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Abolish runs a hand over the old oak, two of the little aliens scurrying around him and throwing berry bushes at each other. A slight smile appears on his face, the deep woods bringing a sense of calm to his recently anxious mind. Now, he's thought of going to the preacher to talk, but he feels these demons are some he can handle himself. They aren’t physical, after all.
“There ya are,” a familiar voice says from behind him. Turning around, he sees Scott, a confident grin on his lips as he tips his hat to Abolish. Abolish does the same back, the previously soft smile now growing into a large smirk. “We been looking all over for ya, my friend. Whatcha doin’ all the way out here?”
“Ah, well,” Abolish leans against the trunk of the dark oak, trying not to think too hard about how the sheriff’s sleeves are rolled up to reveal strong arms that could take him down easily. “It's a bit busy lately, ain't it? Nice to come ‘round here for a bit of calm. The little guys followed me this time. Trees make this here area cool, too.” He nods to the things that are now attempting and failing to pull a whole tree from the ground.
“They're curious little critters, ain't they?” The way Scott says it is like a proud father. Abolish supposes he is one to the whole town, really. Scott always seems to be taking care of people even in ways out of his jurisdiction. Abolish doesn’t know how someone can not admire someone like that.
“Sure are,” Abolish looks closer at Scott while he's distracted, forgetting that he always seems to be paying attention, no matter how he acts.
His short, fluffy red hair is styled nicely under the cowboy hat, which Abolish has never seen him without, and he still wears the braid in it that Graecie made earlier that morning. His light blue eyes pair well with the tan skin darkened from their time outside, the darkness of his skin also making his scars more obvious. The sheriff's outfit is certainly a bit hot for the beating sun, but he doesn't usually seem to mind, often just rolling up his sleeves if he gets too hot. Sometimes, Abolish can't help but think he's hot anyway, though in a far different way.
“You lookin’ for something, Abolish?” Scott asks with a raised brow and a knowing grin, making Abolish’s cheeks turn red for reasons other than the heat.
“Ah, sorry Sheriff,” Abolish dips his head, using his hat to hide his face. “Must'a gotten distracted.” Scott takes a few steps forward, still a respectful distance away but the closeness suddenly feels as scalding as a horseshoe in mid July.
“You been doin’ that a lot lately,” Scott points out. “Everythin’ okay now?” Forcing himself to look up at Scott, he almost immediately regrets it even though it's more polite than avoiding his eyes, especially since the sheriff is close enough for Abolish to see the dark freckles dotting his cheeks and nose. He wonders if they extend to anywhere else he can’t see. Nope, not going there.
“Yeah,” Abolish clears his throat, trying to subtly chase away his thoughts. “Don't ya worry much there, Sheriff. I'm alright.” A genuine smile appears on Scott's face and Abolish smiles back, sure his dimples are showing.
“Whatever you say, now, honey.” Abolish would've fallen on his face if he was walking, that nickname catching him completely off-guard. Holy fuck- Did Scott just call him ‘honey’?? Scott quite literally never gives nicknames unless you count ‘ma’am’ and ‘sir’. Lord almighty, Abolish might not make it through this conversation. “I’m gonna start my trek back. You comin’?”
“Ah, no, thanks,” he manages to smile again through the swarm of emotions under the surface, something he’s sure only looks half-genuine, or maybe not genuine at all. “You be safe, hear me?” Scott chuckles and then-
Oh, and then. Scott takes Abolish’s hand, pressing a gentle kiss to his ring finger while maintaining eye contact. His perfect pink lips are soft, barely brushing against Abolish’s skin, but it still feels so monumental. Abolish is sure if his feelings weren't obvious before they are now by the way he lets out an audible and embarrassing squeak.
“Heh, see you around, honey.” The sheriff starts to walk away but pauses to say one last thing without even turning around. “Oh, an’ if ya'd like I'll be at the saloon by sunset tomorrow.” Then, he's gone as if he was never there, the two aliens Abolish forgot about now following Scott in a flurry of movement.
What. Just. Happened??