The floorboards creaked as Tango stepped out of the house and onto the porch. Eyes squinting, as he looked through Tumble Town. He had been looking for Jimmy ever since he got back from his job, but the other wasn't at his home. He could be at the Ranch, or one of the Barn buildings, so Tango made his way over there in hopes of finding his favorite Sheriff. It didn't take long before he spotted Jimmy near the wheatfields.
As he got closer, he could tell something was very wrong. Jimmy stood in the middle of the field, slightly bend over as if he were picking something up. That wasn't the strange part. The thing that threw Tango off was the fact that the other was unmoving. He seemed to be frozen in place, his face contorted in a never ending look of horror. He ran over as soon as he noticed Jimmy was in trouble, placing a hand on the other's back and one on his arm.
"Jimmy?! What's wrong?" he asked, trying and failing to keep the panic out of his voice. Jimmy only breathed in and out faster. Tango's eyes roamed over his body, checking for any injuries. "Just breath, you will be alright," he tried to reassure. He then looked around to see if a Witch or something had cast a freezing spell on his Rancher. But he couldn't see anything off. He rubbed Jimmy back, feeling the other start to stir.
As if by magic, Jimmy unfroze, falling forward towards the ground. Tango caught him. "Oh my- are you alright?!" he asked, still slightly freaked out. "I-I…I," Jimmy shivered, taking deep breaths. He was shaking all over. Tango hugged him close. "It's okay, you're okay," he muttered. Jimmy's hands gripped the back of his shirt tight.
"I-," he gulped," I was working, then my back started to hurt. Just like my knees have…" Tango nodded. Jimmy had mentioned his joints acting up, aching a lot of times. "A-and then I couldn't move…" he whispered. "How did that happen? Any idea?" Tango asked. "No," was the way too fast answer.
Tango pulled back a bit, to be able to look Jimmy in the eye. The other didn't look back. "Jimmy, what's going on?" Fear was apparent in his voice as he desperately wanted the blonde to look at him and tell him with all honesty that nothing was happening. Jimmy did not. He just shook his head and buried his face into Tango's chest.
"I'm getting Cub to come over and check you out, alright?" Tango said, not really asking for permission. Jimmy just tried to bury his face deeper into the netherborn's chest. The other didn't let go of him as he guided him towards the Ranch. Once inside he made the other sit down on the couch and made them some tea to calm down. As he put the kettle on, he shot a quick message to Cub, asking him to come over. The response was just as quick, Cub telling him he'd be over soon.
Not even 10 minutes later, there was a knock on the door. "I was in the neighbourhood," the other Hermit said as Tango opened the door for him. "Thanks for getting here so quickly," the other nodded. He moved out of the way to let Cub enter the building.
"So, where's the patient?" Cub asked with a teasing tone, moving towards the living room. "Over here," Jimmy said, with a slight grumble as he waved to Cub. Tango sat down beside Jimmy on the couch, patting his knee. He then started to tell Cub about how he had found the Sheriff frozen in place.
The Hermit dubbed doctor by his fellow Hermits, hummed as he listened, getting some things out of his inventory. He had started to keep some equipment on him ever since the others kept coming to him for medical advice. That or they would pester Doc, even tho neither was a real doctor. But they made due.
"Any idea what may have caused it?" he asked, noticing the look Tango shot Jimmy. The sheriff shook his head, staying silent. Cub made a mental note of Tango's disbelieving frown. The netherborn was already too much in his head, thinking about what had happened. What would've happened if he hadn't gone looking for Jimmy? It was a quiet part of town, hardly anybody crossed through that part. How long would he have stood there, frozen? How long had he been standing there?!
He hadn't noticed his breath quickening as anxiety pooled in his chest, until Jimmy took hold of his hand and gave him a reassuring smile. Tango looked into his eyes, taking a deep breath. He was here, moving and warm. He was okay. They were okay.
He missed out on Cub being done with taking samples and waiting for the results, as he put his equipment away. The Hermit hummed thoughtfully. "And?" Tango squeaked out nervously. "Well, nothing seems to be out of the ordinary," Cub said," It seems to be a case of putting to much stress on your systems."
Tango let out a breath he had been holding, feeling Jimmy squeeze his hand. "I suggest you take plenty of rest, laying down to give your joints less pressure and good food and lots of water." Jimmy groaned. Tango knew how much work he did and still had to do, it would be impossible for him to keep doing that.
"A maximum of 2 hours of physical labour, then at least 40 minutes rest," Cub said stern. Jimmy gasped. "No way!" He wanted to complain, but shut his mouth at the look Cub gave him. He crossed his arms and huffed. "You will be fine," Cub said, turning his attention to Tango. The netherborn nodded, knowing what his fellow Hermit was asking of him.
He would make sure Jimmy took enough rest. He would look after the other. Especially after the fright he had this afternoon. Cub patted Jimmy on the knee and stood back up. "Get well soon," he said and Jimmy thanked him for the trouble. Tango followed him out the door, thanking him again. "Any time, my friend," Cub smiled and took off.
Once the door was closed, Tango went back to the living room. He sat down beside the other, pulling him in for a side hug. Jimmy wiggled closer, laying his head on Tango's shoulder. The netherborn started to play with the golden yellow locks of hair, humming softly. He felt Jimmy relax, letting out a deep sigh.
"Jimmy?"
"M sorry, just… really tired," the blonde muttered. Tango nodded, concentrating on the rise and fall of Jimmy's chest. "We can rest, you can even take a nap," he suggested. "I-" a sigh "There's just so much work left to do," Jimmy said an tried to get up," the cattle still needs feeding, I have to finish up gathering the wheats and the crops-"
"No."
"No?"
"No."
Tango stopped Jimmy from getting up, by pulling him against his chest, arms wrapped around him from behind. "Message Scar and tell him to do the left over work, or Chris," he said," You're going to stay in for tonight, take some rest and watch a movie with me." He could barely see the small smile on Jimmy's face.
"Okay," Jimmy said softly, taking out his communicator. Tango sighed and kissed the top of Jimmy's head, earning him a chuckle. "All done," the Sheriff said, putting his comm. away. He tried to turn towards Tango, looking him in the eye. "Thanks for being here with me," he muttered. Tango smiled and kissed his forehead.
"Wouldn't want to be anywhere else," he replied. Jimmy's smile was soft and it lit Tango's insides on fire. He wanted to smother the other in kisses and hugs and never let go. "Now the only question remains," Jimmy said, snuggling back into Tango's chest, making himself comfortable," What movie are we going to watch?" Tango thought for a moment, a grin slipping on his face.
"What about Toy Story?"
He never saw the pillow aimed at his face coming.
Tango never was a very patient man. Not when he was working on his projects, redstone and never when he had to wait for someone. Currently he was waiting for Jimmy to end a meeting and exit the building. He had spoken to fWhip about Jimmy not being well, so the Goblin had let him off early. Now he stood in front of the town Hall, idly tapping his foot against the red sand.
After what felt like forever, the door opened to let out a stream of people Tango wasn't interested in. Finally, dutifully the last to exit a building, Jimmy stepped out. Their eyes met and a smile split the Sheriff's face. Tango quickly made his way over to him, he couldn't help but wrap his arms around him. Jimmy hugged him back as tight.
"Hello gorgeous," the Sheriff said," Back so soon?" Tango chuckled as Jimmy pecked him on the cheek. "Yeah, fWhip let me off early," he answered. He let go of Jimmy, but not before he could feel him sigh. "I still don't like you working for him," the blonde muttered. "but I like the work and you can't stop me," Tango said, sticking his tongue out. Jimmy chuckled and shook his head.
As they walked towards the Ranch, Tango grabbed Jimmy's arm. He noticed how absurdly soft the other's skin felt. Taking a closer look, he couldn't find anything else than pale coloured skin with a slight sunburn and arm hair.
"You okay?" Jimmy asked with a chuckle, shaking his arm slightly. Tango looked up t see a grin and raised eyebrow. "Yeah, just wondering what skin routine you have, it so smooth and soft," he answered, looking back at the arm," Do you use any lotionficator or something?"
It felt velvety smooth, as if he was petting a plush blanket. He wasn't too aware of how much he ran his fingers over Jimmy's arm, nor did he see the shocked expression on the other's face. "Weird," Tango concluded out loud, then shrugged. He decided not to think about it anymore and took Jimmy's hand in his. He could feel him tremble slightly.
"You good?" he asked, looking him in the eyes. He only now noticed how pale Jimmy looked. The Sheriff nodded, gulping. "You don't look so good," Tango said truthfully," Let's get you home, so we can rest." Jimmy gave him a smile, once again making his insides feel all mushy. He could get used to this feeling.
"I would like that very much."
If the Sheriff disappeared for the rest of the day, nobody commented on it. Nobody would hear about him falling asleep on the couch, while cuddling and talking with his Rancher. Nobody except Tango, who wasn't able to go to the bathroom for quite some time. He'd rather pee his pants than wake up Jimmy. But he would manage, especially if it meant he could play with Jimmy's hair some more. He may or may not have let out a very manly squeak when Jimmy let out a content sound.
Jimmy was going to be the death of him. And he wouldn't mind dying like that.
"Sooooo~," Scar said in a sing-song voice," How are you and Jimmy?"
Tango pushed Scar's face away. "None of your business." Scar laughed and wiggled his eyebrows. Tango stopped gathering the hay to shot the other a look. Scar winked. Tango rolled his eyes and huffed.
"Get back to work you two!" the Sheriff called. "Aye aye Captain!" Scar said and saluted. Tango could hear Jimmy mutter things that sounded like 'having to deal with that man'. He resumed picking up the hay and binding it together, taking it over to the horses.
Tango had the day off, so he offered to help a hand around Tumble Town. Jimmy had agreed reluctantly. Secretly, this way Tango could keep his eyes on the Sheriff. It had been a week since the incident and a couple of days since Jimmy started to cough. Even tho Cub hadn't found anything wrong with the blonde and Jimmy kept assuring him he felt fine, something felt off. Tango couldn't squash the feeling of 'Jimmy in danger' that kept rearing it's ugly head.
He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder, making him jump out of his own skin. Jimmy's warm laughter filled his ears as he tried to calm his rapidly beating heart. "You looked like a startled stoat!" More laughter. "Ha ha, very funny," Tango said, dusting his pants off. A blush was on his face, he was sure of that.
"Aww haha, don't pout."
"I'm not pouting!"
Tango was in fact pouting. "You sure are," Jimmy said, placing a hand on the other's cheek. Tango huffed, but nuzzled into his hold. Jimmy's other hand held on to Tango's hip, squeezing softly. Tango's pout disappeared as he looked into Jimmy's eyes. He could drown in them. He hoped he was allowed to. His arms wrapped around the blonde's waist, pulling him closer. Their breaths mingled together in front of their faces, slowly inching closer. Tango closes his eyes in anticipation.
He opened them just as quick when a loud thundering boom rolled through the sky. "Oooh Toy man~," a loud voice called out, making them jump apart slightly. Jimmy's hand was still on his hip, holding on. The Sheriff's expression hardened as the God of Stratos stepped into view. Joel fell silent taking in the scene in front of him.
"Oh my~," he smirked, eyes fixated on the pair," you really are a Toy Boy." Jimmy gritted his teeth. "Leave us alone, Joel." Joel tsked. "Now why would I do that?" he asked," I was in need of gunpowder but you're out of stock. Again."
Tango could feel the daggers being glared at each other, from the Sheriff and the supposed God. "So… the tiny toy man has found someone to play with, I see," Joel's smirk widened," too bad you're filled with stuffing, you're too much of a softy."
Jimmy staggered in his step as he let go of Tango to stand in front of him. "Tango shouldn't waste time on a toy, but fall for a real man. A handsome and sexy God, like me," Joel continued to taunt. "Say what you want about me," Jimmy grunted, surprising both Joel and Tango with the amount of venom in his voice," But leave Tango out of it."
If looks could kill, Joel would have died a gruesome death. "Uhh," the God took a step back," Right." Without another word, Joel spread his wings and flew off. Tango blinked. What just happened? Jimmy stood silent, breathing heavy as if he was blowing off steam. The netherborn wouldn't be so surprised to see smoke steaming out of Jimmy's mouth, he himself being capable of doing so. But no such thing happened.
Jimmy suddenly toppled over, coughing harshly. Tango bend down beside him, rubbing his back in hopes of easing the painful coughs escaping Jimmy's lungs. For a moment he swears he could hear some sort of ripping sound, like fabric being pulled to far apart. But his attention got stolen by a painful cry from Jimmy's lips and him gripping his chest, unable to breath.
Panic overtook him as Jimmy's wide and frightened eyes met his. He didn't know what to do. What could he do?! Then Jimmy took a shuddering breath. And another. And another. He fell forwards, into Tango's arms as he steadied his breathing. Tango just held him. He was almost scared to breath himself. His mind once again asking itself what had happened. Jimmy sagged against him and his heart jumped into his throat.
"J- Jimmy?" he asked, voice cracking. "M here," the other mumbled, grabbing onto Tango's shirt. The netherborn released a breath he had been holding, too aware of the act of breathing. His panicked breaths, Jimmy's soft gasps. For a moment, he had seen all of Jimmy disappear before his eyes. Every moment spend together, flashed before him.
He was aware of respawning, but he knew like no other how painful it was. It sucked. Every respawn that didn't need to happen, was a good one. He became aware of them being out in the open, wondering for a moment where Scar had run off to. Never mind that, he needed to get them out of there. He needed to get Jimmy home, where it was safe. His instincts screaming at him to get his love protected, so he picked Jimmy up and carried him bridal style.
He focused on his steps and Jimmy's slow breaths. Once he got inside, he laid Jimmy on the couch and went to gather all and any blankets and pillows. Anything to keep his Rancher comfortable. Soon, Jimmy was wrapped in some sort of cocoon nest type of thing, giving him a tired smile.
"Rest my dear," Tango said, joining him on the couch," I'm here." Jimmy poked a hand out of the blankets to take hold of Tango, who squeezed it tightly. He could see exhaustion taking over and Jimmy's eyes slowly slipped shut. He kissed the hand in his.
"I'm here and I'm not going anywhere."