything else. He tirelessly teaches their kids the do’s and don’ts of animal husbandry while gently picking them up when they fall and kissing their cuts and bruises when they inevitably occur. Argenti’s heart feels so full it may explode.
While they may never discuss the future with each other, both men secretly hope and pray that their dreams will one day become their reality.
MAN OF TWO MINDS – DO DREAMS EXPLODE OR SLOWLY FADE AWAY
MAN OF TWO MINDS: THE TREWS – TME CAPSULE YT: The Trews – 3:59
Boothill is pacing up and down the hallways of The One and Only waiting for Argenti to return from a mission. As a man of action, the wait is excruciating and it is only for Argenti that he will tolerate it. Bored out of his mind, he opens an app on his phone and starts scrolling. Suddenly, the face of the person he’s sworn vengeance on appears in his feed. A photo of Oswaldo Schneider, head of the IPC Marketing Development, is accompanied by an article explaining that he is scheduled to accept a Humanitarian Award later in the month. As Boothill glares at Oswaldo’s image, the feelings he’s held in abeyance as his relationship with Argenti had blossomed, ignite and a tapestry of memories flood his cybernetic brain, threatening to overload his synapses. He blinks with each memory he recalls:
Blink: the memory of finding a baby lying abandoned in a grove of trees next to the path he and his metal grey stallion, Bullet, had been travelling home on. If not for his keen hearing, he may have missed her weak cries.
Blink: the memory of tucking the cold and starving child securely into his warm jacket and encouraging Bullet to breakneck speed to get them home faster.
Blink: the memory of his found family gathering around the newcomer and unquestioningly welcoming her into the fold.
Blink: the memories of his new daughter’s gurgles, cries and laughter as she thrived under his loving care and grew older. Her hugs, her tears, her first steps and her first word, Papa, are seared into his brain.
Blink: the memory of arriving too late to save her and his family from their fate. Of finding her bullet ridden body on the cold ground under the body of his dad, who had tried to shelter her even in death.
Blink: the memory of hand digging his family's graves to lay them to rest and of picking bunches of wildflowers to adorn their final resting spots.
His plans for her future, all gone in an instant by the order of the monster whose picture is in front of him. Boothill’s lips pull back in a snarl, and he hurls his phone across the room. His need for justice for his lost daughter is growing by the second, conflicting with his desire for a simple domestic life with his beloved Knight of Beauty.
When Argenti arrives back at The One and Only that evening after his mission was competed, he sees Boothill restlessly pacing, his normally good-looking face distorted by a menacing grimace. As Boothill explains what has happened, Argenti suddenly realizes that their beautiful dream is over. His heart feels like a lead weight as he gazes at the love of his life and whispers “Beloved, we must talk”. In bed later that night, they cling to each other knowing that something exquisite in their lives has been, possibly irrevocably, broken.
CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU – THE DREAM ENDS
CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU: PHIL COLLINS – TESTIFY YT: Phil Collins – 4:17
The One and Only is docked at the Astral Express. Argenti is dully peering out through the cockpit window, watching his heart and soul as he slowly walks out of his life and onto the Trailblazer’s train. His eyes cloud with tears, tears that he won’t shed until he is alone in the solitude of space. His heart is slowly breaking in two, however he believes that what is happening is inevitable and is for the best. Throughout their relationship, Argenti has often quietly questioned whether his Aeon approves of it. Idrilla’s journey is supposed to be an aesthetic one and being with Boothill is too much of an indulgence. His destiny, he believes, is to traverse the universe alone. He is already incredibly lonely.
As Boothill slowly disembarks from The One and Only and starts his way up the gangplank of the Astral Express, he feels his limbs getting heavier with each step he takes. His head hangs low and if he had needed to breathe, his breath would be hitching. In his mind, he knows that breaking up is the right thing to do. His vengeance is a solo mission, and it is best and safest for Argenti not to be involved. In his heart however, all he wants to do is return to Argenti’s arms. He dares not look behind him at The One and Only or his resolve may break. He has made up his mind that once his mission is accomplished, he will release Argenti by releasing himself. This is the kindest thing he can do for them both.
On the Astral Express, Boothill sits, stone-faced, in the Parlor car with an untouched cup of coffee in front of him and three of the Nameless hovering around trying to console him. He watches as The One and Only pulls away from the Express and disappears into the vast, dark cosmos but shows no reaction or emotion. The Nameless are heartbroken for their friends considering their devastating break-up. March 7th and Caelus attempt to discuss Boothill’s situation with him until they are pulled away by Dan Heng, who is very considerate of his friend’s emotions and knows that now is not the time for questions, however well-meaning they are. Welt and Himeko meet in the Club car to discuss their concern for Argenti, who is alone in this time of grief. They try texting him but receive no answer. With no way to locate him in the vast universe, they silently worry and keep the lines of communication open in case he attempts to reach out to them.
ANIMAL I HAVE BECOME – RECKLESSNESS TO COMBAT THE HEARTBREAK
ANIMAL I HAVE BECOME: THREE DAYS GRACE – ONE-X YT: Three Days Grace – 3.52
Argenti finds himself on a distant planet, recommended by Boothill in one of their many discussions, searching for some signs of Idrilla’s passing. He eventually does find an incredibly old shrine to Idrilla covered in vines and debris. As he starts to uncover it, a swarm of malignant bugs emerge from the foliage. He grins viciously, summons his lance and begins to battle the bugs with abandon. As he slashes and parries, gives wounds and receives them, he uses the fight to assuage his aching heart. Once the battle is over and he is surrounded by his vanquished foes he gives way to his despair and falls to the ground in front of his Aeon’s statue, weeping in sorrow. The statue appears to be looking down at him with an expression of sympathy and concern. After an indeterminate amount of time passes, he slowly rises to his feet, wipes the tears from his face and closes his redden eyes in weariness. He trudges back to The One and Only on leaden feet and throws himself on his bed, neglecting to remove the armor that he normally attends to with such diligence. His eyes close and he prays to Idrilla to end his torment. His Aeon does not provide him with any solace as he continues to mourn his loss.
Boothill has visited the Express several times since the break-up. Each time he arrives without fanfare or advance notice. He enters the train looking grim, barely acknowledging the crew when they greet him. His metal form is looking the worst for wear, his body is covered with deep gouges, and his limbs are showing signs of increasingly debilitating damage. He immediately heads to the room the crew has set aside for him. Once he enters the room, he locks the door and refuses to respond to the knocks and pleading of the trailblazer and his cohorts. When the crew advises him that they have not been able to reach Argenti, he does not react or reply. He just sits in the darkness, staring at nothing until the pounding on his door ceases. When he is ready to move out for his next mission, he slips away from the Express in the dead of night without a goodbye.
The cowboy is acting like a dead man walking. The shell around his heart has solidified and he views himself not as a human being but rather as a living object of revenge. He finds himself slowly creeping up a gangplank to the entrance of an enormous IPC flagship, overrun with guards and crew members. The rumor he’s uncovered is that his most hated enemy is expected to be aboard the vessel this evening to accept his award. It will most likely be a suicide run, but he is all for it. With a fierce grin, he checks his various guns to ensure they are loaded as well as his stash of bullets. Once he is satisfied with his equipment, he starts to make his way into the spacecraft. Suddenly, as he is spotted, klaxon horns begin to blare and strobes throughout the ship start to flash. “Even better”, he thinks as he unsheathes his guns and starts to sprint through the tight corridors towards his target. His normally grey eye glows a malignant red color and he bares his sharpened teeth in a feral smile as his excitement and anticipation grows. Eventually the sounds of gunfire can be heard from the bowels of the ship as the hunter nears his hunt’s end.
MISSING YOU – REALITY HITS HARD
MISSING YOU: JOHN WAITE – NO BRAKES YT: John Waite – 4:30
The Astral Express crew are extremely concerned. It’s been weeks since Argenti dropped Boothill off at the Express and since that day, the Knight has been MIA. They’ve sent many frantic texts to him expressing their concern about him and about Boothill, who is becoming more remote and reckless as time passes but there has been no answer. Every text sent has been left unread. The crew has sent out BOLO requests to their friends and acquaintances across the universe, but no one has reported seeing or hearing from the red-haired Knight of Beauty and his distinctive ship, The One and Only, has not been spotted even in passing. It’s unlike the Knight not to stay in touch and his silence is leaving the crew with a feeling of dread.
Argenti has barely left his bedroom on the One and Only in days. His normally shining red hair is matted and dull and his sparkling mint green eyes are bloodshot and puffy. As he slowly pulls himself out of bed and drags himself down the hallway to get a drink of water and a morsel of food, he glimpses a framed picture on the wall of the spaceship. It is a picture of he and Boothill in better times. They are standing side by side with their arms slung around each other, mugging for the camera without care in the world. Argenti’s eyes fill with tears as he removes the picture from the wall and hugs it to his chest. The sense of loss it evokes in him is shattering his world. He turns around, nausea brought on by sorrow rising, and returns to his bedroom. On the bed, he curls up in a little ball, hugging the picture desperately and weeps for hours. He feels his grief is intensifying instead of abating as time passes. Eventually, he falls into a restless sleep full of nightmares brought on by his despair. His silenced phone continually vibrates as message after unacknowledged message is received.
Boothill sits in a dive bar on a backwards planet. He’s surrounded by empty liquor bottles, but he’s not drunk. The alcohol appears to be having little effect on him tonight and it is frustrating him to no end. His life’s mission is complete, and he should be celebrating but there is no feeling of joy or accomplishment in him. All he feels is a cold, dead emptiness. Several women have cozied up to him, attracted by his dangerous allure. They attempt to draw him into conversation in hopes that he will leave with them when the bar closes, but he ignores them all. Eventually his hand makes its way into the pocket of his shirt, and he pulls out a small, worn picture. A picture that looks like it has been viewed repeatedly. As he stares at the photograph of his darling Knight of Beauty, beaming out at him with the special smile that he reserves for Boothill alone, Boothill’s feeling of loss intensifies. Abruptly he leaves the bar and totters over to a low wall in front of a ledge that is overlooking a cliff. As he ponders his circumstances, he looks over the edge and tries to calculate his chances of survival if he throws himself over the barrier. The weight of his sorrow is dragging him down into the abyss.
NEED YOU NOW – THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
NEED YOU NOW: LADY ANTEBELLUM – NEED YOU KNOW YT: Lady A – 3:57
Argenti, in his bedroom of The One and Only, is holding his cell phone in one hand and his head in the other. He’s seen the 150 missed messages he’s received from his friends with their increasingly alarmed updates on Boothill’s decline and has made his decision. He has made peace with himself and no longer fears his Aeon’s wrath for following his heart’s desire. On the screen of his phone is Boothill’s name but no message has yet been written. Argenti stares at the phone and tries to focus his tired brain, to gather his racing thoughts. Next to him, on the bedside table is a bouquet of red roses, that have been preserved under glass. Argenti sighs and begins to type.
Boothill, in his dingy hotel room on a distant planet, is sitting on a stained sofa with his cell phone in one hand and a bottle of whiskey in the other. On the screen is Argenti’s name but no message has been recorded. Boothill despairs on what he could say that would ever make this right. He’s a man of action but not necessarily with words. His eye slides away from the phone for moment and his glance lands on a prized possession that he has carried with him ever since it was presented to him. It is a single red rose, preserved under glass. He sighs and his eyes swing back to land his phone’s screen. To his astonishment, he sees the three little dots that indicate that a message is being typed. He waits with bated breath to see what the message says.
SORRY – THE SONG NAME SAYS IT ALL
SORRY: BUCKCHERRY – 15 YT: Buckcherry – 3:49
As Boothill’s phone eventually dings indicating a message has been received, he closes his eyes. He’s petrified to read the message in front of him. Eventually he gathers his resolve, slowly opens his eyes and reads the message that appears on the screen from his Rosie. He rubs his eye with his knuckles, then refocuses on the message. He is frozen in disbelief. The message reads “I can’t live without you my dearest silver cowboy, I love you so much. My life has no meaning unless you are in it. I’m so sorry that I didn’t realize this sooner” Suddenly his paralysis lifts and he begins speaking frantically into his phone’s microphone.
Argenti closes his eyes after he hits send. His senses feel dull and overwhelmed. The tears slowly begin to gather as he contemplates his next step. He opens them a moment later to see the voice to text message that appears on his screen beneath his own heartfelt declaration. “Darlin’! Send your co-ordinates. I’m sorry too and I’m on my way to ya! I love ya my Rosie” the message reads.
For the first time since their split, Argenti feels hope instead of loss. He leaves his bed with renewed vigor to make himself ready to reunite with his beloved cowboy.
WHATEVER IT TAKES – LESSONS LEARNED LEAD TO A JOYOUS REUNION
WHATEVER IT TAKES: LIFEHOUSE – WHO WE ARE (EXPANDED EDITION) YT: Lifehouse – 3:28
Boothill is on his ship racing towards the Astral Express, to rendezvous with his Knight. He is practically vibrating in anticipation of their reunion. As he reaches his destination, he sees The One and Only is moored at the far end of the dock. He leaps out his seat after landing his ship and prepares to disembark.
Argenti is anxiously waiting to be reunited with his Galaxy Ranger. He has gotten out of bed and showered for the first time in days. His limp neglected and matted hair has been brushed out and is tied up in a high ponytail, the way Boothill likes it. He has lost a lot of weight, and his clothes are hanging off him but at least they are clean and unwrinkled. He has applied makeup to his face sparingly to cover up the deep black circles under his eyes. As he peers out the cockpit window he sees a spaceship descending, preparing to land at the far end of the dock. He eventually sees the ship’s door open and watches as the tall, handsome cowboy emerges. He opens the hatch of The One and Only and blinks rapidly as the lights of the dock sear his bloodshot eyes. On legs as wobbly as a new foal’s, he starts to make his way down the gangplank, holding on tightly to the rail.
Boothill stops in shock when he first glimpses the Knight of Beauty. He looks incredibly gaunt and worn. “Oh ‘Genti, what have I done to ya” the cowboy whispers sorrowfully under breath. He shakes himself out of his stupor and starts racing across the dock towards The One and Only.
Argenti is having trouble standing, his legs are shaking with weakness. As he stumbles, he is suddenly caught up in strong arms. Reminiscent of their first “date”, Boothill is holding him tightly and is looking down at him with intense love. As Boothill gently draws Argenti in for a long-anticipated kiss, they cling together sealed at the lips. Once they separate to catch their breath, Argenti’s tears of happiness cascade down his cheeks. Boothill lovingly smooths his bangs back and gazes into his reddened, green eyes. “Ya don’t need to worry anymore my love, I’ve got ya. We’ll never be separated again,” he murmurs. Argenti starts to cry harder while he clings to Boothill with all his strength. His happiness explodes within him and as he looks at Boothill, he can barely speak. He steps back, nods in agreement and then falls back into his lover’s arms, weak with emotional exhaustion. Boothill gathers him up, cradling him to his chest as he had done for his beloved daughter when she was fussy, and carries him into The One and Only. The door to the ship clangs shut behind them, sealing them from the world’s prying eyes while they celebrate their reunion.
On the Astral Express, the Nameless are peering out the window of the train as their much-loved friends are reunited. Tears fall freely from the eyes of March 7th and Himeko as they witness the reunion and even Welt, Dan Heng and Caelus are having difficulty keeping their emotions in check. After the happy couple disappear into the One and Only together, the Nameless abandon the window and after a quick group hug, they go back to their business aboard the Express.
YOU’RE STILL THE ONE – LOVE YOU FOREVER
YOU’RE STILL THE ONE: SHANIA TWAIN – COME ON OVER YT: Shania Twain – 3:33
Later that year, Argenti and Boothill find themselves back on Penacony for its annual anniversary celebration. After a joyous reunion with their many friends, including the Nameless who have also arrived for the celebration, they decide to explore the Golden Hour. They spend time strolling around the Oti Mall, buying small gifts for their friends while enjoying the bright lights and bustling activity around them. As they window-shop, they hold on tightly to each other’s hand as if fearing the other would disappear if they let go. Argenti is back to his radiant self. His hair shines brightly and cascades down his back in waves of loose red curls. There is a twinkle in his large green eyes and a glow to his complexion that only love can provide. Boothill has gone back to his mechanic and has opted to replace his old menacing, mechanical-looking chassis for one that more closely resembles a human. He still wears his leather crop top and chaps although, at Argenti’s urging, he now wears a pair of tight black jeans as well so as not to cause a scandal. His head is adorned with his faithful hat, with its jaunty feathers and one red rose. A rose that Argenti faithfully re-bestows upon him, when the one he is currently sporting starts to wilt.
As night descends, they find themselves on an observation deck with a perfect view of an incredible fireworks display, their arms wrapped around one another in a loving embrace. As they turn towards each other, the matching rings that they wear on chains around their necks lightly clink together. Their small, intimate wedding earlier that year had been officiated by Sunday and had been witnessed by the Astral Express crew members. They are in the process of adopting their first child and have purchased a large ranch on a quiet planet in the same solar system as Aeragan-Epharshel so that Boothill can be close to his lost family.
Argenti still plans to search for his Aeon but the pressure to complete this task has lessened and his solitary time on The One and Only is made easier by knowing that he has a home to return to at the end of each mission. As their eyes lock in adoration of one another, nothing further needs to be said. They’ve found each other and nothing in the universe will tear them apart.