#rubyboot

“Fortunately for you,” she started, reaching down first to move his bangs slightly off his face before carefully taking his hat out of his hand, “I am a very patient woman. Why don't ya go take a quick shower, then meet me in my room, hm?” 

With him melting under even the tiniest affection, they both know he’d never deny her request. It just… might take him a minute to get there. 

By the time he was finally pulling himself off the couch, Ruby already had his hat hung up in its place by the door, and had her hand held out for his guns and holsters. Never demanding, but an offer to share the burden. A reminder he doesn't have to be on guard here. Not with her. Which is why he didn't resist, obediently handing everything over before going to her bathroom and promising he’d be quick. 

Ruby made quick work of putting his things safely away, ensuring his guns were still within reach on her nightstand for him. She'd never deprive him of the sense of security that being armed gave him. She also got a spare towel ready and sat down on her bed, singing quietly to herself as she worked. 

A simple melody from before, helping her keep a rhythm to her movements. She managed to time it so she was sitting down on her bed again when she heard the water turn off, knowing he wouldn't take long to dry off the metal of his body. His hair, on the other hand… while he may not have as much as her, it's exhausting to dry all the same. 

Boothill groaned as he finally walked out of the bathroom, wearing a pair of sleep pants she kept specifically for him. Simple red ones with a drawstring, but they complimented him well. 

“C’mere,” she coaxed, lifting the towel slightly to explain what she wanted. 

He blinked in surprise before chuckling, going over and sitting on the bed in front of her, hunching over to make it easier for her to reach. He would sit on the floor, but he's not in the mood to make her yell at him. “Y’know y'don’t have to do this, right?”

“I know,” she giggled, “but I want to.” 

With that, she set to work gently drying his hair. 

“Now then. Why don't you tell me about this latest bounty?”

Boothill shrugged, careful not to jostle her. “It honestly wasn’t too different from usual. Nothin you haven't heard before.” 

Ruby huffed, giving his hair the gentlest of tugs. Enough he'd feel it, but never enough to hurt him. “Humor me. What kind of things did you do?” 

Letting out a startled yelp at the tug, he laughed and tilted his head back to look at her upside down. She really was something else, bossing him around like this. 

They sat there like that for a few beats, not a word spoken between them. Ruby simply quirked a brow, smirking when Boothill let out a dramatic sigh. 

“Fiiiine, I suppose I can tell you," he finally relented, sitting upright again while deciding how best to start.

Well, where else than the beginning of his trip, he supposed?

So that's what he did, shutting his eyes as he told her about the trip to the planet the target was on, how he narrowed his search with his ‘signature information gathering techniques’, all the way to narrating the final showdown. He got gradually more animated as the tension left his body, the feeling of her constant touch and presence comforting him in ways he keeps forgetting he needs until he's without her. 

Ruby had finished drying his hair well before his story had finished, but she easily occupied the time by instead running a hairbrush through his hair. She was ever careful to ensure it wouldn't tug, but made sure his hair was smooth and knot-free. It was a tiring effort, especially with only one hand, but it was worth it. It always was. 

“Sounds like you had a lot of fun,” she finally said once Boothill finished telling his story, setting the brush on her nightstand before leaning against his back, wrapping her arms around his torso. She buried her face against his neck, not minding all of the hair in her face. “I'm glad you made it home safe…” 

Boothill place one of his arms over hers, lacing his fingers between her own. 

“I still wanna take you with me one of these days. I think you’d enjoy it.” He genuinely meant it, but he wouldn't push it. Especially not right now. 

“I don't doubt it,” she agreed, flexing her hand under his playfully, “but for now I want to enjoy having you here. Lay down with me? Please?” 

He could never say no to her, especially when she asks so sweetly.

Offering an affirmative hum, he carefully freed himself from her grip so they can both lay down more comfortably. Once they were under the covers, he didn't waste a moment pulling her close to his chest and taking her hand in his once again, absently massaging it with his thumb. He may not have much in the way of organic muscles anymore, but he still remembers how much they can ache from overuse, even if she tries to ignore it. So he'll show his appreciation like this, for now. 

Moments like this… this is what he's always wanted. Always fought for.

To carve a little place for him to call home, and to be able to share it with someone. He just never expected that someone else would make it home first, and share it with him. 

“Yup!” Boothill beamed, gently tugging her right up to the door.

She could already hear the music inside, high energy and popular. Not something she would expect Boothill to willingly subject himself to. Then again, he's full of surprises. So she simply followed his lead, hoping that they wouldn't draw too terribly much attention… as unlikely as that was considering he was wanted by the IPC and 90% metal, and she had opted for something in between her Penaconian style and her home style. But a girl can dream. 

Ruby followed after Boothill, finding herself looping her arm with his and following after him as he parted the crowd so they could find a corner to adjust to the loud music and dim lighting. While he's trying to help her break out of her shell, he's not so cruel as to shove her in the deep end with this. 

“I didn’t take you as a club kind of person, ‘Hill,” she admitted after tugging his sleeve some to encourage him to lean down. She wasn't going to shred her vocal chords trying to shout over the music right now. 

He shrugged casually in response. “I'm not, normally.” He might as well be honest, after all. “But they do take requests, so it's not half bad.”

That clarified very little for Ruby, but as with everything with Boothill, the fewer questions asked, the better. She'd figure it out eventually. 

“How ‘bout a drink, ta help us loosen up?” He offered, his smile so much softer. A genuine offer, no mischief or tricks. 

After a moment of consideration, Ruby nodded. “Yes, please. I trust your judgement. Jus’… try not to take too long, ‘kay?” 

Lighting up at her acceptance, he gave her hand a squeeze of affirmation and tipped his hat playfully. “I'll be back before you can even miss me,” he reassured before disappearing into the crowd. For being a massive hunk of mostly metal, he blends in impressively well. 

Ruby took to focusing on her surroundings, absently swaying to the music to try and relax and adjust. She focused on mimicking the people around her, much more subtly for now. This was so different from the dances on Penacony, or even Aeragan-Epharshel. 

Penacony’s dances were grand and lively in an orchestral manner, even in their own clubs it was all so classy and high-end. Even the more ‘modern’ areas that tried to appeal to younger generations didn't play music quite like this… and the dances weren't quite so… hip-centric. 

Aeragan-Epharshel music as Ruby remembered it was more… homely. While the beat from the music was important, it was made right from the movements of the group, brought to life by the participants. All it took was 2 or more dancers, and at least one instrument, and you had a party. It's been so long but she knows those dances are still in her bones, as much a part of her as the color of her hair. 

She was snapped out of her thoughts when Boothill returned, a drink in either hand. “Yer thinkin’ too hard, I can almost hear it from here,” he teased playfully once he was close enough to her to be heard without shouting, offering her her drink. “I watched the barkeep make it, don't worry.” 

Appreciating the reassurance, Ruby nodded and took the glass with both hands. “If you can hear my thoughts, you've gained quite the skill.” 

“What can I say?” Boothill beamed, winking at her, “I'm a man of many talents.” 

Ruby flushed at the wink, rolling her eyes and nudging him playfully with her prosthetic. She finally took the chance to take a sip of her drink, humming approvingly. Appropriately sweet, but she could still feel the kick. Just like she likes it. 

“Looks like you're already enjoying yourself,” Boothill teased lightheartedly, putting a protective arm around her shoulders, “gettin’ a feel for the music?”

Nodding to his question, she looked up as he took a sip of his own drink. “It's different than Penacony or Aeragan-Epharshel, but it's simple enough to mimic.”

Boothill waved the hand that was around her dismissively. “Don't worry about blendin’ in, darlin’. Just relax and be you.” 

Ruby snorted and shook her head in response. “Easier said than done, ‘Hill…” she mumbled into her glass before taking another sip. 

The fact that he didn't try to argue, to start up their usual back and forth about him trying to help her relax and embrace her roots again while she reminds him that this is who she became for the sake of survival and it's not exactly easy to just turn it off, was enough to make her pause. That's not like him… 

When they finished their drinks, Boothill offered his hand to take her glass. “I'll go take them back for ya.” 

Deciding not to question his frequent disappearances, she nodded and handed him her glass, and watched him disappear back into the crowd. 

Boothill took the glasses back to the bar, just like he said he would. But before going back to Ruby, he detoured to head up to the DJ. The music was almost deafening up so close to the speakers, but Boothill at least has the advantage of being used to frequent gunfire in his face, so it wasn't near as debilitating for him as it would be most. 

It didn't take long for the DJ to acknowledge him, moving one of the cups of his headphones so he could talk to Boothill while letting the music do it's thing. 

“What can I do for ya, my man?”

Boothill brought out a note from a hidden pocket that he'd prepared, offering it over to the DJ. It was easier than trying to tell him which songs he was after. 

The DJ didn't seem phased by the passed note, but did quirk a brow once registering the selections. “Y’know, these don't exactly fit the vibes…” 

Boothill crossed his arms in response. “The goal is to keep energy up, yeah? Everyone having a good time?” When the DJ nodded, he continued. “Play one of those, or something along those lines, and you'll see people having the best time of their life.” 

The DJ still seemed uncertain, looking the note over again. “I dunno man…”

Sighing, Boothill nudged him before gesturing towards where Ruby was, careful not to draw unwanted attention to her. “See that lady down there, with the red hair?” Another nod. “She's been havin’ a rough forkin time, and these songs’ll cheer her up. Put those on, and you'll see beauty like nothin’ else.” 

Seeing how adamant that Boothill was, the DJ finally relented with a nod. “Aight, I'll put it on next.” 

Boothill beamed and patted his arm approvingly before going to rejoin Ruby against the wall finally. “There you are,” Ruby teased, looking up to Boothill and crossing her arms playfully, “I was starting to wonder if you went and ditched me for a bounty or something.” Boothill responded with an exaggeratedly offended gasp, even placing a hand over where his heart would be, “I would never! What kind’a man do you take me for?” 

Ruby snorted and rolled her eyes, getting on tip toe to reach up and pull the brim of his hat down slightly. “I take you as a man who likes to find trouble if it takes too long to find him.” 

Grinning at the playfulness, Boothill barked out a laugh and re-adjusted his hat to sit properly on his head once more. “I would argue… but yer not wrong.” 

“It’s almost like I know you, or something,” Ruby retorted with a small smirk of her own. 

The banter was interrupted though by the song changing, the club quieting down considerably as everyone took in the sudden genre change. Those who were far too drunk to fully register it were still dancing to their own music, but everyone else seemed a little uncertain. 

Boothill glanced back to Ruby, curious how she’d react. Based on everything he’s managed to put together, she hasn’t indulged in their own culture ever since she left, so he’s not sure how she’s going to react. He’s hoping she’ll enjoy herself in the end, at the very least. 

It didn’t take long for her to look up at him in turn, visibly uncertain, but also seeming to be putting the pieces together. Finally letting out an affectionate sigh, she shook her head and smiled at him. “You’re somethin’ else, ‘Hill.” Flashing her a bright grin, he offered a hand to her. “Still remember how to dance?” Ruby snorted and took his hand, but was the one dragging him through the crowd to get closer to the music. It would be too hard to answer him, and they’d waste precious dancing time, so she’ll just show him. 

Releasing his hand as they reached the front of the stunned crowd, Ruby moved her bangs out of her face as she started to move to the beat. 

Starting simple, she focused on getting the rhythm down with basic steps, forward and back. It didn’t take her long to get the hang of it, her eyes half lidded as she focused on letting her body move on it’s own. Muscle memory is one helluva thing. 

Onlookers gradually mimicked her movements, finding that the steps were far simpler than they expected. Some opted to instead make it up as they went, but it didn’t take long for the club to almost shake with each step and stomp from the sheer number of people following her lead. 

Ruby’s face flushed when she realized just how much attention she’d drawn, but that didn’t stop her from beaming and singing along to the music, throwing all caution and concern to the wind for now. She started to spice it up a little, adding twirls that made her skirt and hair flare and little jumps to each step. 

Panic shot through when she felt someone grab her prosthetic hand and tug her towards them, only to relax when realizing it was Boothill, finally joining the fun with a big grin. 

They didn’t have to say a word, easily falling into the rhythm of the song. Boothill pulled her close to his chest before guiding her to twirl away from him, only to pull her close once more. Their steps were perfectly in sync, Boothill scooping her up to spin her around himself a few times. 

For just a moment, it almost felt like nothing had ever happened. 

If they closed their eyes, they could fool themselves into thinking that they were still home, truly home, dancing with their friends as the sun set and bathed everything in warm light. 

Instead they were surrounded by flashing lights of every color, strangers they’d never see again. They weren’t who they used to be, having lost parts of themselves on the way to where they are now. 

It wasn’t quite the same, but it was enough. 

As the song finally ended, Ruby cheered alongside the crowd as she placed one hand on Boothill’s chest to steady herself, throwing her other hand up with glee. His arm stayed wrapped around her waist so she wouldn’t risk following, adding his own whooping to the cacophony of excitement around them. 

As the musical selection went back to normal, Ruby took Boothill’s hand to gently tug him towards the bar. She needs to sit down for a minute to catch her breath, her chest heaving from the sudden exertion, not that it did anything to lessen her smile. 

“So, still think I was up ta trouble?” Boothill teased as he sat on the stool beside her, propping his head up on his hand to give her his undivided attention. 

Ruby snorted, shaking her head with a small laugh. “Possibly, but I’ll let it slide since that was fun,” she teased lightheartedly. 

Boothill was about to retort when realizing she was wiping away some tears, his eyebrows furrowing. “Are you okay? Did ya get hurt?” She was quick to shake her head, even reaching out to grab his free arm to ensure he wouldn’t risk storming off to find someone who’d nudged her or anything. “I’m okay, I’m okay! I didn’t get hurt or anything. I just…,” she hesitated, trying to figure out how to explain it, “I’m surprised that I remember how to do that… it’s been so long…” 

Fortunately, her explanation was enough to placate him, prompting him to relax against the bar again. He shifted his arm to take her hand in his, giving it a small squeeze. “I figured as much, which is why I wanted to do this. You’re a natural though, and I would’ve loved to see what it looked like way back when.” 

She flushed and swatted at him playfully, too flustered to formulate a proper response. 

Laughing, Boothill raised a hand to request another drink for each of them, nudging Ruby’s towards her once they were brought over. “How about a toast?” “A toast?” She echoed curiously, tilting her head. “A toast,” he confirmed, “to bringing home a little bit closer.” 

I remember like the 'opening shots' were non-facial close ups of Ashveil and Boothhill, and they were in like... A large shopping / hang out style area that had multiple levels and a glass ceiling, and iirc they were hanging out on the top most layer that was covered, looking over a balcony? And then fucking Sampo showed up in one of the close ups and I remember in dream going "Those are my husbands!!"

(Please note: I know basically jack shit about Ashveil because I haven't had spoons for new stuff lately)

The dream went on to them being chaotic, there was talking but I don't remember all of it aside from at one point I couldn't listen to the audio while I was doing stuff so I had to rely on subtitles, and the subtitles were like... Auto-generated and a mix of languages? But it felt like it was an intentional part of the trailer? And I feel like I remember something about 7 (title). Like 7 Aeons, 7 Emanators, 7 Elations, something like that?