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Starlo was no stranger to parties at the saloon in the Wild East. Quite the opposite was true, actually. Nothing hit the spot quite like a gathering of all the monsters he was closest to, chatting into the late hours of the night and bound to be sleeping in the next morning. Especially if there was too much to drink.
What Starlo was unfamiliar with was a newcomer to these parties, a friend he had made thanks to his trusted deputy.
When Dalv first showed his face in the saloon, he had almost gone unnoticed; sticking close to the walls and merely observing the colourful characters filtering in and out. However, a sheriff always has to keep a watchful eye even on his days off, and Starlo spotted the vampire not long after he entered. He quickly excused himself from the bar and sauntered over to Dalv, who was beginning to look somewhat restless.
“Well I’ll be! I was beginning t’ think ya weren’t gettin’ my invitations!” His voice was boisterous, no doubt being noticed by a handful of other nearby monsters even over the volume. The poor monster at the target of his attention startled, but when his eyes landed on the familiar face of the sheriff, he relaxed by a miniscule amount.
“Ah, hello North Star,” Dalv greeted, holding his hand out. Starlo had to lean closer to hear the soft-spoken monster; he likely wasn’t used to raising his voice due to being isolated for so long. “I did receive your invitations, however you have to forgive me. It has been quite some time since I have been around so many people, I find my social skills to be quite lacking.”
Starlo gripped his hand firmly, making the shorter one stumble a bit before righting himself again. “Pshhh, no need t’ be all fancy pants with me. I won’t bite,” His iron grip loosened, his hands now resting on his hips. “‘S fine if ya needed time t’ get used t’ everythin’. Heard you’d been through the mill back in Snowdin.”
At the mention of that day, Dalv shrunk into himself a bit. Shoot, Starlo ya big yack! Quit runnin’ yer mouth!
He cleared his throat loudly, looking away in guilt. “What I was tryin’ t’ say is ya should come’n join us,” his voice had dropped in volume, hyper-aware of his blunder. Starlo gestured back to the middle of the saloon, and Dalv’s eyes followed. A slight smile returned to his face as he nodded, and that was all the confirmation the sheriff needed before grabbing the shorter one’s arm and pulling him away from the wall. The vampire yelped, using his free hand to grab onto the arm that held his own.
The trek to the center was short, Starlo weaving his way through the crowd with practiced ease, even with company in tow. He finished dragging the reluctant man over to the bar, where the rest of the Feisty Five sat, along with Ceroba and Martlet. Noticing that the only stool available was his own that he abandoned, Starlo bowed low and gestured dramatically to the seat. This earned a laugh from the group, and he truly didn’t mind having to stand if it meant everyone else was comfortable. After giving a shy hello, Dalv was quick to settle in with the lot and occasionally chime into whatever topic they had thought of.
Now Dalv was somewhat of a regular at these parties, yet Starlo still felt unfamiliar with the man. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but something seemed different about him. The feeling of wanting to make a good impression never went away. He found himself being more theatrical around him, bolstering his sheriff persona. Starlo enjoyed his company, and he figured that was all that mattered.
After a few weeks of getting together with the others, Dalv approached Starlo with a proposition as he was lending Dina a hand with cleaning.
“North Star, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful organ by the stage. Is it still in use?”
The sheriff nodded proudly. “Yessir! She’s right as a rivet; gets dusted every week. Could probably use a fine tunin’ though. Hasn’t been played fer quite a bit now that I’m thinkin’ it though…”
At this, Dalv smiled. “I was hoping I could change that. I could… put on a show for the regulars, even.”
“Y’ wanna what?”
The monster beside him nodded. “I’ve had more than a few years of practice, and I would like to share some pieces that I have composed. I was thinking… maybe tonight?”
The grin on Starlo’s face could not have been wider. “Ab-soooo-lutely! Me ‘n Dina here’ll get the place all fancied up for ya! We’ll let ‘em know that tonight’ll be special.”
Dalv returned the smile, albeit sheepishly. “Ah, you don’t have to go through all that trouble just for me. It’s really not too terribly important.”
“Nun’a that now, fangs,” The sheriff was quick to correct him. “Don’t go thinkin’ I haven’t been seein’ ya put yerself out there more. This is big fer you! Wanna make sure it’s worth yer while.”
The shorter man grew flustered, a darker hue tinging his cheeks. “North Star I… really don’t know what to say. Everyone here has made me feel so welcome here. Thank you, truly.”
Now it was Starlo’s turn to be bashful, his hand waving to dismiss the words. “Aw shucks, well it ain’t just me now… everyone else has been helpin’—”
A sharp crack sounded throughout the bar, and Starlo let out a yelp, hands covering his back. His head whipped around to Dina standing behind him, a damp towel in her hands and an unimpressed look on her face. ”Hate to interrupt y’all, but my cleaning partner seems to have forgotten what he was here for. Less yappin’, more scrubbin’.”
Still rubbing where she had whipped him, he let out a pitiful “Yes ma’am” and shrugged apologetically to Dalv. Said man attempted to stifle a laugh behind his hand, yet it was still heard by Starlo who playfully shot him a mean look before waving him off.
After the vampire’s exit, the two occupying the saloon worked in silence for a few moments before Starlo spoke once more. “Y’know, I’m glad t’ see him bein’ out an’ about more.” A small smile subconsciously made its way onto his face as he continued, “He’s made a whole buncha steps since he set foot here, ya would’ve never guessed he was clingin’ t’ the wall just a few weeks ago.”
Dina glanced at him from the other side of the bar. “Bet you’re real excited t’ see him tonight, huh?”
“Course I am! What kinda question’s that supposed t’ be?”
“Oh, nuthin’ too important. Now c’mon, we gotta get this organ in shape!”
Entering the backstage area of the saloon, Starlo found the main act pacing the floorboards, the occasional creak being given when a loose one was stepped on. His fingers were fiddling with his shirt, sullying its pristine appearance.
When a few moments had gone by with the newcomer being unnoticed, he decided to clear his throat. He almost immediately regretted it as Dalv startled and froze, head snapping to look at him.
“Oh—ah, North Star, hello,” he greeted, his words short and clipped. “I apologize that you have to see me in this state. I’m just, well, more nervous than I had anticipated,” His fingers returned to the loose fabric of his top and his eyes flitted about, never resting on one place for too long.
Starlo stepped closer to the shorter man, slowly reaching his hand out as to not spook him again. After a little nod, his hand came to rest on Dalv’s arm. “Hey,” his voice lacked the usual brashness that accompanied it, replaced by a soft baritone. “I know it may seem scary ‘n that lightin’ a shuck seems mighty appealin’ right about now, but look’t how far you’ve come! Ya seem happier when yer around others, and what’s one more itty bitty step, huh?” Dalv was looking directly at him now, his hands less preoccupied with his wrinkled shirt now that he was visibly becoming more relaxed. “Sometimes ya just gotta take that leap’a faith,” Starlo gave a smile to the other, his thumb idly stroking his arm.
He was broken out of the moment by a sniffle, Dalv’s hand coming up to wipe at his eyes. Starlo ya dee-fool, now he’s crying!
“Oh shoot, did—did I say sum’n outta line? Me ‘n my big bazoo always—”
“No! No, that’s not it; on the contrary, actually,” The corners of Dalv’s mouth were upturned slightly, albeit with a slight wobble. “You’re correct, I do find myself feeling content when I’m with others,” He seemed to contemplate his next words, “Especially… especially with you. Hearing all of that, it made me feel like I’m truly not alone anymore.”
Now it was the sheriff’s turn to avert eye contact, his hand on Dalv’s arm coming up to rub at the back of his own neck sheepishly. “Aw shucks, now yer gunna make me turn on the waterworks!”
The vampire let out a soft laugh, something akin to music to Starlo. “Well, I’ve heard a good cry does wonders for performance nerves.”
Starlo straightened up, his original reason for being backstage almost slipping his mind. “Oh! The performance! Ya sure you’ll be alright out there?”
Dalv nodded. “Yes, I think so, thanks to you,” He smoothed out his clothes, a slight frown appearing on his face. “Do I look alright? I tend to not notice my fiddling habits until it’s too late, and now I feel unkempt.”
“Don’t you worry yer head about that! Yer always lookin’ like a fine belvidere, ‘n I’m sure other folks would agree.” Starlo grinned, patting his friend on the back. “Now get out there ‘n give ‘em a show worth rememberin’! And don’t forget; it’ll be as easy as lickin’ butter off a knife, trust me!”
With a wave, the cowboy hurriedly made his way back to the main area of the saloon, hoping to snag a good seat. He spotted Ceroba at the bar with a hand on the stool beside her and he let out a relieved sigh, sauntering to where she sat.
“Yer a real lifesaver, y’know that? I dunno what I’d do without ya,” Starlo thanked her, hopping up to sit.
She smiled and tilted her head toward the countertop where a drink sat in front of his spot. “Don’t worry about paying me back, by the way.”
“Gosh, I really did luck out meetin’ ya,” Grabbing his glass, he held it out to Ceroba, who clinked her own drink against his. “Love ya, ‘roba.”
“Love you too, Starlo,” She flicked his hat, which earned a dignified “hey!” from the man beside her.
Before he could say anything back, the lights began to dim and a hush fell over the crowd. The spotlight switched on, its focus set to the stage.
The curtain got pulled back as Dalv emerged from backstage, squinting slightly. He let the red fabric fall back to its resting place before toeing his way across the stage and carefully examining the instrument in front of him.
He gingerly sat down, his hands gently resting above the keys. A breath, then he began to play.
His hands glided across the organ’s keys, a captivating melody ringing out throughout the building. Dalv’s years of practice shone clearly out on display, each chord and harmony a testament to his passion.
Starlo was glued to his seat at the bar, watching the vampire play the instrument with ease. It felt like he couldn’t look away; he was transfixed. His fingers effortlessly danced across the ivories, not a single note out of place. The sheriff’s gaze softened, and he rested his chin onto his hand in a moment of pensiveness.
His eyes wandered up to the man’s face, a look of total concentration set on it. His eyes were partly lidded, gazing down at the keys and his hair perfectly framed his face, his bangs drooping down lower the more he moved his head. The light above bathed him in a golden glow, making him appear almost ethereal, untouchable.
He looked… gorgeous.
Oh.
Oh shoot.
It all made sense now.
Wanting to impress him, that feeling of not-quite-familiarity, always putting on some kind of show for him. Starlo could feel his cheeks grow warm as he was stuck frozen on the barstool, eyes still glued to the newfound man of his affection. He was now hyperaware of his every movement, wiping a hand on his chaps as it suddenly became uncomfortably warm. All he could focus on was the melody being played on his heart by the conductor on the stage.
All too soon, the last note rung out. A moment of silence, then the audience erupted into cheers, whoops, hollers, and applause. Starlo was shocked out of his thoughts by the cacophony around him and before he could even think about it, his body was moving on its own. He hooked his foot onto the spindle of his chair and his other boot came up on the seat, launching him upwards and onto the bar.
His fingers hooked on his lips and Starlo gave a resounding whistle, the noise ringing out through the entire interior. He joined in on the cheering and raised his hands above his head to clap, his face positively beaming. The sheriff didn’t think the moment could get any better until Dalv’s eyes found his and a smile of his own broke out on his face.
The beating of his heart could drown out the crowd any day.
Still hopped up on adrenaline, the sheriff jumped down from the bar. His boots thudded solidly against the floorboards, but not without a stumble as he landed. Waltzing through the lively crowd, he sprang up on to the main stage where Dalv stood and gestured to him as he turned to face the audience. The man beside him raised a questioning eyebrow before he let out an “oh!” and hastily took a bow.
When he righted himself again, Starlo, in a moment of bravery, snaked his arm around to pull Dalv flush against his side. The vampire startled, a small “eep!” escaping his mouth at the contact.
The cowboy turned his head slightly to the other man as he raised his voice to be heard over the crowd. “Now that was the best darn organ playin’ I’ve heard in the entire Underground!”
Dalv’s cheeks were noticeably darker, his smile wobbling. “Ah, thank you, Mr. North Star. I wouldn’t say it was the best… but I certainly tried my hardes—”
“Call me Starlo.”
“...Pardon me…?” The shorter monster’s eyes were wide, attention completely diverted from the cheers around them, instead focused solely on the man beside him.
“Y’ heard me, partner! Call me Starlo from now on!” His smile was threatening to overtake his face and he just knew his points were giving off a luminous glimmer, but he couldn’t bring himself to care.
“Oh—! Alright, Starlo—thank you, Starlo.” Dalv replied, his grin growing even wider.
The ring of his name coming from his lips couldn’t have sounded more perfect.
North Star does not panic.
The sheriff of the humble town of the Wild East does not lose his nerves.
Starlo, however, does.
And now Dalv knows Starlo. He’s no longer the confident, cocky cowboy to him. He just had to run his mouth and now he was paying the price. A part of his soul was shown to him that night, and that scares him.
But it also excites him.
Every time he hears his name in that gentle tone, Starlo can feel his soul melt, the phrase reverberating through his head. When he had finally returned home from the concert, it was all that he could think about. He was sure the rest of the posse and Ceroba could see his heart on his sleeve with the dopey grin he couldn’t wipe from his face.
Starlo wasn’t sure if it was because of the newfound feelings being discovered, but Dalv’s attention seemed to be on him more recently. Initiating contact, going out of his way to talk to him, simply being in his presence. He figured that the vampire must have been like this before, and that his mind was simply latching on to any inkling of tenderness it could due to his realization.
He would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy it, however keeping his affection at bay was becoming increasingly more difficult. On multiple occasions the sheriff found himself catching his hand drifting to run along Dalv’s arm, across his shoulders, or worse, on his waist. Simply thinking about it had Starlo’s face bloom with heat. If ya keep this up, he’s gonna think yer mashed!
He needed to wrangle in his admiration. Not only for his sake, but for Dalv as well. The man had just started to come out of his shell, and Starlo would feel awful if he was the cause of him once again retreating by coming on too strong.
A hand came to rest on his hat, lowering it further on his head. A breath in and out. He was the calm and collected sheriff of this town tonight.
Right. Tonight. There was a relatively popular band performing a gig at the saloon, so it was bound to be more crowded than usual. Not that Starlo minded; he thrived in a lively environment and would take any chance he got to contribute to the excitement. It would also give him a brief respite from his inner turmoil as of late.
He had been pacing outside the building for quite some time now, boots kicking up dust and practically wearing a circle into the ground. From inside the establishment, Starlo could hear a brief couple of notes from the organ. The sheriff froze in place, hand hovering just in front of the swinging doors.
Oh shoot—oh wait—Dalv is in there. Dalv is in the saloon. Right, right… because—well, he’s a regular, this isn't anything new. Just when he thought he could have a break from his body going haywire, a handful of keys being played nearly shatters his facade. Why couldn’t he move? Just walk inside the saloon!
This was a new—well that was wrong, it wasn’t a new feeling. His heart pounding in his chest, the warmth rising in his cheeks… Starlo could see the faint glow on his tendrils out of the corner of his eye. However, he hadn’t felt it in this type of situation before. He was just going into the bar, like any other evening. The last time he felt this way was—when…
…
Alright. So maybe, there was a reasonable cause for this feeling. Maybe, just maybe, the cause was sitting inside the saloon right now. Dalv. How could Starlo describe him? Talented, kind, beautiful, caring, the list could go on. He’d sooner see the surface than run out of words.
Another breath. The cowboy shook out his hands and smoothed down his vest, making sure his sheriff badge was adjusted right. He briefly spun his six shooter before holstering it once more for good measure.
Starlo put his gloved hands on the doors, and North Star pushed them open.
The interior was lively as ever, with several regulars roaming about the building. Clinking of glasses and laughter could be heard all over, the gathering already in full swing. The Feisty Four were seated at their regular spot in the center of the bar, joined by Ceroba and Martlet again. And Dalv…
Dalv was upon the stage once more, standing at the organ and having a conversation with the gig’s main player—Rodney, he thinks the name was—while fiddling with the keys. A simple but lighthearted tune was ringing out, the perfect backdrop for the setting.
A brief shake of his head, then North Star sauntered up to join his posse. No getting distracted tonight. “Howdy, y’all! Sorry I’m late.”
A chorus of greetings were sent his way as he found his seat, waving a hand at Dina as she slid a drink his way—his usual, honey whiskey. She was moving all around the bar, not a moment of downtime as she expertly mixed and refilled drinks all while keeping idle chatter going with several patrons.
He hopped up onto the stool with his back to the main stage and easily nudged his way into the discussion his posse was having.
“Hypothetically, I’d give Mooch one day before she quits working at UG Apartments. Have you heard the noise from El Bailador’s dance club?”
“Hey! Give me a little more credit! I might join ‘em!”
“Sure, but only if you’d be able to shirk a few stacks of G from the drawers.”
The sheriff felt his body easing up, partly because of the drink running through his system and partly because his eyes couldn’t drift to behind himself, at least not without being extremely obvious. He was having a jovial night with his friends and his laughter came as natural as breathing.
In the back of his mind, Starlo did feel a bit guilty for ignoring Dalv. He reasoned with himself that it was for the best, in order to keep him comfortable.
Starlo, ya lily liver.
His eyebrows briefly scrunched in discomfort and he downed his drink without a second thought, slamming the glass down on the polished wood. The thoughts were quickly washed away with the alcohol, North Star’s mind focusing on the group surrounding him once more.
With Ceroba and Martlet to his left, and the four to his right, his grin softened as he basked in the moment. His fingers tapped idly on the bar to the rhythm of the current song being played, nodding his head to the sound of the electric keyboard. The cowboy placed down a handful of G as his glass was refilled, winking at the bartender.
The chatter was interrupted by the sound of the mic being tapped, and several heads swiveled to focus on the stage. “Alright, for this next one we want everyone to get moving! Stand up and stretch those legs! Show us what moves you got!”
Several whoops and hollers rang out, the scraping of chairs being moved and shuffling of feet sounding throughout the saloon. North Star glanced at his crew and found them already standing, faces lit up. They never passed up an opportunity to cut a rug.
The sheriff put his hands to the counter to push his stool back when he felt a gentle tapping upon his shoulder. He swung around in his seat only to see soft plum hair framing a lilac face, white horns and fangs glinting in the light.
“Would you care for a dance, Starlo?”
Dalv stood by his seat, a nervous yet steady smile adorning his face. His expression was hopeful as he awaited North Star—no, Starlo’s response. His eyes widened behind his glasses, and he looked behind himself just in case he was talking to another monster that happened to share his name. Upon confirming that there was nobody there, he swiveled his head back and pointed to himself in shock.
A snort could be heard from Mooch, which broke the dam into small fits of laughter from the entire group. Starlo could’ve sworn he also discerned an “oh, he’s hopeless,” from somewhere within the cluster. His face started to heat up in embarrassment but then Dalv’s giggling joined the party and Oh, he might be soft down on him.
The sporadic beating of his heart was quelled slightly by a hand on his right shoulder. Starlo’s eyes followed it to meet Ceroba beside him, and he gave her a grateful smile as his own hand rested atop hers. The man leaned into her touch for a brief moment before his arm went back to his side and his boots met the floor as he stood up.
“I would love to,” Starlo cleared his throat, “p—partner.”
Dalv’s expression grew bright, and he held his hand out for the sheriff to take.
How could he refuse?
Their hands met, and they entered the fray of partygoers, jiving figures surrounding them.
It was easy enough to find a rhythm, beginning with a foot tap and escalating to bouncy steps. The energy from the crowd around them fed into their motions; the swing of a leg here, a twirl there. The nerves were slowly shed and before they knew it, the two were just as lively as the throng.
In their energized footing, Starlo’s boot caught on Dalv’s toe and he stumbled, a short garbled noise falling from his mouth. Maybe downing that prairie dew earlier wasn’t the brightest idea in hindsight…
“‘Pologies, I might be a lil’ jingled right now,” Starlo managed to speak loud enough to be heard over the bash.
Dalv only laughed, his movements never slowing. “That’s quite alright! That only means you’ll have to hold on in order to avoid a tumble.”
The sheriff’s brain was still processing what was said when he felt a hand on his waist and he was tugged closer to the shorter man. His eyes widened as his hands instinctively fell to the vampire’s shoulders, the duo’s footsteps somehow still keeping pace with the beat. Starlo’s face was burning, stunned into silence by the sudden confidence.
As soon as the moment came, it left, the man grasping his hand and entwining their fingers together once again. Dalv quickly stepped away, outstretching his arm that was connected to Starlo’s, causing his own to extend. Following the beat, the shorter monster drew close once more, his free hand linking with the sheriff’s.
Their arms swung to the flow, Starlo’s movements being slightly guided by Dalv. “Organ playing is not the only skill I have been practicing!”
Starlo could only nod along, not trusting himself to completely stumble over his words and make a fool of himself. He slowly found his footing again, tapping his boots to the floor to match his partner’s. Where one stepped away, the other would fill their place, becoming so in tune with each other it was like second nature.
Raising an arm up, Starlo brought it over Dalv’s head, letting go of his other hand to twirl him around before linking them once more. A look of slight shock crossed the vampire’s visage, but he never faltered and soon enough a bright grin made its way back to his face.
The two continued, trading roles as they swung, whirled, and twisted; fitting together like hand and glove. With liquid courage thrumming through his veins, Starlo let out occasional whoops and hollers, his cheeks beginning to sore from the near constant smile on his face.
Noticing the music ramping up for the climax, they added more swing to their motions, locking gazes. There was a certain something in Dalv’s eye that Starlo didn’t have time to dwell on, as the duet sped their movements to match the increase in tempo.
The volume grew louder, the final note approaching. The bodies surrounding them became background noise, star and moon only orbiting each other.
As the peak played out, Starlo felt a hand at his back. The next moment, his world flipped backward as he was brought low to the ground, his knees bending to adjust to the sudden height change. His free hand scrambled to find purchase on Dalv’s waist and he stared in awe at the monster now above him.
Time slowed as they stayed frozen in the dip, chests rising and falling in an attempt to catch their breath. Starlo was entranced by the face so close to his own, the plum locks tickling his cheeks. He could see every detail, a deep indigo dusting Dalv’s cheeks, a faint green framing his face from the glow of his tendrils. Unwittingly, Starlo’s eyes drifted down to the vampire’s lips before shooting back up, his throat suddenly feeling very dry.
All at once, the world continued turning as the room went alight, everyone breaking out into applause for the band. Dalv startled and quickly righted the two of them, the hand at his back sliding down slightly before going back to his side. Their other hands remained linked, which both parties pointedly did not acknowledge as they hesitantly stepped apart from one another. Starlo’s fingers itched for his gun, still holstered at his hip. Instead, he settled for fiddling with the tassels of his chaps, twirling them around his fingers.
“You uh… that was some mighty fine dancin’ ya pulled,” The sheriff was the first to speak, eyes unable to meet Dalv’s.
The hand in his squeezed. “It was? It wasn’t… too much, was—”
“No! I mean—” A fist was brought up to Starlo’s mouth, clearing his throat. “I, uh, I really enjoyed it,” His voice trailed off as the sentence went on, his face growing even hotter.
A quiet “ah,” could be heard from Dalv before he spoke up again. “Well in that case, I wouldn’t mind having you as a dance companion again.”
Starlo finally gained the courage to meet his gaze, finding a painfully genuine expression aimed at him. With the adrenaline leaving his body, all he could muster up was a laugh, his shoulders being free of the tension he hadn’t even noticed. “How does next week sound?”
“It’s a date… partner.”
A giddy feeling bubbled up in his chest, threatening to burst from his throat as a giggle.
North Star does not giggle.
Starlo, however, does.