Disclaimer: Again, Toy Story belongs to Disney and Pixar.
A/N: I'm slowly getting the hang of writing my favorite character out. Really, I was apprehensive in writing this fic because I'm usually content with just reading but I couldn't help it. I've been in love with Toy Story since the beginning...when was that? 1995? Wow, it's just amazing what Pixar does. I couldn't even begin to replicate their qualities from film onto my laptop, but that's the beauty of practise and fans. :) Thank you to those who have been reviewing, you really motivate me to keep writing.
Buzz Lightyear was definitely not a small town guy, but if living here meant he'd be running into the beautiful red head often, he was sure he'd learn to enjoy it.
Thanks to the stout old man Mr. Sputt, Buzz was able to move into the already furnished living space within less than 24 hours. After having coffee with Jessie and finding out they had a lot of similar interests, being the gentleman he was, he politely walked her to her door, and bid her a good night. However, that was 2 days ago, and though they'd made it a habit to go out for coffee every night since, the caffeinated drink was keeping him up.
Sighing, he got up and threw a shirt on, quietly exiting his room and heading for the joint kitchen area. One brow raised up when he realized someone was occupying the large dining area as well and he carefully remained hidden while listening.
"-back sometime tomorrow afternoon. Bo needs me there, Slink. And so does my baby girl." He heard a man sigh.
"I can understand that, Woody." A slightly lower, raspier voice responded. "If need be, I'll stay here with Jessie while you're gone. Give 'er a little company."
Buzz's ears perked at the mention of the redhead's name.
"I think she'd like that… just don't tell 'er or she'll think you're babysittin'." The first man chuckled.
"Doncha know eavesdroppin' is rude, stranger?" A voice from behind him whispered, causing him to yelp embarrassedly. When he turned around he saw the redheaded beauty looking at him with her wide green eyes and tired but amused smile. "Don't worry, I won't tell on ya 'cause I do it all the time!" She continued, winking.
"I- I wasn't eavesdropping." He defended himself, realizing his cry of surprise had alerted the two men from the kitchen to come into the hall to investigate. "I didn't want to disturb their conversation. I was merely waiting for the opportune moment to present myself."
The men both shared similar looks of raised eyebrows and Jessie ran straight into the arms of the older man with slightly weary features. "Pa!" She cried, hugging him tightly. "Where've you been? I haven't seen ya since last spring! I like your hair, gray looks mighty nice on you!" She rambled on, reaching up to tug a couple short strands.
"Ow! Careful there, Jess! Don't yank my scalp off!" He laughed after wincing, reaching to rub his tender area.
"Sorry." She grinned, not looking it in the least. Then, she turned her focus to the taller, much younger man. "Woody, why aren't you with Bo? Is she alright?"
He leant in and ruffled her hair, "She's fine. They stopped all the bleeding and my baby girl's doin' much better as well! We should be able to bring her home within the week!"
"That's great, Woody!" Jessie beamed, momentarily catching a glance at the other occupant in the hall. "Oh! I almost forgot! Did y'all meet Buzz?"
"Who?" Woody asked, looking at the man with a cautious glance, wondering if Jessie had brought a man home for the city.
"Um, there's no need to-"
"I met him on the way here." Jessie interrupted, continuing her introduction. "We sat next each other on the plane and then I met him again over at Rex's place. He's gonna be livin' here for some time now."
"Nice to meet you." Buzz greeted, extending his hand. He almost smirked at the frown on the man Woody's face, but held it back. "Mr. Sputt told me about your wife. I wish her and your newborn baby well."
Woody instantly warmed up after the mention of his family. "I do, too. Speakin' of, I'd better get on back."
"Take care, Sheriff." Slink said, squeezing his shoulder. "I'll keep an eye on this troublemaker." He nudged his head in Jessie's direction, and Buzz fought off a smile when he gaze darted to his and she embarrassedly growled, "Pa…"
Woody laughed and then hugged his sister. "I'll be sure to keep you updated."
"I'm holdin' you to that, Sheriff." She joked lightly, pulling away and kissing his cheek. "Please give my love to Bo and the baby." she added in a softer tone.
"Well, nice meetin' you, Buzz." Woody tipped his hat, "We'll be seeing much of each other from now on, I reckon, so take it easy." With that, he grabbed his bag and headed out the door.
"I'm gonna head up for bed, Jessie." Slink, her father figure told her. "Don't stay up too late."
"Yeah, yeah." She smiled, happier to be home and welcoming the change of good news. "'Night, Pa."
Buzz nodded his head toward the man, bidding him good night and nervously turned to the woman beside him. She waited until her Pa was out of sight before whispering, "Follow me."
In the kitchen, she turned and smiled. "Do you like chocolate?"
Buzz couldn't deny the strong attraction he was feeling to this woman he met not nearly three days ago, but he wondered if maybe the universe was trying to repay his unhappy childhood for a more…beautiful adulthood. He wouldn't mind that. The universe owed him after all.
Whoo hoo! Another chapter done! What do you guys think the baby should be named?