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Never did Woody imagine that helping to stop technology would include precariously dangling by the boot. He was nearly screaming, and on top of that, there was also a really fat pig waiting to eat him whole.
And on top of that, there was an entire army of Buzzes. A whole legion, as if one wasn't enough. And they were interrogating him and yelling about all these things he didn't understand.
"Please stop, I don't know what you're talking about!" Woody cried, struggling more when the pig took another step towards him.
"Liar. We know you're working for Zurg!" one Buzz accused.
"Tell us your secrets! Or the alien creature gets a nice little snack," another Buzz threatened.
Woody rolled his eyes. He's seen Buzzes like this before. But unlike before, he wasn't really in a position to calmly explain his circumstances.
The pig came even closer. Woody gulped as it licked its lips. He tried to reason one last time, shouting, "Just get me out of this thing and I'll tell you everything you want to know!"
The Buzz seemingly in charge scoffed. "Nice try. Alien, get him!"
"Oh wait, no, no, no! I really don't want to get slobbered, please! Let me go!"
He could feel the pig's tongue licking his head and he started squirming like a fish on a hook. Well, more like a cowboy on a hook. It was nasty stuff, not unlike anything he's encountered before, but still, it was so, so wet—
"Halt!"
A chorus of gasps came from the Buzzes. The one who gave the command continued his orders. "Cease your interrogation and torture. This man is a friend of mine."
“Buzz!” Woody exclaimed. It was a terrible mistake. He got a mouthful of pig saliva and started coughing with disgust, but he was relived. Buzz came for him! He was saved!
The other Buzzes were unconvinced, murmuring, "Another Buzz?" and "How can this be?"
And then, just like when Buzz rescued Woody from the Round-Up Gang, there were whispers of a certain code number. Then, Woody was released.
His Buzz was standing in front of his clone army, a triumphant smile on his face and his hands on his hips. Woody was shaky with his legs, stumbling forward, ready to give Buzz a grateful handshake or heck, even an embrace, but before he could, the other Buzzes fell to one knee. Simultaneously, they said, “Your Majesty!” Then, they followed it with calls of “Our deepest apologies!” and “We should have known!” and “We’ll do anything to make it up to you, Your Majesty!”
"Oh no, not this again,” Woody sighed under his breath. To Buzz, he said, “Thanks for the rescue. I really needed it. But seriously, what did you tell them this time?”
“Don’t worry about it, cowboy. And you’re welcome.” Buzz’s triumphant smile was still shining bright. It made Woody wonder why he ever left that smile in the first place.
In the end, he decided to let this one go. Buzz came for him and he was no longer a captive. And as nice as that was, they had bigger things to worry about. “Alright then. Let’s go find Jessie.”
ᯓ★ 𐚁
Strangely enough, this was not the first time that Woody was being held by the waist as he was flown around. And both times, it was by a Buzz Lightyear (even though this one was a high-tech action figure and the one from before was his very best friend).
Long story short, it was both a familiar and kind of weird feeling.
The plan was set, and both Buzz and Woody were on their way back to Bonnie’s, hovering through the sparkling night sky with ease. As they ascended, Woody let out a cheer, along with the words, “Now this is flying!”
“With style!” Buzz finished for him.
Woody laughed. Despite years apart, they didn’t miss a beat. And even earlier, when Buzz casually saved him like it was a normal occurrence, it was just like old times.
They turned to go on their way, passing over a crowded highway, when Buzz called from behind, “Woody, wait!”
Woody motioned for the Buzz holding him to turn around. “What is it, Buzz?” he shouted, making sure his voice carried over the noise of speeding cars.
“There was something I wanted to ask you real quick,” Buzz said once they were facing each other. He was actually looking…nervous?
“Can it wait? At least until we land?” Woody tried.
“Well, if I don’t do it now, I’m not sure when I’ll get the courage again to actually…ask.”
“Oh.”
“I was wondering…what if you, no, what if we…”
Spit it out, Buzz, Woody thought. Then he mentally scolded himself. Whatever Buzz was trying to say was clearly making him anxious, so the best thing for Woody to do right now was be patient.
Even though a truck was barreling towards them.
As Buzz continued to stumble, even hyping himself up (“Buzz, you can do this!” he sang), Woody suddenly understood. Turns out tech wasn’t the only reason why Buzz called him back.
And heck, Woody was glad he did.
Finally, Buzz asked, “Do you want to stay with me? In Bonnie’s room?” But the truck was fast approaching and then he tried to take back his words and Woody smiled at him endearingly, deciding that this needed to be hurried along. He reached forward to press the button that unlocked Buzz’s helmet, closed his eyes, and kissed him.
It was momentary, but sometimes a moment is all it takes.
When Woody pulled back, he saw Buzz smiling in surprise, as if he was filled with joy but unsure that the kiss really happened.
“I missed you too, partner,” Woody told him. “And some stability might be nice.”
“So you’ll stay?” Buzz hopefully asked. Woody had to admit, seeing this side of Buzz (or any side, since it really had been too long) was sweet.
“Yeah, I’ll stay.”
Their eyes stayed on each other for only a second more before the truck and its blindingly bright lights were only feet away. The two drone Buzzes expertly maneuvered them out of the way, back on track to Bonnie’s house. Woody chuckled, seeing Buzz out of the corner of his eye, still brushing over his lips with his fingers, stuck in a state of blissful disbelief. If that was his reaction every time, then Woody might have to kiss him again.
Honestly, Woody was feeling blissfully in disbelief himself.
The Buzz holding Buzz said, “At ease, Ranger. At ease.”
Once more, Woody laughed. Now he wouldn’t have to wonder why he left. What was important was that he came back.