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Chapter Text

Prompt 1 - Moustache

“Tango, where are you?”

Jimmy wandered through the house, his voice echoing in the rafters as he called for his soulmate. He’d been looking for Tango for a while now and was still yet to find him. He hadn’t been outside, or downstairs and he’d resorted to looking in the attic in the hope that maybe he’d be up there.

“Tango!” He yelled again, sneezing as he kicked up dust from the ground.

“Yeah?” Tango’s voice came from a corner of the attic, “What do need, Jimmy?”

“I was looking for you!”

“I’m just over here skippy!”

Jimmy spotted Tango tidying a pile of stuff up in the corner. He walked over, “I just wanted to ask you what you wanted for lunch.”

“Oh sure!” Tango turned round to look at Jimmy, smiling.

Jimmy had to do a double take.

“What the heck are you wearing?” He stared at Tango, absolutely dumbfounded.

“What, the shoes?” Tango pointed at his beat up red converses, “I wear these all the time, what do you mean?”

“You know exactly what I mean, Mr Tango Tek,” Jimmy said, crossing his arms.

Tango whistled, a grin on his face, “Wow. I got full-named, must be serious. What’s up Rancher, what did I do?”

“The moustache Tango.”

Tango felt his face. Sure enough, sitting on his top lip was a fake moustache, blonde and fluffy.

“Oh thaaaat,” He smiled, “I forgot I was wearing it! Yeah, I wanted something a little different so I tried to steal Mumbo’s but he wouldn’t let me so I just made a fake one!”

“But why?” Jimmy pressed, perplexed and a little exasperated.

“Cause why not?” Tango smirked, “I’m allowed to change my style every now and then, right?”

“Yeah, but…” Jimmy sighed. He couldn’t bring himself to say that he thought it looked absolutely awful and he much preferred Tango without it. How could he when Tango looked so happy?

“It’s just,” Jimmy chose his words carefully, “It’s a bit jarring, just seeing you with a moustache when you don’t usually have one.”

“Oh,” Tango’s face fell, “You don’t like it?”

“Well…” Jimmy couldn’t lie to Tango either.

“It’s unusual,” He settled with.

Tango chuckled and pulled it off, “I was just messing around with you. I know, it’s horrible isn’t it?”

“Yes,” Jimmy smiled, “It’s horrendous. Please never wear it ever again.”

“You don’t think I would suit a moustache?” Tango grinned.

“No, not really,” Jimmy said.

Tango raised an eyebrow, “I used to have a real one you know.”

Jimmy gawped at him, “You did?”

“Yeah! In fact,” Tango ran over to another corner of the attic and dug out a box from a pile of other identical boxes, “I think it’s… yep! This one! I’ve got some old polaroid photos!”

Jimmy darted over and knelt down next to him, “I didn’t know you had a polaroid.”

“It’s old and broken but it still kinda works,” Tango picked it up out of the box, blowing dust off the camera lens, running his fingers along the tacky stickers up the sides, “Back in her prime, she was amazing.”

He put the camera back down and riffled through the box, “Now let’s see. I must have some of me from back when I did have a moustache.”

He pulled a handful out and flicked through them, humming a few times when he found a particularly memorable moment. Eventually he found what he was looking for.

“Got it!” Tango handed one to Jimmy, who held it up to the light to see it better. It was a little faded but still visible. It looked old, ten years old at least.

It was a picture of Tango with Impulse, Skizz and Zed on some kind of stage, Skizz holding a pair of drumsticks and Tango with a guitar plectrum between his teeth, all of them making silly faces at the camera. And sure enough, there was a moustache perched on Tango’s upper lip in the photo.

Jimmy flipped the photo over to see something written in scruffy handwriting with a black marker on the other side. It read: Jamming with Z,I and S! Team ZITS 4ever!

“Team ZITS?” He wondered aloud.

Tango chuckled, “Yeah. That was our band name. It was some stupid joke that Skizz made and it just kind of stuck.”

“You were in a band?” Jimmy looked at his soulmate in surprise.

“I certainly was!” Tango grinned proudly, “We were the talk of the school. Even if most people thought we were a bunch of geeky wannabe rockstars, we could properly play! We held a few concerts and actually played for the school prom for a couple of years.”

“You were a big deal then,” Jimmy said, impressed, “What did you all play?”

“Skizz was our drummer, Zed was keys and backing vocals, Impy was our bass guitarist and yours truly was lead singer and guitarist,” Tango ticked the people off on his fingers.

“You were the lead singer?!” Jimmy stared in amazement, “You never told me this!”

“It never came up in conversation,” Tango shrugged, “Neither did the moustache.”

“Yeah I was wondering about that,” Jimmy said, “It’s not very… rock and roll.”

“I went through a wacky phase of fashion,” Tango snickered. “Trying to find my own style and decided to try a moustache. Glad I got rid of it to be honest.”

“I prefer you without it,” Jimmy agreed, “You look more sophisticated when you’re clean shaven.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. And it makes it easier to kiss you,” Jimmy grinned.

Tango laughed and pressed a soft kiss to Jimmy’s lips, “You flirt.”

Jimmy giggled, “You love it.”

“I do,” Tango rested his head on Jimmy’s shoulder. They sat in amicable silence for a few minutes.

“We should go get lunch,” Jimmy said eventually, standing up, “How do sausages sound?”

Tango got to his feet smiling, pushing the box back into the corner, “Sounds perfect."

Chapter Text

Prompt 2 - Weave

A glowing green thread was woven around Tango’s heart.

He hadn’t expected to tangibly see the string attached to him, but here it was, glowing bright emerald, the colour of grass in the spring. It whistled cheerfully of new beginnings and happiness. It sparkled with life and energy and Tango couldn’t help but feel a strange exhilaration as he walked to go and look for a cave. He guessed it was his soulmate’s emotions and not his, but he didn’t mind.

He wondered who his soulmate would be. Impulse or Etho maybe? Bdubs or Scar perhaps? He grimaced and at the thought of having Scar as his soulmate. If that was true, it was going to be a short season.

Or maybe it was a non hermit he wasn’t familiar with. Maybe Scott or Joel or Martyn or BigB. He’d find out soon enough, he hoped.

He got back to his resource gathering, bumping into multiple players. Ren, BigB, Grian, Scott, Bdubs, Cleo and Impulse, but none of them were his soulmates. He took quite a bit of damage, but none of it from those players.

Then disaster struck.

He’d been caving for iron, having found none yet, when a hoard of zombies encroached on him, groaning, hungry for flesh. He gave a cry of panic as they attacked him.

“No, this is not good!” He exclaimed as he ran through the cave, “Not good at all!”

He swung his sword recklessly through the air, hoping it would connect with the enemies.

“Swipey! Swipey!” he yelled, sprinting for his life. He spun round. Yep, they were still following.

“Gotta get them up through the fall point,” he panted, backing away.

And he backed right into a creeper.

There was a bang, a flash of white light and the searing hot agony of an explosion on his back.

He gave a cut off scream as he felt his soul-tie sever and collapsed to the ground.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A glowing yellow thread was woven around Jimmy’s heart.

It was warm and golden like the sun that was currently setting over the horizon, casting a shimmering gold hue over the ranch, and hummed a soft melody, soft and comforting and almost homely. It felt cosy as he stood there and watched it sink lower and lower in the sky. He whistled a tune, hearing it echo through the ravine nearby.

A hand landed on his shoulder and he jumped slightly, turning his head to see Tango standing behind him.

“Dude, you scared me,” he huffed out a laugh.

Tango smiled, “Sorry Jim. You seemed lost in your thoughts.”

“A bit, yeah,” Jimmy admitted, “Just enjoying the view. It’s lovely out here tonight.”

“Most certainly is,” Tango agreed, peering up at the sky. Jimmy tried not to notice how Tango’s hair glowed like fire in the dying sunlight, how his red eyes shone like rubies, how beautiful the small smile on his face was.

But he noticed.

“You wanna eat out here?” Tango asked,

“Oh, sure!” Jimmy nodded. Tango headed inside to bring the food out. It was one thing Jimmy was incredibly grateful about. He couldn’t boil an egg to save his life, let alone make a meal. He was extremely glad that Tango had agreed to cook for the two of them.

Tango came out with two plates of porkchop fajitas, handing one to Jimmy. They sat down on the steps of the ranch, sitting in an amicable silence, just enjoying the other’s company. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long dark shadows across the ground. The temperature was perfect, warm and summery but not boiling hot, a gentle breeze rustling the trees and playing with Jimmy’s hair.

“You know,” Tango said suddenly, “I’m glad you’re my soulmate Jimmy.”

Jimmy looked round in surprise, trying to ignore the way his heart was suddenly beating a lot faster, “Er, thank you! I’m glad you’re my soulmate too!”

Tango grinned lopsidedly and Jimmy’s heart pounded against his ribcage. He swallowed roughly and cleared his throat, “We should head in soon. It’s going to get cold in the night.”

“Yeah,” Tango nodded, “But we can stay out here a little longer, right?”

Jimmy’s hand found Tango’s and clasped it tightly, “Yeah. We can.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A glowing red thread was woven around Tango’s heart.

It was tied there, burning crimson, singing quietly and almost mournfully, but hopefully too. Tango felt it more and more every day. The way it felt heavier with Jimmy’s emotions, the way the air tasted almost bittersweet when he breathed. The way he wanted to have it forever.

He smiled, watching the stars dancing in the sky. It was night and Jimmy was sitting next to him, staring wistfully at the cosmos. Tango was picking out chords on an old guitar he’d managed to somehow get into the world. He smiled as Jimmy hummed along to the music, occasionally singing words if he recognised the song.

Eventually Tango put the guitar down and spoke, “I love the stars.”

“Me too,” Jimmy agreed, “They’re so pretty.”

“Just like you,” Tango winked and nudged Jimmy’s side.

Jimmy blushed, “Stop it.”

Tango chuckled and went back to staring at the sky, “It’s crazy to think that there’s so many of them.”

“Yep,” Jimmy said, “This world's so much bigger than us.”

Tango frowned as he felt the feeling of worry rattle discordantly down their soulbond

“Hey,” He reassured, “We’re going to be ok. We’re ranchers. Nothing can hold us down for long.”

Jimmy smiled softly, “Yeah.”

He went back to looking at the stars, but Tango couldn’t draw his eyes from Jimmy’s face. The way his cheeks were flushed pink in the cold, the small speckling of freckles on his face, his scruffy and yet effortlessly beautiful hair, the way his eyes sparkled in the starlight.

Tango loved him. He knew he did.

“I,” Jimmy paused, thinking for words then continuing, “I just don’t want to let you go when this is all over. I… I think I love you Tango.”

Tango’s heart practically stopped for a second.

“You do?” He asked.

“I do,” Jimmy looked over at him, “I really do.”

“I-” Tango swallowed, his throat suddenly dry, “I think I love you too. And I don’t want to let you go either.”

“Really?” Jimmy shuffled a little closer, “Then… can I?”

“You can,” Tango breathed.

Jimmy took Tango’s face in his hands and gently pushed their lips together. The kiss was sweet and soft and fairly short, but it carried such a weight with it. The glowing scarlett soulbond pulse brighter as they kissed.

Eventually, Jimmy pulled away for breath.

“I wish we could do this every night,” He sighed, “But we can’t.”

“Huh,” Tango laughed bitterly, as the stars glittered above them, “We literally are a pair of star-crossed lovers, aren’t we?”

Jimmy smiled sadly, “Yeah. We are.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A dusky black thread crumbled from around Jimmy’s heart.

His tears hit the floor, his hands and face caked in dirt and blood, both crimson red from him and vibrant purple from the enderman.

It was over. Again.

But that meant more this time. Tango had fallen with him, and everything they had loved had been ripped apart.

“I’m so sorry,” he sobbed, crying on his knees, “I’m so sorry rancher.”

“Jimmy?”

Jimmy looked up, face tearstreaked.

Tango stood behind him, expression unreadable.

“You’re still here?” He asked gently.

Jimmy turned away, crying, “I ruined everything. It’s my fault. I’m so sorry Tango, you must hate me, you-”

And then there were arms wrapped around him, holding him tight as Tango knelt in front of him. He was almost shocked to see that Tango was also crying.

“It’s over,” he whispered through his tears. And Jimmy knew exactly what he meant.

“I don’t want to let you go,” he wept, “I can’t. I love you.”

“I love you too,” Tango replied, pushing a kiss to Jimmy’s lips, savouring the feeling, knowing that this wouldn’t happen for a long time, maybe ever.

“I’m so glad we got woven together,” Jimmy whispered. Tango nodded.

They were both beginning to fade away as the watchers drew them back to wait in stasis for the next game.

“Go home,” Tango said, smiling through his tears, “Go.”

Jimmy nodded, “You’re always my soulmate. My rancher.”

“My rancher,” Tango agreed.

They held each other as they faded. Tango was the first to disappear, leaving one last feather light kiss on Jimmy’s forehead before he did, leaving Jimmy hugging himself and sobbing.

He felt his consciousness slip away and he whispered for the last time, “I love you rancher.”

Then he disappeared.

The only evidence of them ever existing was the ruined remains of a soulmate string.

Chapter Text

Prompt 3 - Crown

Jimmy ignored the cold that ate at him and steeled his breathing, trying to stop his hands from shaking both from the temperature and his nerves. The citadel loomed tall and terrifying in front of him.

But it was ok. All he had to do was steal the Ice King’s crown and then he’d have enough money to feed his family.

He took a deep breath and snuck like a shadow through the dungeon’s huge doors into the massive entrance hall, the walls dark and menacing. He snuck down and watched as the huge dungeon doors slid open. He could do this. He could do this.

There was a growl from around a corner and he jumped, forcing his heart to stop itself from jumping out of his throat. He knew there were ravagers, but he just had to avoid them. He snuck around them, trying not to skid too much on the ice.

There was the sound of running water not too far away and Jimmy followed it. The dungeon walls opened up into an icy cavern. A freezing wind whisked through Jimmy’s hair, making him shiver.

And there, in a cinematic pool of light, just by the river, was a stunning crown of platinum, sapphires, turquoise stones and ice.

Jimmy gasped at its beauty as it shimmered in the light. There it was. Ripe for the taking. He grinned. Lizzie and Joel were saved for sure. He went to grab the crown-

A shard of ice came flying at Jimmy’s leg, freezing it to the floor.

Jimmy choked back a yelp and tugged at his leg to try and free it, but it wasn’t budging.

“I thought I felt the dungeon alert me that someone was prowling. You’ve got some nerve to sneak in here and try to steal from me,” A voice said suddenly, drawing Jimmy’s eyes back up from his leg.

Someone stepped out of the shadows, dressed in a long black coat, lined with light grey fur and cyan silk. His eyes were a piercing icy blue and his hair was blue and spiky like ice shards, shimmering slightly with small ice crystals in the dim light.

The Ice King in all his splendour.

Jimmy gulped, a chill running through his veins.

“Well?” The Ice King cocked his head, “Do you have anything to say for yourself, thief?”

“Listen, I know how this looks,” Jimmy started.

The Ice King cut him off with a harsh laugh, “Like you’re stealing my crown? That’s what it looks like. I’d love to see you talk your way out of this.”

“I didn’t want to steal!” Jimmy pleaded.

“Oh really?” The Ice King stepped forwards and took Jimmy’s chin with a frigid hand. Jimmy shuddered as he felt frost fractals crawl up his cheeks.

“Please, I was just trying to feed my family,” Jimmy begged, “They’re starving and I had to save them.”

The King raised an eyebrow, “And you decided the best way to get food for them was to steal from me?”

“I…” Jimmy couldn’t argue with that, so he shut his mouth.

The Ice King sighed, “How can I believe you’re not lying to me?”

“I’m literally freezing here and you have me completely at your mercy,” Jimmy challenged, “Why would I lie to you when you could end my life?”

“Fair,” The Ice King hummed, “Ok, I believe you. Doesn’t change that you’re stealing.”

“But please, your majesty!” Jimmy pleaded, “Have pity! I’m just trying to survive and take care of the people I love!”

The Ice King sighed again, “I believe you and I don’t want you to suffer, even if you’re a thief. I have to care for my subjects. So, I will make sure your family is fed.”

“Thank you!” Jimmy said gratefully, “Oh thank you so much!”

“But,” The King raised a hand, “I hadn’t finished.”

Jimmy stopped.

“You have to stay here as my prisoner in return,” The Ice King finished.

“What?” Jimmy paled, “A prisoner?”

“Yes,” The King nodded, “I’m bored and having company would be nice. You stay here with me and your family will be looked after.”

Jimmy paused.

“Ok,” He said eventually, “I’ll stay.”

A wicked grin slid across the Ice King’s face.

“Wonderful,” He smiled evilly, “Who’s your family so I can send out someone to go and help them?”

“Joel and Lizzie Shadow,” Jimmy said.

The Ice King nodded, “Got it. And you are?”

“Jimmy Solidarity, your majesty,” Jimmy said.

“Please,” The King said, “Call me Tango.”

Jimmy nodded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jimmy got used to living in the Citadel. Tango treated him more like a guest than a prisoner, except for keeping him in shackles for a lot of the time, reasonably so. But he was well looked after.

And Tango kept his promise. Jimmy got a letter from Lizzie saying that she and Joel had been given accommodation and food and that she missed him. Tango said she could visit some day.

Jimmy found the man fascinating, and honestly quite attractive. Those chilling eyes and sparkling hair that always made him shiver. He was so coldly beautiful and Jimmy could hardly stand it. He wondered what it might be like to kiss Tango’s perfectly shaped lips, run his hand through his glittering hair-

He killed that train of thought almost immediately. Nope. There was no way that Tango would ever actually like him.

Speaking of Tango.

There was a whisk of icy wind behind him and Tango materialised behind him, running a hand along Jimmy’s shoulder, “Hey!”

Jimmy jumped, “Tango! You scared me!”

Tango giggled and Jimmy ignored how much it made his heart thump, “I wanted to show you something, come see!”

He grabbed Jimmy’s hand and pulled him along, climbing the staircase up to the tallest tower of the citadel. Jimmy was already panting when he made it to the top, but when he looked out, the view took his breath away.

The sky was dancing. A whirling waltz of pinks and greens and blues and purples that lit up the surrounding land, stretching out far across the horizon.

“Isn’t it stunning?” Tango breathed, spreading his arms wide, “The way the light sparkles on the snow.”

“Yup,” Jimmy agreed, but he wasn’t looking at the snow.

Tango was practically glowing in the light. The way his eyes were sparkling full of joy and wonder made Jimmy smile. He looked so beautiful and free.

“Kinda romantic, isn’t it,” Jimmy joked.

“Yeah,” Tango trailed off a little, turning to face Jimmy. The pair locked eyes and Jimmy’s heart started pounding.

“It’s the perfect place for a kiss, wouldn’t you say?” Tango almost whispered, his voice was so quiet.

“Agreed,” Jimmy nodded, stepping closer.

Tango grabbed him and crashed their lips together.

Jimmy’s head was spinning as they kissed. This was actually happening. Tango was actually kissing him. His hand found Tango’s hair and cradled the back of his neck.

Then Tango pulled back, breathless.

“You have no idea how long I’ve been wanting to do that,” He said, looking a little dazed.

“What?” Jimmy asked, “You actually liked me? I’m just a peasant and you’re a… you’re a king.”

“When you’re standing here looking as stunning as you are?” Tango scoffed, “Of course I like you.”

“You’re the beautiful one here,” Jimmy blushed, “With those shining eyes-”

Tango yanked him into another kiss, “Oh shut up.”

Chapter Text

A huge wave splashed against the side of the boat and Tango flinched at the sea spray that slammed into his face. When he’d agreed to help Pearl with something at her other home of Gilded Heliantha, he had not expected to be sailing on the rough seas just outside the Cod Empire looking for a magic sunflower that Pearl had managed to lose.

Of course they’d had to go sailing in a storm. The wind was tossing the boat around like a toy in a bathtub and the lightning and thunder didn’t help Tango’s already frazzled nerves. He swallowed the seasick feeling rising unpleasantly in his chest and called to Pearl, who was sitting under an awning with a golden crystal ball, “Found it yet?”

“Not yet!” Pearl replied. Tango sighed and went back to the deck, staring out into the sea. It seemed empty, all the fish having headed to the bottom of the sea to shelter. Tango didn’t blame them. He would have liked to-

Wait.

What was that?

Something of a silvery green colour surfaced briefly above the waves. Tango frowned and squinted to see if he could spot it again. Something threading through the waves and glittering in the heavy rain. It almost looked like a tail of something. A dolphin maybe?

Suddenly an enormous wave smashed into the boat, sending it rocking on the wave. Tango yelled and crashed into the railing, leaning his full weight against it to

One of the railing bolts screeched under the strain and snapped.

The railing fell backwards off the boat.

And with a scream, Tango tumbled overboard.

The last sound he heard before he hit the water was Pearl screaming his name, the cry cut off as the water dragged him down. He forced his eyes open, and tried to ignore how much they stung from the salt water. He could hardly see through the inky blackness of the dark sea.

He let out a panicked shriek of bubbles, then snapped his mouth shut. He had to conserve oxygen as best as he could or he’d drown, and that was not the way he wanted to go.

He struck out for the surface, trying to swim upwards, but his soaked clothes dragged him further and further down into the murky depths. His lungs were starting to burn but he couldn’t stop. He couldn’t.

His eyes were starting to pinprick with black dots, and fear rushed through his body. No! He couldn’t die like this! He still had so much life to live! So much stuff to do!

But he couldn’t help it. He opened his mouth and received a lung full of seawater. He felt lightheaded and sick, his vision spinning.

Suddenly, something whizzed past him, a blur of what looked like a tail. Tango blinked, coughing. What was that?

His mind filled with the thought of all the horrors of the deep, sharks and squids and similar, and his fight or flight spurred him onwards, striking weakly in the water. But his limbs were giving out on him.

Then something wrapped itself around Tango’s waist.

Tango glanced down to see what looked like an arm holding him tight around the middle. It had a long grey-green fin running down it. He felt himself getting dragged away, too weak to fight whatever had grabbed him. He felt his consciousness fading slowly.

In the darkness, Tango blacked out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tango woke with a gasp.

He took huge desperate breaths of air, practically coughing up his lungs, blinking salt out of his eyes. He felt so tired and sore, but he was somehow still alive.

After he’d finished vomiting up seawater, he tried to sit up and get to his feet, but all he managed was a few staggered steps before his tired legs gave out beneath him. He collapsed in a heap on the sand, feeling the grains stick to his face.

He sighed and rolled over to face the sky. Or ceiling. Actually, where was he?

Tango sat up and looked around. He seemed to be in some kind of cave, dim and mossy, the sound of water dripping from the roof. Moss grew up the walls and the floor was soft sand. A little pool of water was at one end, ripples skating across the surface of it as water ran into it from the stalactites. It was surprisingly tranquil.

There was a splash from the pool and something surfaced, “Oh you’re awake! Thank goodness!”

Tango looked for the source of the voice and spotted it.

His eyes widened and he had to bite back a scream.

It was a man. Well, sort of. He had short sandy blonde hair and ebony brown eyes, his face covered lightly in small pale freckles that almost looked like barnacles. But that was where the human attributes ended.

He had a pair of fins instead of ears. A long olive green fin ran down his back, leading down to a scaled silvery-green tail that shone. Short, sharp looking claws tipped his webbed fingers and there was a strip of greenish-grey fin from his wrist to his elbow.

Tango stuttered, “You-you’re-you’re a merman.”

The merman smiled a smile full of sharp pearl-white teeth, “I am! And you are a human who needs to learn how to swim.”

Tango couldn’t help the blush that rose to his cheeks in embarrassment.

The merman giggled at his pink face, “I’m just teasing. Although please learn to swim. I don’t want to have to drag you out of the sea again.

Tango’s eyes caught on the man’s arms.

A long grey-green fin.

“You saved my life,” he realised.

“Well, I didn’t really want you to die,” The merman shrugged, “You seemed nice enough. Plus, then my parents wouldn’t have had a go at me for running off from the castle to go and have fun since I was saving you.”

Tango scrunched up his brow, confused, “Castle?”

“Yep!” The merman grinned, “I’m the Prince of the Cod Empire! Prince Jimmy! Sorry, I should have introduced myself. I haven’t met many humans before so I’m not that good at the whole ‘greeting’ thingy.”

Tango gasped and forced himself onto his knees, “Your highness, I didn’t-”

To his surprise, the Prince laughed, “There’s no need for that! You can sit down, it’s fine.”

Tango flushed harder and Jimmy giggled again.

“You’re cute when you blush,” He chuckled, “So what’s your name, stranger?”

Tango cleared his throat, ignoring how much he liked the Prince’s laugh, “Tango. Tango Tek.”

“Tango,” Jimmy said the word like he was tasting it, rolling the syllables around in his mouth with his tongue, “Nice name.”

“Thank you,” Tango smiled slightly, “So where are we?”

“In the caves just under the castle,” Jimmy explained, “No one but me and a few of my friends know about this place. And you, obviously,” he added.

“So I’m stuck down here?” Tango asked anxiously.

“No, I can show you the way out,” Jimmy said, sighing, “I was enjoying your company but I guess you do have to get home. Follow me.”

He turned and swam into the pool. Tango staggered to his feet and ran after him, wading into the water. It was cold and he shivered, taking a deep breath and plunging into the water after Jimmy.

Fortunately the tunnel leading out was fairly short and Tango didn’t run out of oxygen by the time they reached the end of it and into another cave by the sea-shore. They both surfaced into a small tide pool.

“Well, I guess I’ll be going then,” Jimmy sighed again. Tango turned to watch him start to swim away.

“Wait!” He called after him.

Jimmy stopped, turning back around, his face hopeful.

“Thank you again for saving me. I can’t stay but I can come and visit you,” Tango suggested, “Maybe once a fortnight, once a week if I’m lucky? I’d love to talk to you more, plus…” He paused, “You seem lonely.”

“I am,” Jimmy nodded, “I’d love to talk to you too! You could meet me at this cave in 2 weeks time and we can just hang out!”

“I’d like that,” Tango smiled.

“Me too!” Jimmy grinned, showing those perfect white teeth again.

There was a succession of dolphin clicks and Jimmy whistled back. He turned back to Tango, “I have to go. Mother’s calling. See you in 2 weeks!”

He grabbed Tango’s face, pecked a kiss to his cheek, winked and slipped back under the water with a small splash.

Tango stood, awestruck. He gently touched the cheek Jimmy had kissed with his fingertips. A stupid dopey grin slid across his face.

“Tango! Tango! Oh thank goodness you’re ok!” Footsteps came running into the room. It was Pearl.

“Are you alright? Are you hurt? Tango?” She grabbed his shoulders and spun him around.

Tango blinked at her, “Oh! No, I’m not hurt, I’m all good.”

Pearl frowned at him, “You’re acting off. Are you ok?”

Tango looked back at the water pool. The only reminder of Jimmy’s presence was the fading ripple in the water and the lingering feeling of his lips on Tango’s cheek.

Tango smiled, “I’m better than ok.”

Chapter Text

Prompt 5: Deer

Jimmy finished clipping down the tent, wiping his hand on his jeans to clean the mud off them, smiling.

“Tent’s done love!” He called over to Tango, who had just come back from the car with the last of the camping equipment.

“Awesome!” Tango grinned, unzipping it and dumping the supplies inside, “Look at you being all outdoorsy rancher!”

Jimmy blushed, “Oh, it's not that difficult.”

“Still being outdoorsy,” Tango repeated, “Come on, I’ll make dinner and we can do something fun.”

Jimmy nodded, “I’ll get firewood.”

“You do that,” Tango agreed, searching in the camping bag for the food and cooking utensils. Eventually Jimmy came back with enough firewood for a fairly large fire. He set it all up and lit it and Tango came over with a handful of sausages on barbecue skewers and some hotdog rolls.

“Bon appetite,” He grinned, handing Jimmy a sausage.

“You hero,” Jimmy kissed his cheek, “I’m starving.”

They both sat down in their camping chairs next to the fire, cooking dinner and chatting. Afterwards, Jimmy somehow magicked some marshmallows out of nowhere and they ate smores before Tango pulled out his guitar and they sang old songs around the campfire.

The stars were twinkling in the sky when they finished singing, and Jimmy yawned.

“Tired love?” Tango asked. Jimmy nodded.

Tango chuckled, “Let’s turn in for the night, yeah?”

“Yes please,” Jimmy staggered to his feet and grabbed some water to put out the fire. Then they changed into their pyjamas and cleaned their teeth before they tucked themself into their sleeping bags inside the tent.

It was cosy and quiet inside the tent and Jimmy smiled at the tranquillity of it. He curled up next to Tango, who smiled sleepily and kissed Jimmy’s forehead.

“Night rancher,” he mumbled.

“G’night rancher,” Jimmy replied, “Sweet dreams.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tango woke up to a strange crying noise.

He looked over to see if it was Jimmy. But Jimmy was still fast asleep next to him.

He frowned and shut his eyes.

The noise happened again.

Tango sighed and rolled over.

“Jim,” He said.

Jimmy groaned, rubbing his eyes, “Wha?”

“There’s something crying out there,” Tango said.

“Crying?” Jimmy sat up, looking confused, “A person?”

“I don’t know,” Tango sat up too, “But whatever it is, it’s loud.”

The noise came again, louder and more desperate. The pair exchanged a glance.

“Sounds like something’s hurt,” Jimmy’s expression became concerned and he struggled out of his sleeping bag, climbing out the tent. Tango sighed and followed suit.

It was a cold night and Tango shivered, rubbing his arms to keep himself warm as he sprinted barefoot across the dewy grass, following Jimmy. They were camping at the edge of a forest and the noise was coming from just inside.

It looked dark and menacing, the trees arching over them like they were ready to snatch them up in their spindly branches. Tango shivered again, but this time not from the cold.

“Do we have to go in there?” He asked.

“Someone could be in trouble, we at least have to take a look,” Jimmy insisted.

“It’s kinda scary though,” Tango whimpered.

Jimmy took his hand and squeezed it tightly, “Don’t worry. I’m right here with you. We’ll be ok.”

Tango smiled gratefully at him, squeezing Jimmy’s hand back.

They ventured into the dark forest, following the crying sound. The trees reached for them and Tango shrank in on himself in fear, keeping close to Jimmy who still hadn’t let go of his hand. Fortunately Jimmy had grabbed a flashlight and they could both see a path ahead of them. Tango flinched as he felt sticks and rocks digging into his feet as he walked. Why hadn’t he paused to put on shoes? To be fair, neither had Jimmy, so the pace had slowed considerably since they’d left the grass behind them.

Eventually, the sound grew even louder.

“We must be really close,” Tango whispered. Jimmy nodded and looked around.

His flashlight shone a beam of light at something moving in a bush not too far away and something cried as the light hit it.

Jimmy’s eyes widened, “Here!”
He rushed over, dragging Tango with him.

They both looked at the creature. Tango’s face softened.

“Oh no,” he whispered.

It was a little baby deer, tangled up a huge pile of brambles. It was scratched up and crying out for help, pulling at the thorny branches.

“Poor thing,” Jimmy said, “It’s only young, must have got stuck and lost its family.”

Tango nodded and knelt down next to it. It shied away from him, scared.

“Hey, it’s ok little one,” Tango soothed, raising his hands, “We’re not going to hurt you. We just want to help.”

The deer inched closer to him, and started sniffing his hands. Tango chuckled at it.

“I think it’s focused on me, you can try and start untangling it,” He said. Jimmy nodded and walked slowly round behind the deer, starting to carefully unwrap it from the brambles.

The fawn startled as Jimmy started to free it, but Tango hushed it, “Shh, it’s ok. Don’t worry, it’s alright.”

He ever so slowly reached out a hand to touch the fawn’s head. It flinched back a little with a small cry, but when it seemed to realise that Tango meant it no harm it shuffled back to where it had been standing. Tango gently ran his hand along its head, fondling its ears.

“There we go, good boy,” Tango smiled. Then he frowned, “Is it a boy or a girl?”

“Don’t know,” Jimmy said, “And I don’t know if I want to check.”

Tango laughed quietly, “Ok, let’s just go with good deer then.”

Jimmy grinned and nodded, then got back to untangling it.

Tango sat down, ignoring how the dewy ground started to soak through his pyjama trousers and gently stroked the fawn’s head. The fawn had fortunately calmed down and had taken a particular interest in Tango’s feet, currently licking at his toes.

“That tickles,” Tango giggled, squirming slightly at the ticklish feeling of the fawn’s little pink tongue. The fawn looked up at him almost apologetically with its big brown eyes and Tango felt his heart melt a little.

“Jimmy, this thing is quickly stealing your spot as my favourite person,” He smiled, petting its back.

“It can’t,” Jimmy retorted, “It’s not a person.”

Tango laughed at his response, “You done yet?”

“Almost,” Jimmy pulled one last time at the branch and it gave way, “There. Finished.”

The deer seemed to realise it was free and started to sprint away, but not as quickly as it should have.

“It’s limping,” Jimmy realised, face falling.

“Yeah,” Tango nodded sadly.

The fawn came limping back over to them, its eyes looking so sad it almost broke Tango’s heart.

“I’ll keep it calm and you-” He began, but Jimmy cut him off.

“No, you got cuddles last time, now I get cuddles,” he said, “You help it and I’ll keep it calm.”

Tango huffed a laugh, “Ok, fine. Keep it still for me.”

“Will do.”

Jimmy coaxed the deer into his arms, “It’s ok buddy, it’s ok. Jimmy will take care of you.”

Tango chuckled at Jimmy’s attempts to soothe the fawn and started to take a look at his leg, carefully running his fingers along its leg until it flinched.

“Found where it’s hurt,” he said, gently lifting the leg and taking a look at it, “Looks like a sprain. It’ll heal in time but it’s going to need some sort of splint.”

He rummaged around on the floor for a stick and then ripped off a small strip of his pyjama sleeve with a sharp stone, using it to tie up the stick to the deer’s leg. Jimmy kept it occupied by stroking it, giggling as it nuzzled its little nose against his hands.

“Done,” Tango announced, “It’s ok for it to walk again.”

Suddenly, another cry split the silence, but this one was deeper. The little fawn brayed back in reply. Tango and Jimmy looked around.

“You think that’s it’s parents?” Tango asked.

“Quite possibly,” Jimmy nodded, “Let’s go, maybe we can find them.”

They got to their feet, the fawn following them. The braying got progressive louder, and suddenly the fawn broke into a run, speeding towards a small forest clearing. Jimmy and Tango had to sprint to keep up with it. Even with the splint, the fawn was fast.

The clearing opened out and the ranchers stopped just at the edge of it.

A stag and a doe were standing in the middle of it, braying loudly.

The little fawn went running up them and barreled into the doe, curling up to its side. The doe chirped joyously and nuzzled its little child’s head. The stag also bent down and embraced the fawn.

Jimmy made a cooing noise and Tango turned to see him wiping tears from his eyes.

“It’s home,” he whispered.

Tango nodded.

Suddenly the little deer came bouncing back over to them and nuzzled its face into Tango’s leg. Tango laughed and pet its head.

“Your family’s there,” he encouraged, “Go on. Go live your life.”

The deer leapt up and licked his nose, making him jump, before it did the same to Jimmy. Then it ran back to its parents.

The two adult deer made eye contact with the pair and Tango could have sworn he saw them both nod.

Then all three bounded off into the woods.

Tango let out a sigh he didn’t know he’d been holding, his eyes shining with unshed tears, “What a night, huh.”

“Yup,” Jimmy agreed, “Let’s head back.”

They both turned and headed back to the tent, hand in hand and smiling.

Chapter Text

Prompt 6: Pierce

Tango had not expected his day to go this way.

But here he was, a sharp thorn pierced through his hand, blood pouring down his arm, as he lay on his bed, drowsiness taking over.

Oh. And the dumb prophecy.

He cursed under his breath. Darn fae and their stupid curses. Just because one of them hadn’t been invited to his birth party. He hadn’t even wanted a birth party!

To be fair, it wasn’t like he’d had a say in the matter.

He felt his consciousness slip away and he sighed.

Looked like he was in for a long sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“There is no way!”

“But mother, father-”

“There is no way we’d ever let you go!” King Joel yelled.

“It’s too dangerous!” Queen Lizzie shouted.

“But please!” Prince Jimmy pleaded. He was knelt down in front of his parents, dressed in full armour, prepared for a quest.

“Mezalia and Tektopia have been enemies for almost 200 years, you are not going to save the Tektopian prince!” Joel ordered, “I forbid it!”

“But think about it!” Jimmy insisted, “If we’ve been enemies for so long, then if I helped the prince then we could finally have peace!”

“We’ve had peace for the 100 years that the region’s been asleep!” Lizzie argued, “I heard there’s already someone going to try and free the prince anyway, so there’s no point in you going! And who knows what’s out there Jimmy! You could die!”

“No I won’t!” Jimmy protested, “I’m capable!”

“You are forbidden and I don’t want to hear about this from you again,” Joel thundered, “Go to your room. NOW!”

Jimmy sighed and got to his feet, hanging his head, “Fine.”

His parents might have banned him from going, but Jimmy wasn’t passing this opportunity up. Not when he’d heard such incredible things about the Prince of Tektopia. About how kind he was to the citizens of Tektopia, and about how he stood up for the less fortunate in society, and about how good-looking he apparently was.

So, under the cover of darkness, Jimmy snuck out of the castle, saddled his horse and rode out into the night towards Tektopia.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He reached the castle just as the sun was beginning to rise over the horizon. The castle was eerily quiet and Jimmy shivered. There was no one there. Tektopia felt like a ghost town.

He reached the castle’s main tower where they said the prince was sleeping and leapt the moat before climbing up the stairs. The steps were steep and he was soon panting, out of breath.

He paused for breath about halfway up, considering what might be up ahead. Maybe an ogre, or a witch, or even a dragon! Not to mention he had to do the whole fairytale ‘true love’s kiss’ malarky to wake the prince. What if the rumors were false and he wasn’t nice?

He shuddered. Maybe this wasn’t worth it. Maybe Lizzie had been right-

No. Jimmy steeled himself. He wasn’t going to admit that his mother had been right. He was going to save this prince if it killed him. He took a deep breath and climbed further up the stairs, gripping his sword tightly. He had no idea if something was guarding the Prince.

He tentatively pushed open the bedroom door.

And gasped.

The Prince was the most beautiful person he’d ever seen.

People had said he was pretty, but he was truly stunning in person. Curly golden hair hung around his neck, rosy cheeks that almost glowed in the sun. A sweet countenance and a wonderful build, thin and lithe. His chest rose and fell with soft breaths as he slept.

Jimmy stared and fell harder every second.

The door behind him slammed against the wall.

“Ok, where’s the Prince?” It was a girl in a long dress with long brown hair and green eyes, “I heard there was a Prince here that I need to wake up, yada yada, where is he?”

Jimmy frowned, “Erm. Sorry, I think there’s been some mistake. I was here to wake the Prince.” Of course. Lizzie had said that someone had been trying to save the Prince as well as him.

“What?!” The girl stared, “You? Who do you think you are? This Prince and all his power is mine!”

She ran over to Tango and planted a sloppy kiss on his lips.

Nothing happened.

“Why isn’t he waking up?” She yelled. She turned and glared at Jimmy, “What did you do?!”

“I didn’t do anything!” Jimmy protested, “I just got here!”

“Well I didn’t do anything wrong!” The girl spat, “So it must have been you!”

“Only a true love’s kiss will wake him silly,” Jimmy smiled. The girl spluttered angrily at him.

Jimmy leant down by the bed and pressed a gentle kiss to the Prince’s lips.

The Prince stirred slightly, and then his eyes fluttered open. They were ruby red and shining. Jimmy hadn’t thought he could get anymore stunning, but he had.

The Prince rubbed his eyes and sat up, “Wha… where am I?”

“In a tower in Tektopia Castle. Although I couldn’t plot it on a map. Sorry, my geography’s not great,” Jimmy chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Who are you?” The Prince asked blearily.

“I’m-” Jimmy began, but the girl rushed around him.

“It doesn’t matter about him!” She insisted, “You’re coming with me so I can rule the land as queen.”

She tried to drag the Prince to his feet but his legs buckled under him since he hadn’t used them for a while. Jimmy rushed to catch him, lifting him back up onto the bed.

“Are you ok?” He asked.

“I think so,” The Prince nodded, “Sorry, my legs aren’t used to walking after…” He paused, “How long was I asleep for?”

“It’s been about 100 years, give or take,” Jimmy said.

The Prince’s eyes widened, “100 years?!”

“Sorry it took us so long,” Jimmy apologised, “But the whole region was put to sleep with you. Nothing’s changed.”

The Prince sighed in relief, “Good. Thank you for braving to wake me.”

“It was-” The girl cut Jimmy off again, “It was fine, now can we please go?”

The Prince frowned at her, “Did you wake me up?”

“Well technically sort of,” The girl explained, “I kissed you and nothing happened and then he kissed you and you woke up, so it was clearly me because it delayed.”

“Well then you didn’t,” The Prince glared at her, leaving her speechless, “Seems like this fine gentleman was actually the one who saved, in which case you can leave.”

“But I-” The girl started, but the Prince grabbed the thorn up in his blanket and pierced the girl in the arm with it. The girl screamed and then collapsed, snoring, on the floor.

“What an idiot,” The Prince rolled his eyes, then turned to Jimmy, “Sorry about that.”

“It’s not a problem,” Jimmy felt himself blushing. The Prince was so beautiful, “I’ll bring you back to your home, your majesty, and then-”

“Don’t call me your majesty,” The Prince said, “Call me Tango. Please. We’ve kissed, haven’t we? There’s no need for formalities.”

“Then just call me Jimmy,” Jimmy smiled, “Not the prince of Mezalia.”

Tango’s face paled, “Mezalia? Wait, was this-”

“No!” Jimmy raised his hands, “This wasn’t to take over Tektopia, I promise! My parents, the King and Queen, forbid me to see you. But I didn’t care. I’d heard about how kind you were, and how beautiful and I wanted to see it myself.”

He ran his eyes up and down Tango’s figure, “And the people describing you were right on both parts.”

Now it was Tango’s turn to blush, “I’m not that handsome. Besides, you can’t say anything when you’re standing there looking like that.”

Jimmy’s face turned confused, “Me? I’m not pretty, not like you.”

“You sure?” Tango smiled, “I think you’re gorgeous.”

Jimmy turned tomato red, “Really?”

“Mmhmm,” Tango hummed. His eyes had fixed on Jimmy’s lips, “So, I know you already kissed me, but I was kinda asleep, so maybe you wouldn’t mind-”

Jimmy knelt down and gently slotted their lips together.

Tango huffed out a laugh, his breath tickling Jimmy’s face. The kiss was sweet and genuine and somehow Tango ended up in Jimmy’s lap at some point during it. When they pulled away, they both laughed.

“Interesting predicament we’ve gotten ourselves into,” Tango giggled.

“Yep,” Jimmy grinned, helping Tango out of his arms, then rushing to help him as he stumbled, “Easy there. Your legs still aren’t used to walking. I may have to carry you out of here.”

“As if you couldn’t be anything more like my prince charming,” Tango winked and giggled as Jimmy turned red again.

There was suddenly the sound of horses outside and a yell of “James Timothy Solidarity! You come down here now!”

Jimmy sighed and rolled his eyes, “And there’s my dad. Joel really needs to stop following me.”

He swept Tango up in a bridal carry, “Alright Sleeping Beauty, time to go.”

Jimmy sprinted down the tower stairs as fast as he could, holding Tango tight. He stopped by a window and poked his head out, looking down.

“Looks like my father brought the entirety of the Mezalian army,” he grimaced, “There’s no way we’re making it out the front door.”

“Then we don’t go out the front door,” Tango said, “You’ve got a horse, right?”

“Yes but it’s pretty far out in the courtyard,” Jimmy sighed, “We wouldn’t be able to make it.”

“Then we jump the window and run,” Tango suggested, “There’s gotta be hay bales or something down there to land on.”

“And if there’s not?” Jimmy asked.

“Then…” Tango shrugged, “I guess we break our legs and force ourselves to crawl out.”

“I do not like that option,” Jimmy winced.

“Me neither, but do we have another choice?” Tango demanded.

Something slammed against the door and the sound of footsteps came rattling up the stairs.

“It’s now or never!” Tango yelled.

Jimmy made a frustrated noise and then turned to the window, “Hang on.”

Tango wrapped his arms around Jimmy’s neck and clung on tight.

And Jimmy launched himself out of the window.

They fell and fell until-

SPLASH!

Jimmy felt the water rush over him and he realised they’d just managed to fall into the moat around the tower. He let out a relieved laugh that quickly turned to bubbles of panic as he realised that his armour was dragging him down like a stone. He tried to swim up but he was pushed further and further towards the bottom of the moat.

Then someone grabbed his arms and tugged him above the water.

He surfaced, coughing and spluttering as he was heaved out of the moat.

“Come on skippy, we’ve gotta go,” It was Tango. He helped Jimmy to his feet, both of them staggering along towards where Jimmy had left his horse just down the courtyard. They reached it and Jimmy helped Tango onto the horse.

“Let’s go,” Jimmy kicked the horse onto a gallop as Joel and the army ran after them screaming. Tango cheered as they rode away, calling back, “See ya suckers!”
Jimmy laughed, spurring the horse on, cantering through the hills.

“Where we heading?” Tango asked.

“I don’t think I’m welcome back in Tektopia, so I was thinking of heading our across the mountains to my friends in Rivendell,” Jimmy explained, “We can shelter there for a bit and then find a proper home.”

“That sounds perfect,” Tango smiled.

Jimmy grinned, “Honestly, perfect is just being with you anywhere.”

Tango squeezed his shoulder gratefully.

There was an amicable silence between them until Tango spoke up again.

“You know,” he said quietly, “I thought true love was only for fairytales. That I’d never find someone who would care about me as much as I cared about them. But I see now that it’s actually true in real life too.”

“Agreed,” Jimmy said, “I’m so glad I took the risk to find you.”

“Me too,” Tango smiled, “Me too.”

Chapter Text

Prompt 7: Starfish

“Come on Tango, you slowpoke, keep up!”

Jimmy sprinted across the sand, kicking it up behind him. It was a beautiful day and he and Tango had decided to take a day out to the beach. They’d only just got there but Jimmy had already challenged Tango to a race down to the water.

“You’ve got longer legs, it’s not fair!” Tango protested, but Jimmy could hear the grin in his voice as he tried to catch up.

Jimmy smirked and made a deliberate show of slowing down until Tango was almost there before touching the water.

“I win,” he said smugly.

“Jerk,” Tango panted, out of breath. He gave Jimmy a playful shove.

Jimmy smiled and sat down, letting the cold sea wash over his feet, soaking up the warmth of the sun. Tango sat down next to him with a happy sigh, then yelped as the water rushed over his toes.

“That’s so cold!” He jumped back to his feet, “Jimmy how do you survive that?! I’ve got frostbite on my toes, they’re gonna fall off and I’m going to die!”

“Stop being so dramatic,” Jimmy splashed him, “It’s not that cold.”

Tango pouted and turned away, trying to hide the smile on his face, “Yes it is.”

An idea crossed Jimmy’s mind and he got up suddenly, “You know where there’s warmer water? Rockpools! There’s some just further this way; maybe we’ll see some sea creatures!”

“Ooh yeah!” Tango bounced excitedly, “Let’s go!”

They ran across the beach, searching for rockpools along the beach. Jimmy scoured the rocks for any signs of them, unfortunately coming up empty.

Suddenly, Tango called, “Jimmy! Over here! I’ve found one!”

Jimmy raced over and peered at what Tango had found.

“That’s definitely a rockpool,” he said, “Look, there’s a few clams in there!”

“And a starfish!” Tango carefully picked the aforementioned starfish up in cupped hands, being very careful not to hurt it, “Look at it, isn’t it amazing!”

“Yeah,” Jimmy agreed, “It’d be so cool to be a starfish. I’d love 5 arms!”

“Think of all the multitasking!” Tango gasped, “You could do redstone and cook pancakes at the same time!”

“Always pancakes with you, isn’t it?” Jimmy chuckled fondly at Tango, who giggled, then gasped again as he spotted something else, “A crab!”

There was a little crab scuttling along the rockpool floor. Tango went to carefully pick it up but Jimmy stopped him, “Leave it be. It’s probably trying to get something done.”

“Good point,” Tango gently placed the starfish back and waved to the crab, “Bye Mr Crab and Mr Starfish.”

Jimmy couldn’t help but smile at Tango naming the creatures in the rockpool. His rancher was eccentric in all the best ways.

“Let’s keep going,” he suggested, “It’d be fun to walk along the beach for a bit.”

Tango nodded and they headed further along the beach, chatting and watching the waves crashing and the seagulls congregating in huge swarms around the beach. After about an hour or so, they turned back round to head back the way they’d come.

“Wouldn’t it be so cool to be a sea creature?” Tango thought aloud, “To swim in the ocean without a care in the world?”

“I mean, sea creatures have it easy,” Jimmy agreed, “They don’t have to pay rent or work, they don’t even have taxes!”

“And if I were a sea creature, I wouldn’t have to put up with you moaning about them,” Tango snickered.

Jimmy grinned, “I might just leave you here you know. You could make friends with the fish and stop pestering me.”

Tango gasped, mock-offended, “You wouldn’t dare!”

“Try and stop me,” Jimmy took off into a run down the beach.

He hadn’t been expecting Tango to try so hard to stop him, but next thing he knew Tango had tackled him to the ground and they both lay there laughing, covered in sand.

“You are a menace,” Jimmy huffed.

Tango giggled at him, “You know you love me.”

“I do,” Jimmy chuckled, getting to his feet. Tango followed suit, shaking sand out of his hair like a dog. Jimmy winced as he was immediately covered in sand again.

“Oi!” He glared, but it was a jokey glare.

Tango just grinned at him, “It’s not like it matters. That shirt’s old anyway.”

“Yeah but I like this shirt,” Jimmy complained, brushing sticky wet sand off his t-shirt.

“I always think you look better without a shirt anyway,” Tango winked.

“Alright, that’s it!” Jimmy grabbed Tango around the waist and heaved him over his shoulder, carrying him down towards the sea like a sack of potatoes. Tango was giggling like crazy and wriggling in Jimmy’s grip, trying to escape.

“You’re going in the sea where naughty Tangos belong!” Jimmy ran down to the sea and chucked Tango into the water. Tango screamed and landed in the water with a splash. He surfaced, laughing so hard he was almost crying, wading out.

“I’m soaked now!” He complained, but he was still giggling.

Jimmy smirked, “Then you should stop being a menace, shouldn’t you?”

“Fine, I’ll behave,” Tango smiled.

Jimmy ruffled his wet hair, “Good rancher. Let me grab a towel from the car for you.”

“Thanks,” Tango wrang out the bottom of his shirt, “I need one. Then… can we maybe get an ice cream?”

“Yes, we can get an ice cream,” Jimmy rolled his eyes playfully, “And maybe some cinnamon donuts if they have some.”

They headed back to the car to get cleaned up and dried and then set out along the seafront, finding a decent ice cream and donut vendor and paying for their snacks before they found a decent spot on the steps by the beach to eat their food.

“This was a great date idea,” Tango commented as they tucked into their donuts and watched the waves wash in and out, “We should totally do this again some time.”

“Oh definitely,” Jimmy agreed, “I’d love to do this again.”

“Tide’s coming in,” Tango pointed, “Should we head? I really need to wash this seasalt out of my hair.”

Jimmy smiled, “Yeah, let’s go.”

And they walked hand in hand down the seafront back to the carpark.

Chapter Text

Prompt 8: Reckless

Tango sprinted down the darkened streets, his hair shining in the streetlights, pen knife in hand. He glanced down at a crumpled note he was holding and then back up at the road sign in front of him. Almost there.

He was fuming. He’d got home to see a note by the door saying that Jimmy had been kidnapped by the famous mafia gang The Divorce Quartet and they were holding him for ransom. If Tango arrived on time with the money, then Jimmy would be freed.

But Tango was playing this game on his own terms. He’d sent a message, claiming that he agreed with the conditions and would be there the next day with the money. But he was actually already on his way to save Jimmy from the gangsters right now.

He glowered, his tail sparking slightly. How dare they take his rancher from him? He just hoped that Jimmy was unharmed. He knew that rushing straight in like this was reckless, but he didn’t really care. Jimmy was his main priority, even over his own life. He’d die for Jimmy if he had to.

He reached the destination. It was a warehouse in the run-down city suburbs, old and falling apart. Tango rolled his eyes. How much more cliche could this be?

As silently as he could, he circled around the building and eventually found a small sash window he could open with his knife. He fiddled with the lock and eventually managed to prise it open, sliding it up and climbing inside.

Now where was Jimmy?

He took a look around. He was in a small room lined with tools and bits of scrap material. Jimmy was not in here, that was for certain. His wings wouldn’t have fit.

Unless…

No, they couldn’t have! Tango blanched at the thought of them hacking Jimmy’s stunning wings off his back, the screams of torment from Jimmy as they were ripped from him-

Tango shook the thought away. No. He wasn’t going to think about that. Jimmy was going to be fine. He’d want Tango to be strong for him, so he would be.

He carefully creaked the door open, poking his head outside. It led into a small corridor that opened up into a huge room filled with boxes and crates and old bits of junk. It looked empty, but Tango decided to take a look around anyway.

He crept out of the door and into the room, keeping his wits about him just in case there were guards or something.

He turned a corner.

And there, tied up in a chair in a pool of cinematic light, was Jimmy.

His wings had been tied up tightly behind him and he was both gagged and blindfolded. His wrists were tied in front of him and were red raw from rubbing against the abrasive rope. He looked tired but fortunately not hurt.

“Jimmy!” Tango shouted. Jimmy heard Tango’s voice and snapped his head up, yelling something that was muffled through the gag.

Tango went to run to him.

There was a bang and something came whizzing out of the shadows and almost hit Tango in the head. He stopped just in time with a yell.

It was a bullet.

“You’ve got some nerve to think you could outsmart us,” A voice said.

Tango spun around. Sitting on one of the crates was a woman with long brown hair in a red jumpsuit, aiming a sniper rifle in his direction. Pearl Moon. One of the four Divorce Quartet members.

“We figured you’d try something,” she said, “So we came prepared.”

There were more footsteps and three more people walked into the light. Two men and another woman. The woman had bright ginger hair and pale skin and was holding a shotgun. One of the two was blonde wearing green with a shock baton and the other had dyed cyan hair with a hand pistol.

Tango gulped. Cleo Zombie, Martyn Wood and Scott Smajor. The most dangerous mafia gang in the entirety of Lifeville.

“We knew how precious the canary was to you,” Scott said, spinning the gun slowly in his hand, “And we had a feeling you’d come looking for us. You’re a clever man Tango, one who likes to play on his own terms.”

“Let Jimmy go,” Tango growled, his tail flicking behind him.

“Not until we get the money!” Martyn glared, “Give it to us and we’ll let you take Jimmy and leave.”

“I’m not giving you anything, you’re giving me back my rancher,” Tango ground out, his hand tightening on the pen knife.

Cleo lowered her shotgun and shot it out of his hand, sending it skittering across the floor with a metallic noise. Tango winced at the recoil in his arm from the bullet.

“The money,” Cleo said, “Hand it over.”

“What happens if I don’t?” Tango challenged.

He shouldn’t have asked.

Scott walked over and lowered his pistol against the side of Jimmy's head. Jimmy’s squeal was muffled by the gag.

Tango’s eyes widened in fear, “No! Please don’t! Don’t hurt him!”

“Then just hand over the money and he leaves alive,” Scott pushed the gun closer to Jimmy’s head.

Tango stared in horror. He hadn’t brought the money, thinking that the others wouldn’t be there. He had no weapons, nothing apart from his pen knife which he couldn’t get to. That and his blazeborn fire, but he was in too close a proximity to Jimmy. If he used his fire, Jimmy would get hurt.

His eyes scanned the warehouse just in case there was something he could use.

He spotted a few barrels of explosives just behind Scott.

And a crazy idea crossed his mind.

“Ok, fine!” He raised his hands, “I’ll give you the money!”

Scott lowered the gun from Jimmy’s head, “Wonderful. Hand it over.”

Tango walked over and stood next to Scott.

“Well?” Scott demanded, “Give us the money.”

“Oh, hang on just let me find it,” Tango rifled around in his pockets, “Let’s see, I’ve got the money right… here!”

He punched the gun out of Scott’s hand before he could react, then kicked Jimmy’s chair across the room. It skidded, stopping when it hit the other wall.

Then Tango summoned a fireball and sent it spiraling towards the explosives.

BANG!

They exploded in a huge cloud of flame and bright light. Tango dove for cover, hearing the Divorce Quartet’s screams from the fiery inferno. A few seconds later and all that was left was some small flames.

He heard the door slam and turned around just in time to see the four criminals run outside. He’d worry about them later. Right now he had a bigger priority.

He snatched up his pen knife and sprinted over to Jimmy, untying his blindfold and gag, “Are you ok? Did they hurt you?”

“No,” Jimmy shook his head, “I’m fine. But Tango, that was so reckless, you could have died!”

“I knew what I was doing,” Tango knelt down and started cutting at the cords tying Jimmy to the chair and the ones tied around his wings, “I had to save you. I couldn’t let them hurt you.”

“And I’m so grateful,” Jimmy said, “But please Tango, you scared me, I thought you might have died.”

“Ok, I’ll be more careful next time,” Tango snapped the rope and Jimmy practically spilled out of the chair and into his arms, stretching his wings wide. Tango pulled him into a hug, pressing a desperate kiss to his forehead. Jimmy reciprocated the hug tightly.

“I was so worried about you,” Tango whispered, “I’m so glad you’re ok.”

“Me too,” Jimmy nodded, “Can we go home please? My wrists are killing me right now.”

“We can,” Tango helped Jimmy to his feet and they headed out the door, “Let’s go home.”

Chapter Text

Prompt 9: Heavy

This was the worst day of Tango’s life.

Tango sighed, tapping the steering wheel of his car. He was stuck in tailback traffic on his way home from work and it was taking an obnoxiously long time to get back. He just wanted to crash out on the sofa with some stupid TV show to have on while he ate some crappy microwave dinner.

His life had been this monochrome kind of bland and grey for about a month now, ever since the end of Double Life. He missed his soulmate.

Jimmy. Now he was gone it felt like all of the colour and enjoyment had been sucked out of Tango’s life. They’d tried to make arrangements to see if one of them could move to the same city as the other, but it just hadn’t been possible. He felt like a bit of an idiot pining over Jimmy so much, but he couldn’t help it. He really missed him.

He fiddled with the dial on the radio, searching for a station with some kind of music that he liked. Somehow, none of them did and eventually he gave up and bluetoothed his phone up to the car speaker.

Now, what to listen to?

Tango honestly wasn’t sure, but he wanted something good.

In the end he messaged Jimmy.

You: Stuck in really heavy traffic, need something to listen to, any suggestions?

Rancher <3: Yikes =p. Maybe something like One Republic, they’re pretty good.

Rancher <3: Was gonna say Life is a Highway but then realised how ironic that would be lol

You: XD

Rancher <3: XD

You: Will take the suggestion into consideration, thanks for the help

Rancher <3: Is that Tango speak for ‘yes playing it now’?

You: Basically lol

Rancher <3: Hehe

You: I miss you

Rancher <3: I miss you too

Rancher <3: But I’ll see you soon

You: I want to see you nowwwww

Rancher <3: Me too =(

Rancher <3: But I can send virtual hugs and kisses

Rancher <3: xoxoxo

You: xoxoxo

You: Love you

Rancher <3: Love you too

You: Traffic’s moving, will talk later

Rancher <3: Drive safe!

You: I’ll try =)

Rancher <3: =) xxx

Tango loaded up One Republic and then kicked the car into first gear, inching forwards in the slow traffic. Jimmy had been right, they were good. He nodded along to the music and thought about his rancher. Jimmy had ended up going home to Tumble Town but Tango missed him every day. He hated waking up in his tiny house in Hermit City without Jimmy next to him, hated having to drag his butt into a job he had never really cared about, hated not coming home to the ranch after a day outside in the sun with the person he loved most and then doing something fun together. He really missed it.

Finally, the traffic eased up and Tango started to move. He sighed gratefully and drove home.

He was a few streets away from his house when the heavens opened and it started pouring with rain. Tango groaned and hit the dashboard. He despised the rain. He knew it was good for the plants and blah blah blah, but he really didn’t like getting wet.

He pulled up outside his little house and braced for the downpour that was awaiting him when he got out the car. He practically launched himself out of it, although briefly pausing to make sure he’d locked it, and ran for the front door, getting inside before he got too wet. He slammed the door shut, hung up his coat, kicked off his shoes and collapsed onto the couch.

He wasn’t sure how long he lay on the sofa staring at the ceiling, but he was snapped out of his thoughts by a knock at the door.

Tango frowned and sat up. He wasn’t expecting visitors or any post. Maybe Skizz had dropped by to mess with him. Honestly, Tango would welcome it at this point.

He got up with a groan and walked to the door, pulling it open.

“Look Skizz, I know that-” Tango looked up.

And stopped.

Standing outside, soaked through from the weather but grinning from ear to ear was Jimmy.

Tango blinked and opened and shut his mouth like a fish, too shocked to speak.

Jimmy laughed at his reaction, “Nice to see you too, but can I please come in? I’m getting very wet.”

“Of course, sorry!” Tango stood back to let Jimmy inside, “Just chuck your shoes with mine.”

“Got it,” Jimmy kicked off his trainers and hung his wet denim jacket up on the coat rack before he turned back to Tango.

Who ran straight into his arms.

Jimmy giggled as Tango hugged him tight, holding him close, “Hey rancher.”

“You’re here,” Tango whispered, burying his face into Jimmy’s chest, “You’re actually here.”

“Yep!” Jimmy nodded, “And I got good, bad news and awesome news.”

Tango pulled back, still holding him but not actively smushing his face into him, “What happened?”

“Bad news,” Jimmy began, “I lost my job.”

“Oh no, that’s awful-” Tango started, but Jimmy held up a hand to get him to stop.

“But that’s because I handed in my notice today,” He grinned, “I quit my job and found another in this city with better pay.”

“That’s great!” Tango smiled, “So you’ll see me more. But Jimmy, the commute-”

“Is not a problem,” Jimmy interrupted, “Because the awesome news is I found and bought a small apartment just a few blocks away from here. I got here with the moving van earlier.”

Tango’s jaw dropped, “So… so you’re here to stay?”

“I’m here to stay,” Jimmy nodded, beaming.

Tango let out a joyous laugh and dragged Jimmy back into a tight hug, “That’s amazing!”

“I know!” Jimmy grabbed Tango around the waist and spun him around in the air. Tango whooped and giggled, cheering in celebration.

“We can be ranchers together again!” he grinned, “Although I am getting dizzy Jim.”

“Oops,” Jimmy set Tango back down on the floor, “Sorry.”

“No problem,” Tango smiled, kissing Jimmy’s chin, “Come on, this incredible news deserves a movie marathon night and takeout! I’ll order pizza!”

“I’m gonna run and make sure the van’s got to the apartment ok, then I’ll be back,” Jimmy grabbed his jacket and shoes.

“Ok, stay dry!” Tango called after him.

Jimmy grinned, “I’ll try!”

Jimmy was back about 10 minutes later, by which time Tango had filled a huge bowl with popcorn and was looking for a film.

“What film do you want?” Tango asked as Jimmy walked in.

Jimmy took a look at Tango’s DVDs, “Night at the Museum is a good one.”

“Ooh good call!” Tango pulled the DVD out of the case and slipped it into the TV, “You have good taste sir!”

“Of course I do, I’m a rancher,” Jimmy nudged him, “All ranchers have great taste.”

Tango giggled, “Sure.”

They both cosied up on the couch, Jimmy still a little wet but neither really minded, both of them smiling.

Tango sighed contentedly.

Today, even if it had started awfully, was the best day of his life.

Chapter Text

Prompt 10: Sweep

Jimmy hummed to himself, gathering up his papers and checking his watch. 5pm. Time to head out. He slipped the papers into one of the cubby holes in his shelving unit, grabbed his marking to do at home, packed his bag and then headed out into the corridor. It had been a long day teaching and he was looking forward to a relaxing evening at home.

After making sure he’d locked his classroom behind him, he strolled down the corridor, checking his phone.

He didn’t notice the wet floor sign on his way out.

The floor was suddenly very slidey, and Jimmy yelped in panic as he slipped over, landing hard on his backside. His marking went everywhere, and he scrambled to catch it, managing to fall over again on the slippery floor.

Jimmy sighed and flopped backwards, laying and staring at the ceiling. This was just typical of his luck, wasn’t it?

“Maybe you should read the sign next time, skippy.”

Jimmy jolted at the voice and sat up. Standing in front of him, leaning on a mop handle, was one of the school’s janitors. The new one that had arrived while Jimmy had been off work sick, since Jimmy didn’t recognise him. His hair was blonde and his eyes were red. He was smirking, though not unkindly, in fact it was almost fond.

“You need a hand?” He asked, offering Jimmy a hand to help him up.

“Oh, yes please,” Jimmy took it gratefully and staggered to his feet, “Thank you.”

“No problem,” The Janitor knelt down and gathered up Jimmy’s papers, handing them back, “I assume these are yours?”

“They are,” Jimmy smiled as he took them, “Thanks so much.”

“It’s fine,” the Janitor waved a hand dismissively, “You on your way home?”

“Yeah I was heading out,” Jimmy nodded, “Long day. I guess your shift just started.”

“Nah, I’ve been here a few hours,” The Janitor stuck his mop into the bucket on his trolley so he could lean against the wall, crossing his arms. Jimmy took a better look at him. He was a few inches shorter than Jimmy, with large muscles. There was the scruffy beginning of a beard on his chin, “We’ve gotta clean up at lunch too.”

“Of course,” Jimmy felt like an idiot for forgetting that. He tapped the side of his head playfully, “Sorry, it’s been a long day.”

“It ok, I get it,” The Janitor grinned, “Some of these kids are a handful.”

“You don’t say,” Jimmy chuckled, “Although I bet it’s hard for you, cleaning up after everyone.”

He paused, “I’m sorry, I don’t think we ever got introduced, can I know your name?”

“Sure!” The Janitor smiled, “I’m Tango!”

“Jimmy,” Jimmy offered his hand for Tango to shake, “Mr Solidarity to the kids.”

“I think the kids all use my first name,” Tango shook it and Jimmy was surprised at how strong his grip was, “I don’t really mind, to be honest. But, if we’re being formal, then my surname is Tek.”

“Tango Tek, got it,” Jimmy nodded.

Suddenly his phone buzzed aggressively in his hand and he glanced down at it.

“Oh, that’s my brother waiting for me,” Jimmy apologised, “Sorry, I’ve got to go.”

“That’s fine, sorry for keeping your brother waiting,” Tango nodded, “Have a good evening Jimmy!”

“You too!” Jimmy sprinted down the corridor, making sure to avoid the wet patches. He waved back at Tango before disappearing out the door and heading to the reception where Grian was waiting outside.

“What took you so long?” Grian complained, “I was waiting for ages!”

“I was talking to someone,” Jimmy explained, “Sorry.”

“Who?” Grian asked.

“The new janitor,” Jimmy said as Grian pulled away, “He’s called Tango and he’s really nice.”

“Cool,” Grian mused, “Nice you’re getting along with people who aren’t teachers.”

Jimmy nodded. Tango had been really nice. And handsome too.

Jimmy found himself really liking him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jimmy didn’t bump into Tango again until the fall school social.

He’d shown up kind of because he had to. Almost all of the other teachers were busy or ill and they needed some adults to supervise, so Jimmy was standing rather awkwardly in the corner keeping an eye on things. Honestly there was nothing to keep an eye on, but he felt like he had to follow his duty, no matter how tedious it might be.
He sighed and leaned against the wall, watching the kids enjoy themselves. A couple of people approached him, asking if he’d like to come and dance, mostly the teen girls who wanted a video of him being silly for social media, but Jimmy politely declined. He couldn’t dance and he didn’t want to embarrass himself.

He’d just sent off a bunch of kids who were desperately trying to get him to dance for about the third time that evening when he spotted Tango sweeping leaves in the school car park. He hadn’t seen him in a while.

Jimmy glanced across the room. There was another teacher there who was doing a perfectly ok job on their own. Jimmy signalled to him that he needed some air and slipped out the side door of the school gym.

The night air was cool and the sky was dotted with stars. Tango had paused his sweeping and was humming along to the music from the gym, staring at the stars. Jimmy couldn’t help but notice how striking he looked in this light, his hair dusted slightly silver from the starlight and a gentle smile on his face. He was in a tank top and leggings, and Jimmy had to force himself not to look at Tango’s huge muscles.

“Heya,” he said. Tango looked over and smiled wider when he saw Jimmy.

“Hey Jim!” He greeted, “Didn’t know you were here this evening.”

“Wasn’t planning to be,” Jimmy shrugged, “But everyone else got sick so I had to cover.”

“This not your type of gig?” Tango asked.

Jimmy shook his head, “Not really. I was never big into socials as a kid and that was something that didn’t change.”

Tango chuckled, “I see. You’re not a dancer then?”

Jimmy burst out laughing, “A dancer? Me? You’re funny. You saw me fall over in the corridor. I can’t dance!”

“Well, sorry for assuming,” Tango raised his hands, “I just thought with a body like that, you’d be good at sports.”

Jimmy felt his face flush bright red at the comment.

“Um, well, I like sports,” He stuttered, trying not to show how much the remark had thrown him, “But I just can’t dance. I’m too graceless.”

“Nah, everyone can dance,” Tango grinned, “Not everyone can dance well, but everyone can dance. It’s an expression of joy. And not to mention, pretty fun.”

“You’re a dancer?” Jimmy asked surprised.

“No, but I like dancing,” Tango said, “I can’t dance well to save my life, but I can dance. It’s fun.”

“Right,” Jimmy understood his logic.

A new song came on in the gym: Born to be my Baby by Bon Jovi. At least, that’s what it sounded like.

Tango clearly recognised it and his face lit up in excitement, “Ooh I love this song! Absolute classic.”

Jimmy nodded, swaying to the music a little.

To his surprise, Tango offered him his hand.

“May I have this dance?” He asked with a smile.

Jimmy chuckled nervously, “I told you that I can’t dance.”

“And I told you that you can,” Tango countered, “There’s no one here to see us and it’ll be fun!”

Jimmy sighed. He might as well.

“Go on then,” He took Tango’s hand.

The song was too upbeat for a waltz-like dance, so Tango led Jimmy in a quick disco kind of equivalent. He spun Jimmy around and twirled him under his arm in a pirouette. Jimmy laughed. It was pretty fun and he found himself enjoying it.

The chorus lyrics blasted from the gym hall and Tango belted them at the top of his lungs, Jimmy joining in.

“You were born to be my baby,
And baby, I was made to be your man,
We got something to believe in,
Even if we don't know where we stand,
Only God would know the reasons,
But I bet he must have had a plan,
'Cause you were born to be my baby,
And baby, I was made to be your man.”

They both decided to play air guitar at the guitar solo which had them both giggling before they started dancing again when the bridge came back in.

It just felt so silly and free in a way Jimmy hadn’t felt in years. He smiled so hard through all of it that his face hurt. Tango also seemed to be having the time of his life. Jimmy realised he wanted to do this all the time.

And he wanted to do it with Tango. He wanted to do it with this janitor with his gorgeous eyes and shining hair and wonderful laugh and stunning smile and incredible personality.

The song reached its finish and Tango spun Jimmy out one last time. Jimmy rolled back in, laughing.

He was not expecting Tango to dip him.

And he was definitely not expecting the soft kiss pressed to his lips.

He jolted slightly, which seemed to snap Tango out of whatever reverie he was in. He almost dropped Jimmy, staggering back, red eyes wide with fear.

“Oh- oh my gosh, I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t- I didn’t- I should go,” He stammered.

He turned to leave.

Jimmy grabbed his wrist.

“Tango wait.”

Tango stopped.

Jimmy took his shoulders and turned him around.

And then kissed him back.

Tango’s eyes widened even further, so much so that Jimmy was worried they might pop out of his head, but fortunately they didn’t. Jimmy couldn’t remember the last time he’d kissed someone like this, with such a strong want, such a strong need for more, to keep the person close, to kiss like this was the last time he’d ever kiss anyone. Maybe it had never happened before. To be fair, Tango was a good kisser, better than Jimmy had expected. It was passionate and beautiful and Jimmy had never felt anything like it in his life.

Eventually Tango pulled back for air, breathless and flushed.

“Oh my goodness,” was all he could say.

Jimmy chuckled, heart pounding, “So, I guess I should say that I really like you.”

“Me too,” Tango nodded, “Jimmy I haven’t been able to get you out of my head since we first met. But I didn’t know if you had a partner and I shouldn’t have kissed you without asking, even if you are single.”

“I don’t have a partner,” Jimmy nodded, “But I’m currently very taken with a red eyed, blonde haired, criminally handsome janitor.”

Tango flushed even harder.

“Stop it,” he mumbled, but he couldn’t hide the coy smile on his face.

“It’s true,” Jimmy smiled, “You’re the best looking, kindest, nicest guy I’ve ever met Tango.”

“And you are the best looking, kindest, nicest guy I’ve ever met Jimmy,” Tango repeated.

“So you like me too?” Jimmy asked.

“Yep. I wouldn’t quite go as far as love yet, but I’m falling hard,” Tango nodded.

“Then I have one question.”

“Shoot.”

“Are you free Saturday evening?”

Tango raised an eyebrow playfully, “Is it a date?”

“Mayyybe,” Jimmy grinned.

“Then yes,” Tango took Jimmy’s face in his hands, “Yes. I’d love to go on a date with you.”

Jimmy huffed out a laugh, “It’s funny.”

“What is?”

“Usually it’s the kids who end up with a date after a social,” he said.

“We’re allowed to flip the script,” Tango smirked. Oh, Jimmy already loved that smirk.

“Can I kiss you again?” He asked.

“Please.”

Jimmy drew Tango up by his waist and pushed their lips together, running a hand through Tango’s hair. Tango cooed into the kiss and hung on tighter around Jimmy’s neck.

Eventually they pulled away for air, both grinning like idiots.

“You should probably head in before the teachers and students get suspicious,” Tango said breathlessly.

“Yeah, probably,” Jimmy nodded, “Imagine if one of the kids saw. Gosh, teacher and janitor caught making out in the school car park, that’d go viral.”

Tango chuckled, “It would.”

“I’d rather stay here though,” Jimmy complained.

“I know, but it’s cold,” Tango shivered. Jimmy had forgotten he was only in a tank top. He pulled him into a hug to warm him up.

“Thanks,” Tango whispered.

“No problem,” Jimmy whispered back.

After a little while, Jimmy pulled away, “You’re right though. I should head in.”

“Hey, before you go,” Tango pulled his phone out of his pocket, “What’s your number?”

Jimmy recited it and Tango typed it in, “There. I’ll text you so you can have mine.”

“Thanks,” Jimmy nodded, then went to step back inside. He turned around one last time.

“See ya Tango,” he waved.

“See ya Jimmy,” Tango waved back.

Jimmy shut the door behind him and walked back to his corner, smiling. He couldn’t wait for Saturday.

That janitor had certainly swept him off his feet.

Chapter Text

Prompt 11: Sting

Jimmy whistled as he walked through the forest, occasionally skipping down the path. He’d been busy collecting some sticks to fix a twig fence that had snapped in a recent storm and was now heading back so he could help Tango fix it. It was an autumnal day, the leaves vibrant red and oranges in the trees. He was walking along beside a very steep ditch that led down to the dry bed of a stream and it was full of leaf piles. Jimmy had to resist the childish urge to climb down and jump in one like a toddler.

He unfortunately didn’t see the tree root in front of him until he tripped over it.

He squealed as he tumbled sideways into the ditch, landing in a pile of leaves at the bottom with a thud. He sighed, laying in the leaves for a moment. Well. Getting up was going to be-

“Ow!”

There was a sudden sharp pain in his hand. He drew it up, staring.

There was a wasp sitting on his hand.

“Oh, for goodness sake,” Jimmy sighed, shaking the wasp off his hand, “Of course this is just typical of my luck.”

There was another sudden sting in his arm and he yelped. Then another in his other arm. Then another.

Jimmy jumped to his feet, shaking his arms like a mad man. He looked down at his feet to see where the wasps were coming from.

A wasp nest was laying on the floor next to where he’d fallen.

Oh good.

A huge cloud of wasps suddenly swelled into the air. Jimmy screamed as they descended on him, stinging him incessantly. He scrambled to climb out of the ditch but the wasps followed. Jimmy managed to haul himself up and then bolted back to the path, sprinting as fast as he could back home. But the wasps kept following, and they would not stop stinging him. Jimmy bit back cry after cry as they jabbed him with their nasty stingers.

After what felt like forever, they finally left him alone. He sighed in relief and slowed down the pace a little, panting for breath. But he was really hurting, almost limping along the street. But he had to get home. Tango would know how to fix him up.

He knocked on the door, hoping Tango would open it. Fortunately, a few moments later it swung open and Tango was stood there holding a hammer and a handful of nails.

“Hey Jimmy!” Tango smiled, “I had just started on the fence did you get- wait, are you ok?”

“No,” Jimmy groaned, staggering inside.

“What happened?” Tango asked, concerned.

“I fell into a wasp nest on the way back,” Jimmy managed to hobble to the couch, collapsing onto it and laying back, “They did not appreciate it.”

“Oh Jimmy,” Tango put down the nails and gave his rancher a gentle hug, “That’s horrible. You stay here, I’m gonna get some stuff to clean you up.”

“Thank you,” Jimmy nodded gratefully. He had to resist the temptation to scratch the stings, knowing it would make it worse. But they were so itchy and sore and it was driving him crazy.

Tango came back in with some stuff to treat Jimmy’s wounds.

“Where did you get stung?” He asked.

“Pretty much everywhere,” Jimmy sighed, “They really did not like me.”

“Alright, I’mma need to take your shirt off to get the stings out,” Tango said, “That ok?”

“Go ahead,” Jimmy nodded.

Tango carefully pulled Jimmy’s shirt off, pausing briefly to admire the muscles in Jimmy’s chest.

“You should wear shirts less often,” he commented, completely unashamedly.

Jimmy scoffed and rolled his eyes.

Tango’s hands were cool from working on the fence and provided some respite against the stings. He flinched a little as he felt Tango’s fingernails dig into his skin, pulling the stingers out.

“Why not use tweezers?” he winced.

“Tweezers can squeeze the poison out,” Tango explained, “I know it hurts, but tweezers would be worse.”

“Huh,” Jimmy mused, “Didn’t know that.”

He stayed as still as he could whilst Tango picked the stingers out, even though it hurt quite a lot. Eventually, they were all removed.

Jimmy went to itch one of the stings but Tango grabbed his wrist, “Nuh uh. You’ll just make it worse.”

“But it’s so itchy!” Jimmy whined, “Leaving it is driving me crazy, Tango! It’s torture!”

“I know sweetie, but it could get infected and then it’ll be even itchier,” Tango countered. He poured something out of a bottle onto a cotton wool pad and handed it to Jimmy, “Try this.”

Jimmy looked at the bottle and then sniffed the pad, confused.

“Lemon juice?” he questioned.

“Yep,” Tango nodded, “Wasp stings are alkaline, so acids like lemons help with the pain and the itch.”

“I see,” Jimmy pressed the pad to one of the stings. He was surprised when it did help.

“Wow,” he said, “Wouldn’t have thought lemons would actually help.”

“It's just chemistry,” Tango shrugged.

“I never learnt chemistry,” Jimmy chuckled, “I dropped science as a school subject as soon as I was able to.”

Tango laughed and put some more lemon juice on Jimmy's wounds, cleaning them all up. Soon they were feeling a lot less sore and Jimmy sighed in relief.

“Thanks Tango,” he shut his eyes, enjoying the blissful feeling of almost no pain, “I really appreciate this.”

“Well I didn't want you to drop dead due to wasp poison,” Tango reasoned, “Although what a way to go!”

He waved his hands dramatically, holding back laughter, “‘Jimmy Solidarity, slain by wasps.”

He burst into a fit of giggles and Jimmy rolled his eyes with a smile.

“That’d be a horrible way to go,” He huffed playfully, “Death by insects. It’d be pathetic.”

“Yeah but think of the headlines!” Tango smirked, “‘Man dies to flying death bugs. Could there ever be a death more woeful than that? Read to find out!’”

“Alright, that’s enough taking the mickey out of me,” Jimmy said, “I’m injured, cut me a break!”

“You can take it,” Tango nudged him gently and grinned, “You’re a strong guy. And a wasp’s favourite food.”

“Tango, stop messing,” Jimmy warned, “Or I’ll have to sting you in return.”

“And how will you do that?” Tango teased, “With your words?”

“Nope,” Jimmy grabbed Tango and dragged him onto the sofa, poking him repeatedly in the sides. Tango squirmed in his grip as it tickled.

“Jimmy!” He gasped through his giggles, “Stop!”

“Then stop saying I’m wasp food,” Jimmy grinned.

“Ok fine!” Tango raised his hands in surrender, instantly regretting his actions as he gave access for Jimmy to tickle him under the arms, “You’re not wasp food! You’re strong and handsome and the terror of all bugs! Stop, please!”

Jimmy stopped and ruffled Tango’s hair, smiling.

“You’re the worst,” Tango pouted, flopping dramatically against Jimmy’s chest, “Next time you can sort your own stings out.”

“Well you’ve taught me enough that I could,” Jimmy reasoned, “Thanks though. Seriously. I really needed help.”

“I’ll always help you out Rancher,” Tango kissed Jimmy’s cheek, “Now get a shirt on and help me with the fence.”

“I thought you liked me without one,” Jimmy grinned,

“Yes but you can’t do DIY shirtless,” Tango argued, “As much as I’d love to see you do that, you’d get hurt and I am not pulling splinters out of your chest as well as stings.”

“Fair,” Jimmy chuckled, “Alright, let’s get to work.”

“Ok wasp boy,” Tango jumped off the sofa and ran out the room before Jimmy could grab him. Jimmy sighed fondly and pulled his shirt on before he sprinted after Tango, catching him up quickly. He grabbed Tango around the waist and lifted him into the air. Tango was giggling like a little child, his eyes sparkling with mischief and joy.

“You’re a menace,” Jimmy laughed.

“You know you love me for it,” Tango snickered, booping Jimmy’s nose.

Jimmy smiled and kissed Tango’s forehead, “Yeah. I do.”