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Argenti laid in his bed, stomach down, Boothill sitting crisscrossed next to him and watching his halo softly glow and float behind him. The bed was just big enough for the two of them to occupy it together, Argenti had just put on fresh sheets last night as well. Argenti took a deep breath, sighing into the pillow he cradled. The ever precise ranger meticulously worked through the feathers of the man’s wings, starting at the cream coloured primaries and working his way up to the bright red down. He held a small pair of scissors in one hand, carefully trimming any broken feathers.
Boothill sighed, the small pile of feathers next to him becoming not so small. Argenti looked over his shoulder, Boothill’s expression somewhat sad. His brows softly knitted together, shoulders sagging. He may be simply focused, but the way his mouth was downturned ever so slightly, something was bothering the poor ranger
“Boothill? Is everything alright?”
Argenti asked as Boothill set aside another clipped feather; he looked like it almost caused him physical pain to snip it.
“Hmm? I’m fine angel, how are you feeling?”
Boothill replied, giving the wing that sat in his lap a few long, gentle strokes. Argenti let out a pleased sigh. It took everything in Boothill’s power to not bury his face in the soft down, not being able to feel the feathers in between his now metal fingers.
“Feels good my dear, but… you look upset.”
Argenti admitted, his halo dulling ever so slightly, Boothill raised an eyebrow,
“I ain’t upset, just, I feel like ya loose more feathers than ya grow.”
Boothill said quietly as he continued to pet and tidy his lover's wings, another snip of the scissors for yet another broken feather; setting it on the pile. Making sure not to lose any.
“I guess… A good few have needed to be clipped fairly frequently.”
Argenti softly admitted, looking at the growing pile. He didn’t have much of a choice when it came to his wings though, especially when it came to some people's lack of spatial awareness. Not to mention some people’s lack of boundaries, he understood it wasn’t every day people saw someone like him, but he wasn’t a darn petting zoo!
“Why not one day with yer wings out? Quick late-night date?”
Boothill offered, finishing lining up the last few feathers, he gave the wing one more thorough once over, feeling satisfied. He gestured for Argenti to lie in the opposite direction to start work on the other. Argenti sat up, looking over Boothill’s work himself, he started doing a better job than Argenti ever could. He lay back down, stretching his wing out to rest on Boothill’s lap.
“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea my dear…”
Argenti responded, thinking over the idea. It would be nice to go out, and he always loved spending time with Boothill. But the idea of his wings being unprotected made him shudder, and not in a good way.
“I’d make sure nothin’ll happen to ya, promise.”
Boothill assured him, leaning down and kissing his cheek. He knew a few quiet places in the area they were currently in, and knew when they were most or least crowded. If he planned it out right, it would feel like no one else is around; just the two of them. They didn’t even need to go to a place really, even just a walk would be good for Argenti. Maybe some exercise would help with wing blood flow! Though he wasn’t sure how accurate that was
Argenti was more comfortable, and felt safe around Boothill. Nonetheless the spiral of every possible bad thing that could happen started to swirl. Boothill noticed Argenti’s wings subconsciously started to puff up, a natural response to adrenaline. Boothill placed a cool hand in between Argenti’s wings, trying to ground him.
“Hey, if it’s making ya this nervous just thinkin ‘bout it, we don’t gotta.”
Argenti was calmed simply by his concern, another snip almost punctuating his sentence.
“No, you’re right, I should.”
Argenti said, somewhat glum as he nuzzled into the pillow he held. Boothill tried to quickly think of places to go. They couldn’t go to a bar, it was much too cramped, and most restaurants closed by 8 P.M. He walked down every street of the city in his mind… Then he got it!
“What about that restaurant on 7th? They don’t close til like 1 A.M.”
Boothill said excitedly, looking down at Argenti, trying to study his expression. Argenti thought for a moment, he had been out late before on his own, it was quiet; Peaceful even. Nothing other than the sound of wind and the occasional far off car horn.
“I think,” Argenti started, if Boothill still had a heart, it would be racing. “That would be nice.” Boothill couldn't stop the wide, sharp grin that overtook his face. They hadn’t been on a proper date, well, ever now that he thought about it. He wasn’t sure if sitting at an old, run-down, sketchy bar for a few hours was much of a date. Boothill never really considered himself a romantic, but Argenti was, and that was enough to convince him to do better than a dive bar.
“Alright, any day in particular?”
Boothill asked, Argenti thought again. He realized he didn’t have much in terms of dust this week, no calls from the knights.
“What about Thursday?”
Argenti answered, it would be packed on a Friday night, even late. But Thursday would be less likely, less people to gawk at him like some creature, and less people to possibly touch him.
“Thursday it is birdie.”
Boothill said with an excited smile. Now, he had to plan. There was still quite a bit of work to do on Argenti’s feathers, his left wing being extra crumpled. With time, patience, and the precise eye of the ranger, they were nearly good as new! A few thin spots had appeared, but Boothill made sure to fluff out those areas even more. It definitely wasn’t an excuse to touch his wings a little more, he wasn’t done yet, that’s all. He conceded soon enough, giving the wing that sat in his lap a final few pets before releasing him.
Argenti sat up, stretching his arms over his head, then slowly unfolded his wings. Stretching them all the way out, the ends nearly touching each wall of the bedroom. Boothill smiled as the wings by his ears spread out the exact same way, though not nearly as expansive. Argenti folded them back up and sighed contentedly, glancing over at Boothill, who was just admiring him. Argenti immediately felt his face warm, looking away from him. Gently, Boothill leaned forward to cup his face, making him turn to face him. Argenti ended up being the first to lean in, Boothill quickly closing the distance to feel the redhead's lips on his own. The shared soft kisses and a few touches for a while, slowly wiggling closer to each other. Eventually they lay down, curling into each other's arms and dozing off in the early night.
~~~
The next morning was slow, waking up late and getting ready lazily. Argenti forgoed a shower, a quick brush through of his hair, pulling it back into a ponytail and sectioning out some of his bangs. He slipped on his turtle neck and leggings, and met Boothill in the kitchen. Boothill turned to face him, a bowl in each hand,
“Ya really gotta start doin’ some better shopping, at least so I can make a better breakfast than cereal.”
Argenti chuckled and sat at the counter, Boothill setting the bowl down in front of him. Boothill pulled out the stool across from him and sat, setting his own bowl down.
“I think you just like trying to impress me, my dear.”
Argenti replied, taking a bite, sweet and perfectly crunchy.
“What? Can’t try and provide for my mate?”
Boothill teased, watching Argenti’s face start to blend in with his hair. He couldn’t even tell him to be quiet as he blushed into his bowl, taking another bite. They continued to eat together in comfortable silence, Boothill finishing quickly. Boothill watched the way his head wings wiggled slightly as he chewed, Argenti scrolling on his phone. He went through his messages, seeing if anyone may have needed his assistance, even with small things.
March had asked which necklace looked better with the dress she wanted to wear, he liked the statement piece. Dan Heng asked if he would be coming back to the express anytime soon and if they needed to stop for him, and Himeko had acquired a new type of coffee! He would have to stop by, so he asked Boothill what time might work for them to visit, messaging Dan Heng back the date they decided. He replied back quickly with a thumbs up emoji, Argenti smiled and set his phone down, taking the last bite of his breakfast. Boothill grabbed his bowl before Argenti could clean it up himself, the cowboy dumped out the little bit of milk that was left and set the bowls in the sink.
One quick peck and Argenti was back in his room to get his armour on, starting at the sabatons and working his way up. Piece by piece until he was at his chest, as carefully as he could he would wrap his wings up, placing the chest plate over them. He stopped in the bathroom once more to apply the smallest bit of makeup, a dab of lipgloss and a little eyeshadow, nothing too heavy; letting his natural beauty shine. Boothill bid Argenti goodbye on his day of errands, and whatever else he might get caught up in, saving kittens from trees if Boothill had to guess. As soon as the door shut to the one and only the ranger pulled out his phone, typing up the name of the restaurant. He looked for a second until he eventually found the phone number, dialing it and raising his phone up to his ear. A kind voice answered after a few seconds, asking what he might need help with.
“Howdy, I was hoping I could make a reservation fer this Thursday at 10 P.M.? … Yup sounds good, one last thing, any way I could get a booth near the back? … Perfect, thank ya sweetheart.”
He got the reservation all set up and hung up, making sure they could be away from any other patrons. He set his phone back down on the counter and walked over to the sink, starting on the dishes from breakfast. A few other small utensils also needed to be cleaned, which he did and placed them in the drying rack.
He dried his hands and picked his phone back up, looking to see if he had any missed messages himself. Only three, all from Rappa, some minor intel on some IPC whereabouts, but no major leads. He messaged her back a quick thank you for always keeping an eye out, and keeping him updated. He put his hands on his hips and looked around, he didn’t have any bounties, and Argenti was already taking care of the errands.
Slowly, he busied himself with chores, wiped down the counter, swept up under the counter, and put away the now dry dishes. Lazily, he moved from room to room, tidying what he could, filling his time. After a while he sat heavily on the couch, slumping down quite ungracefully. He checked the time, still a little over an hour before Argenti got back, just enough time to do a full system scan. He wouldn’t want anything to go haywire on their date, he’d probably be the first in history to ruin a date by a body glitching out.
He laid down, and let his systems do its thing; next thing he knew he was woken up by the turning of a door handle. He rubbed his eyes and yawned, peaking over the couch to see Argenti setting down a few bags of groceries. He turned to see Boothill watching him, letting out a soft gasp of surprise,
“I didn’t wake you my dear, did I?”
Argenti asked with a concerned look on his face, walking up to him.
“Not at all birdie.” He replied, sitting up to lean in for a quick kiss. “Still wanna go out tonight?”
“Very much so, my dear, I just need to get myself cleaned up a bit better!”
Argenti quickly walked back over to start putting the groceries away, Boothill getting up and walking behind him. Gently, Boothill snuck his hands over Argenti’s hips, pulling him in and placing a few more kisses on his neck.
“Let me take care of this, go on and get ready.”
Argenti let out a surprised whine as Boothill didn’t let go just yet, adding a few more kisses to his neck. The cowboy released him once he was satisfied, letting Argenti go, Boothill watched the swing of his hips unabashedly. Argenti got to the bathroom and started the equally tedious process of taking off his armour, a sigh of relief as he let his wings hang limply. He turned on the water to the shower, then took off the rest of his undergarments.
He stepped in, letting the warm water relax him the rest of the way. He got his thick hair thoroughly wet, but did his best to keep his wings as dry as he could. He shampooed twice, then conditioned, washed his body then rinsed the conditioner out. He turned off the water and stepped out, wringing out his hair as best he could, then wrapping it in a towel atop his head. He noticed that his wings got much wetter than he wanted, he groaned softly and stepped back into the shower. He closed the door to not soak the whole bathroom, puffing up every feather and shaking them out. He felt them, shaking them once more before he was happy, stepping out and drying off the rest of the way.
Argenti rummaged through his closet; he didn’t have much in terms of nicer clothing, usually his armour was fancy enough. With some searching he found a nice long-sleeve shirt, a jacket and dress pants. He got dressed, blow dried his hair the rest of the way, and added a few accessories. Finishing up with a little extra makeup than this morning, this time a touch of brown mascara and more pigmented lipgloss. Argenti walked back out to the living room, Boothill was scrolling on his phone by the door. Boothill had gotten himself a bit more dressed up as well, his hair pulled back into a half up style. He even donned a nice knit sweater and similar dress pants, along with his hat of course but that was also cleaned up. Boothill noticed him as Argenti walked up to him and felt whatever air filled him get knocked out immediately.
“Ya look breathtakin’ angel.”
Boothill said breathlessly, he really did look like an angel, especially when his wings weren’t being hidden away.
“Why thank you, my dear.”
Argenti said, cheeks flushing slightly as he tucked a stray piece of hair away. Boothill pulled him in for a quick kiss, then opened the door to the one and only. Waiting for Argenti to go first but he paused, just staring at the sidewalk, suddenly acutely aware of his wings. Only a handful of people even knew he had wings on his back, and even fewer had seen them. He felt his heart start to race, and began to instinctively curl his wings around himself. Boothill held out his hand,
“C’mon angel, I ain’t gonna let nuthin’ happen to ya. Scouts honour.”
Argenti just looked at him for a long moment, seeing the kind smile Boothill wore. Hesitantly, Argenti took his hand. They stepped out on the dimly lit sidewalk together, Argenti immediately taking note of his surroundings. The sun had already set fully, and a gentle, chill breeze blew through the air. It was quiet. Even a few snowflakes fell every so often, Boothill quickly checked the directions one more time, and off they went. The restaurant was only about 20 minutes away, their reservation was in 40, meaning they had plenty of time to meander.
They took a longer route, one that cut through a park. The leaves had long since fallen, most of the shrubs turning brown as well. But, the snow that started to fall heavier turned the dull scenes into a pleasant, highlighted one. Argenti held Boothill’s hand, Boothill turning up his internal heating system a bit, partly for himself but mostly for Argenti. Argenti talked about everything and nothing, Boothill hanging on to every word. Argenti occasionally stopped to point at a bird, the way a tree branch curled in the most perfect way, every little detail.
Ultimately, they had found themselves in front of the restaurant, it was a large building, holding both seating and a bar. Argenti noticed a few people outside, his wings had relaxed on their walk, falling languidly at his sides. But after seeing the small group of people, they were tucked as flat against his back as they could go. Boothill slipped his arm under them and around Argenti’s hip, grounding him once again. Argenti took a deep breath, and they started to walk up to the entrance, doing his best to ignore his thundering pulse. Boothill held the door for him, letting Argenti go first and walking up to the host together, and she greeted them kindly.
“Evening ma'am, reservation for two at 10. Boothill’s the name.”
She nodded and quickly looked through the little computer, writing something down, then grabbed two menus.
“Right this way, please!”
Boothill let Argenti go first, walking behind him to make sure no one could brush against his wing. They were sat at a far-off booth, not a single other patron in sight. The host asked if she could start on any drinks, Argenti asked for just water, and Boothill asked for their wine menu. Argenti raised an eyebrow,
“What? One glass ain’t gonna hurt ya, might do ya some good to relax a lil’.”
Boothill said, teasing him and watching how Argenti thought it over. Argenti admitted it did sound nice, their waiter came back after a moment with the waters and wine menu. Boothill handed it to Argenti, letting him pick. He chose a simple red, something that paired well with almost anything. The waiter retrieved it and filled their glasses. It also gave them enough time to order their food, the waiter telling them it would be out shortly.
“Feelin’ alright angel?”
Boothill asked, Argenti was still tucked into himself, his halo dim behind his head.
“I am alright, though a bit uncomfortable, I must admit.”
Argenti said quietly, taking a small sip of the wine, it was smooth and sweeter than he thought. Boothill reached across the table, letting the tips of their fingers tangle together.
“Well, I think yer doin’ a mighty fine job.”
Boothill responded in turn, and he meant it, he didn’t think Argenti would even be open to the idea, let alone go through with it. Yet here they were, sitting together in casual clothes, on a simple dinner date. Boothill didn’t even realize how badly he wanted this until he was in it, seeing Argenti in the warm light of the restaurant. His already bright red hair was glowing even more, both from the light above them and Argenti’s halo. Conversation quickly flowed naturally, this time Boothill taking the lead. Telling Argenti the very true, and not at all exaggerated story of his most recent bounty. Making Argenti laugh and seeing his smile was easily Boothill’s favourite thing, certainly a few white lies wouldn’t hurt to be able to see him so happy.
A few more minutes of chatter until their food was in front of both of them. Argenti ordered a pasta dish, Boothill ordered the most ridiculous burger Argenti had ever seen in his life. Argenti couldn’t help but chuckle as Boothill could barely pick up the thing, he gave Argenti a look. Eventually, somehow, he figured out how to take a bite, Argenti giving a very dramatic clap. Both of them devolving into laughter, Argenti’s cheeks hurting from his own smile. They got about halfway through their meals when Boothill had noticed something over Argenti’s shoulder, a dartboard. When their waiter came back around, asking if they needed anything Boothill asked.
“Do ya need to pay to play darts at all?”
He asked, pointing at the board, Argenti followed his finger. It hadn’t looked like it had been used for some time, some of the fabric of the board peeling slightly as well.
“No sir, more of a first-come first-served basis.”
The waiter explained as he topped up their wine.
“Whatcha say, birdie? Round or two?”
He asked as Argenti took a French fry off Boothill’s plate. Argenti looked around the area the board was. It was pretty open, and it didn’t look like anyone else was around it.
“Hmm, I don’t see why not.”
He replied, it did sound fun. They finished their meals, Boothill paying quickly before Argenti could set anything down. Argenti shook his head, Boothill giving him a sharp, overly proud smile. They walked over to the small yet open area, a small table in the middle with a basket on it, holding the darts. Boothill picked one of the darts up, it was very old, one of the feathers at the end having fallen off completely.
“Forgive me, my dear, but I’ve never actually played before.”
Argenti admitted, his head wings involuntarily coming down to cover his face slightly and halo sinking.
“Not a problem Genti, how about a simple game of 501?” Argenti just tilted his head like a puppy, causing Boothill to let out a laugh, making Argenti only go redder. “Sorry angel, it’s whoever gets 501 points first.” He explained, Argenti perked up a little more.
“Oh! Well that sounds simple enough.”
Argenti said, picking up a dart himself. Boothill explained what each section of the board was, and which part would give what points. Argenti nodded along, trying to remember everything. Boothill let him go first, stepping up to the faded line on the floor, he raised the dart, judging his angle and throwing it… right into the black outer ring of the board. Boothill watched as both sets of his wings deflated, the larger pair almost touching the floor. Boothill covered his mouth, trying his best not to smile or laugh. He steadied himself, clapping a few times, Argenti just looked at him, embarrassed as he walked off the spot.
Boothill patted him on the shoulder as he stepped up himself. Argenti watched as he took a similar stance as when he would fight, facing to the side and taking a wide stance. He lifted the dart, throwing it and hitting just outside the bullseye, his brows furrowed disappointed in himself. Argenti looked and realized something. This was wildly unfair! Boothill noticed Argenti’s shocked expression, giving him a wink and letting Argenti step up for his turn. Argenti aimed and threw again, this time actually hitting the board. Boothill watched as his wings splayed out slightly in his excitement, the feathers puffing out a bit. He turned back to look at Boothill, the biggest and goofiest smile plastered on his face, and the ranger felt like he fell in love all over again.
They continued taking turns, Argenti quickly getting the hang of it and catching up to Boothill. Boothill sat at 422 points, Argenti with 399. Boothill grabbed a dart and stepped up, glancing at Argenti, he looked a little disappointed. Boothill took a deep breath, and aimed for the outside of the board, hitting the wall. The redhead had to stifle a laugh, seeing Boothill’s shocked expression, confusion written all over his face. He walked back to the table in shame, Argenti stepping up with a newfound confidence.
Argenti took his spot, raising the dart, now was his chance! He took a deep breath, letting his body relax, including his wings, which shocked Boothill. The feathered man let his wings fall completely naturally, the same way he would when they were alone together. Argenti pulled back his hand and threw, his wings fanning out even larger this time. When he looked at the board, he couldn’t believe it, a perfect bullseye! Boothill whistled, giving him a genuine clap,
“Darn angel, you stole all my talent.”
Boothill teased, walking up to him closely,
“Looks like you need some more practice, my dear.”
Argenti teased back, cupping his face and kissing his dear cowboy. A gentle, quick thing, not wanting to draw too much attention from the other patrons; not that there were very many. They took a few more turns, Boothill purposefully letting Argenti win, hitting the wall once again. The way Argenti smiled, raising his hands over his head when he realized he won, his wings spreading almost entirely. Boothill felt proud, seeing Argenti more relaxed out in public, seemingly not even thinking about his wings.
Soon enough, they started their commute back to the One and Only, Argenti keeping much closer to Boothill this time. After a few hours in the restaurant, a solid layer of snow had accumulated on the sidewalk, not only was it cold he was worried about slipping. Boothill made sure to keep him steady. They walked in silence for most of the way, until Argenti started,
“Boothill?”
Argenti asked as he watched the fluffy, clumped snowflakes fall,
“Yeah, angel?”
Boothill answered, looking over Argenti. A soft smile on his face, hair becoming slightly fizzy from the breeze of the cold night.
“Can we do this again sometime?”
Boothill felt his heart soar, he didn’t think it could do that anymore. But he couldn’t help but be proud of himself for making his lover so obviously happy.
“‘Course birdie, anytime ya want.”