Chapter 25

Another!

Warning: OOC, random craziness, Error past dark abuse, many other troubles if mention, cursing, killing, dark themes, racism mention, stuff children/teen shouldn't do, profanity, self-harm, suicidal moments, cheating, sexual moments mentioned, violence, smoking, drugs, alcohol, guns mention, animal death, cringe, bullying, yandere, possible musical/singing moments and bad flirts.

Error/Moxxie speaking

Voices/flashback/Text/Singing

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"You have been busy." Moxxie replied after finishing listening to Striker talk about what he been doing. Either in Wrath a bit farther away working on ranches, doing some creature hunting and even being a guard for a bit in one of the Rings. The two of them on the couch drinking Hot Chocolate. Striker extra spice.

"I sure have been but its work." Striker takes a sip of his drink and relaxes. His hat off. Just wearing a dark gray shirt, black pants and boots still on. A red bandana wrapped around their neck. Glance around the small home. It was always like a second one. It has some changes but still has that familiarity. He missed this a lot more than he thought.

"Madre coming back the next day. Will you be here to meet her?"

"Maybe for a short while. Gotta gets back to work soon. I was able to get time to see you." Striker glance to see Moxxie nob. Yet, he had a small annoyed pout with their blue tear marks just adding another effect to it. He snickered.

"What?"

"Nothing Critter

"Oh please. You? Nothing?"

"My, my someone really getting mouthier." Striker laughs and smirked at the huff Moxxie let out. "Just miss your backtalk, your teary mark these past few years. You never let me down."

"That sounds so cringe."

"You asked."

"Whatever Rattles." Moxxie taking another sip of his drink. Glance to see Striker just staring at him with this look. "What?"

"Growing your hair out?" Points at the small ponytail. Wouldn't really call it one yet

"A bit wanted to try a look."

"For a guy or gal?'

"Nope." Didn't care too much how his tail rattled at that answer. He been used to it "No, dating for me. How tragic. You can't tease me."

"Jeez you're hopeless. "

"I'll put that on a shirt."

"Send me a picture if you wear it."

"Noted."

"So, nobody huh?"

"Not all of us are grace with your looks."

"I don't know to be flattered or insulted with your tone."

"You're attractive stating a fact."

"Glad we cleared that out the way." Striker snorted, but very pleased of that fact, and took a sip of his drink he bought. "How long you're growing it?'

"I guess to a length that won't be a pain."

"Look at you. Growing up."

"I beat you to that a long time ago." Quickly duck from a tail swipe.

"And still a smart ass."

"Yep."

"If only your height can grow."

"I will kick you off this couch."

Striker arms out in a mock surrender. Eyes look at their legs, and he let out a snickered, "I see you have been growing your fuzzy legs."

"Can it I'm shaving the fuzz tomorrow." Tail pulls the pant leg down that came up at some point. Moxxie one of those few who have goat legs, actually has fur. Not leg hair but fur. The fur grows around the hoof up to the hock of the leg. The red fur could be mistaken as 'skin' only because he shaves it very down. Along with usually wearing pants. So many really don't get to see it. Which is why it growing a lot lately.

"Aww keep the fluff. I need to mock it."

"Go mock your own hair."

"Hmm difficult to mock someone as myself. Look at me."

"I just see someone about to sleep on the floor and not the couch."

The two now just relaxing and watching whatever on the tv station.

"So, what's going in town?"

"Prom." Sees his eyes widen then let out a snort.

"Oh damn. Those were so annoying but I got to admit one of my favorite drinking times. Plus, the prank to that asshole teacher."

"Didn't you have a date?" Along with dropping out? Remember that talk a bit how they were going to do some dance.

"Don't remind me. Should have asked questions around." His date was just using him to make an ex jealous and they just got back together at that dance. Should have seen it coming. But he had fun when the punch mysteriously fell on the pair.

"You should have just ditch them."

"I did at the end. It was a dump at the end of the night." He took another sip of their drink. Glance back at them. "You going?"

"I think you should know the answer."

"Seriously?" Tilt his head. "You haven't asked anyone?"

"Don't like anyone nor was I asked. I'm used to it." Well, if you count Millie, Sallie who would have gone with him if it wasn't for their busy week.

"But it's 'senior year'." Striker did quotation marks in the air.

"It's fine. Besides I guess since you're here it'll not be as bad. Will have to put you in my schedule."

"I'm so honor." Striker rolled his eyes and another sip of his drink. "How your busy schedule of sewing by the way."

"Busy, busy, and busy."

"Busy good. Bet you got some schools ready to take you in."

"As if." Moxxie grumble.

"Stop it your good." Striker will admit Moxxie is smart. In different ways. He is just slightly concerned about what those colleges will think. Many, like the big ones, look down on the Imps. At them. Or just rip them off till you just leave, give up, or transfer elsewhere. He clenched his cup a little at certain dark thought and pushed it back. Don't need to let those out. "Besides look at my hat. Did well with no crummy school teaching you. I wouldn't be surprise you open up your own place."

"You just want free stuff for me."

"Hey this was a gift and you wouldn't accept my damn money for my shirt."

Moxxie took a sip of drink to not make a comment.

"So, you really got nothing to do tomorrow?"

"Nope. Got the week to myself." Moxxie look back at him. Then he sees a grin begin to form. "Oh no. I'm not going to Prom. I don't have a ticket."

"Fuck Prom. Let me take you out to have our own fun night."

"I don't want to explode a mine shaft."

"That was one time and you enjoyed it. Nothing too crazy. Will go out to one of the nicer bars I know. Just have a good time eating, drinking and maybe some dancing. Doesn't even have to be about Prom but hanging out."

"A Non-Prom Day?"

"Exactly! Come on Critter, what do you say? You can't say no to this face."

"Want to bet?"

"Critter." Striker looks at Moxxie as he was debating really hard.

"How nice we talking?"

"Hmm maybe less the bookworm looks in a library."

"Look who talking cowboy."

"Guilty as charge."

Moxxie look down at his drink and was deep in thought. "I don't have anything nice to wear- "

"Okay now you're just pulling my tail fashion designer. You have got to have something. If not, we can just change one of your other looks."

"You just said it was a bookwork look."

"Didn't say it was bad."

Moxxie head down a bit. "I kind of do have something."

"Great wear it tomorrow. "

"It's a dress."

Striker blinked and shrugged. "Hey as long you come out the house I don't care."

"Really?" Moxxie was really taken back the lack of care of the tone. He would have thought maybe Striker said something rude about it. Kind of sad to think that way but Striker can make others feel down. He had seen and overheard it before with Striker talking down to one another. Sure, deserved it but he was brutal.

The ringed imp stared at him. "Critter I'm not going to care if you're a crossdresser. That's all for you. Just don't let others crap about it. My Ma worked with a few before in the saloon so it never bothered me."

"Okay."

"So, doll yourself up real nice."

"Go choke on a dust bunny."

Striker laughed but inside was excited. A dress huh? Well, this will be fun. He'll make tomorrow a good day for both of them. Glance at Moxxie looking relaxed and content around him.

He can't wait. It'll be fun. Get them out as well.

Moxxie offered his bedroom or the couch. His Madre wouldn't be too pleased if her room was used by another expect him. Striker took the couch not being picky and went to sleep from a long trip getting here. Moxxie in his room and deep in thought.

It just you two hanging out tomorrow, that's it. So, just have fun.

Yeah, he can do that. Just be himself like he usually is around that snake.

The next day was normal and the two did their own little things. Striker, Moxxie with small chores and took care of the rat traps. Bombproof had a good snack. Just had sandwiches for lunch. Talk about guns, music and animals. Moxxie almost forgot their plan for later. Till Striker told him what time they'll be heading out to give him time later to 'doll up'.

"Here." Moxxie pushed a box against Striker chest on the couch.

"What this?"

"Late birthday gift but think of it as your own corsage."

Striker snorted and decided to not correct him. He opens the box up and is taken back with the black, gray poncho.

"You travel and I bet camp out a lot. The night cold isn't fun." Explained as he watched Striker take off his jacket and try it on. Glad he made it longer as Striker grew in height. "So?"

"You are full of great surprises." Striker grinned and was very pleased with the coat. Fits him nicely and likes the style. Can already tell this will be great for night time trips in the cold. "I appreciate it a lot."

"Now you can stop using Bombproof for heat."

"I'm this close to not give your gift to you."

"Gift?"

Striker snorted at the surprise look. He walks over to his bag. Moved a few things around and pulled out a small box. "Here. You miss my birthdays. I miss your own. I got my gift. Now here your gift."

Moxxie rolled his eyes and took the box. Open it up to see a gold star charm pendant.

"You always like space and stuff. Couldn't find a nice crescent moon. Star was the next best thing. Could use it for a necklace or put it on an outfit- "

"Thank you, Striker."

Striker blinked. Moxxie not look at him but saw a small smile slip behind the scarf. He coughed and tipped his hat down. "It's nothing Critter."

Some hours passed till it was time to get ready.

Striker took a quick shower and looked at the outfit. One of his nice ones you could say. Well nice and not destroyed or needs to be cleaned up. Nice and simple, it was a long-sleeved western shirt and put with his black vest over it. A pair of long dark gray pants with ripped thighs. Black cowboy boots. Black fingerless gloves. Kept his bandana and hat on.

"Hey Critter I'm going to get Bombproof saddle up. Meet me outside." Striker yells as he puts a pistol, his blade underneath his shirt. Hid the blade on the inside of his vest. What? It's Wrath. A decent place or not where they are going, anything can happen. Which is why he picks this time before it gets too late.

"Okay!" Moxxie yelled behind the door to his room. A lot of moving around.

Striker thought he heard something drop. Along with cursing. Didn't pay too much attention about that as he goes to get Bombproof ready. Got him all set up and bring him out front the house. Recheck everything as he hears the door open. Turn his head. "Well Critter you read- "

Striker didn't finish his question and stared at Moxxie.

Moxxie was wearing a knee length light blue dress that fit his form. Bell sleeves with a slit to see finger black gloves. They were holding their blue scarves closely. A rope like brown belt around his waist with one end of the strap going down. Over the knee leather dark brown leg warmer that could be mistaken for stocking. His tail still kept the black wrapping. A black ribbon choker on the side was the star pendant Striker gave him. White hair down and see the hair in the back almost past his neck. A bit of a wild, flowy look that was hard to tell. Bored look behind the glasses staring at him. While their tear marks were covered in that make up can still see a flushed look that made the freckles stand out.

If Striker was holding a bottle, he would have dropped it.

"Rattles?"

Striker snaps out of his train of thoughts. "Wow Critter you. Damn many morons going to regret not taking you out."

Moxxie pulled the sleeve a bit and walked over. "You look good too. Too bad you spend your time getting ready for me."

"Enough of that your worth it." Pat his shoulder and stared at the choker. "Besides if we passed any of your idiot classmates, they'll be so stupid for not taking you tonight."

"I will turn around and stay home."

"Alright, alright come on let's go. How- "

"I'm wearing shorts underneath." Along a small gun but don't need to know that.

"Smart." Look at the scarf. Pull it out their arms. Wrap it around their neck. "Going to get cold Critter."

Moxxie blink a bit but relaxes. Happy to just be able to bring it, along Striker not minding.

Bombproof neighs ready to leave.

Got on Bombproof with Striker and rode off into town. It was a nice ride and Moxxie could tell that Bombproof gotten faster when they arrived to the next town. Arrive at a restaurant like bar called The Wild Nite Tavern. Put Bombproof in the stable. It was quite decent inside with that country feel. Not a big crowd but still busy either at the tables, the bar, or some people on dance floor to dance. Look a band on the stage that does a performance or karaoke depending on the mood. Nice size dancing floor by the stage. The two were brought to a table that can see the stage.

"One more year and you can go to the bar."

"I have a bar at home."

"Maria has a bar at home you just help her."

"Whiskey interesting to make." What? Does have a bit of science to it.

"Agreed to that." Striker laughed and looked at the menu. Which was just the front and back. He was fine with it. "What wrong?"

"Just getting looks." Moxxie glance at the menu. At the end he is a male imp wearing a dress even if their features would throw some demons off. So, use to many looks its all the same. It doesn't mean there have been moments it gets to them.

"Screw them. Ill handle it if they start shit." Send a look at the bar area. Glance back at Moxxie as he stares at menu. "Found something you going to get?"

"Chocolate shake."

"Besides a drink and dessert, your chocolate menace."

"Says the Whiskey lover. It's probably part of your blood."

"I'm not complaining. I would be the one with the blood everyone wants."

"To get a after burn."

"The prize to pay to take blood from a snake."

"Speaking about that. Tried any poisons?"

"Actually yes." Lean back and hum. "Three poisons on the list that can't kill me. But one would give me a problem depending the amount."

"Who?" He did like the idea Striker was poison. Sure, when it was him, it was just different with the situation. You know trying to get killed.

"I took care of it and the guy arm broke when I found out what they tried to do. Just because I finished some work quicker compared to them. Lazy carcasses. The other was from a drink which I hate to say was my fault for taking on the job. Almost could have lost it if I didn't find the one who did it." He made that one pay. That was not a fun experience and I felt like such a damn fool. Yet, he learned his mistake.

"Are you okay?"

"It was six months ago and still kicking."

They place their orders down. Striker was very pleased with a smug look. He was able to get the grouchy pants to finally order something to eat. After that the pair just chat or just listen to certain songs played on the stage.

It was a fun time together like this.

"You good?"

"Yeah, I'm good." His anxiety hasn't risen up. Already had his eyes everywhere on the place if he needed to escape or lay low for a bit. Still got a few weird, or confusing looks. But one or two customers have passe by commenting on their outfit.

It was nice.

Their drinks arrived which was a Chocolate shake and Whiskey Root beer Float.

"I blame you for showing me this drink." Striker growled at the smirking Imp who was just taking a long simp of his drink. Striker taking a sip of his own drink and just enjoying the taste. Enjoying his time with his Moxxie. He took another long sip of that thought. He looked at the stage and idea form. "Hey Moxxie want to sing?"

"I'll play the violin but I will not sing." He is still trying to figure out the code that has "musical" numbers that affect this universe. He didn't understand it or the use!

"Then you owe me a song." Striker stands up.

"Huh? Wait Rattles what you doing?"

"Going to sing Critter."

"Show off."

Striker laughed and walked to the stage. A few girls' giggle looking at him. One or two guys blush or wink.

Seriously how does he do it? Moxxie will never understand random affections or fanclubs. Well besides the things Lust tries to help him learn along with Madre lessons. It just flies over his head unless he experiences it.  Even with his um past experience he is still weird and is oblivious to topics like this.

Great he on the stage. Let's see what song he'll play. Moxxie will admit he did like hearing Rattles sing. Still, he was good on the guitar. The last time I heard him sing was a long while. His voice is different now. Dangit they need phones invented now.

Oh, wait Codes right.

Leans back against the seat to watch him get ready. The ringed reptilian imp was given a guitar. Looks like he will be playing with the group.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

The instruments start out first.

"Cottonwood fallin' like snow in July
Sunset, riverside, 4 wheel drive
And a tail light circle"

Moxxie mouth gap slightly. Okay he improved a lot and wow.

"Roll down the windows turn it on up
Pour a little Crown in a Dixie cup
Get the party, started"

Striker grinned as he sings along. The group on the dance floor gave him an awed look and jealousy. Okay he likes the attention a lot. He looks back at Moxxie direction who just look stunned.

"Girl you make my speakers go boom boom
Dancin' on the tailgate in the full moon
That kinda thing makes a man go mmm mmm
You're lookin' so good in what's left of those blue jeans
Drip of honey on the money make it gotta be
The best buzz I'm ever gonna find
Hey I'm a little drunk on you
And high on summertime"

Moxxie blinks.

Striker spins around as he walks on the stage as he plays the guitar.

"If you aint a ten you're a nine point nine
Tippin' n' spillin' that homemade wine"

The girls tried to touch his leg and kick them away, not amused. The girls seem to not mind but then attack the others who got hit.

The Imp sweet dropped as he saw that but he stayed focused listening to the music.

"On your tied up T-shirt
Every little kiss is drivin' me wild
Thrown little cherry bombs into my fire
Good God all mighty"

Striker enjoys his time as he smiles big.

"Girl you make my speakers go boom boom
Dancin' on the tailgate in a full moon
That kinda thing makes a man go mmm mmm
You're lookin' so good in what's left of those blue jeans
Drip of honey on the money make it gotta be
The best buzz I'm ever gonna find
Hey, I'm a little drunk on you
And high on summertime"

Striker getting a guitar solo. Capturing everyone's attention and getting cheers around.

"Let's slip on out where it's a little bit darker
And when it gets a little bit hotter
We'll take it off all out in the water"

Moxxie cheek heated up and didn't understand why. Was it the lyrics or how his tone changes in the song?

"Girl you make my speakers go boom boom
Dancin' on the tailgate in a full moon
That kinda thing makes a man go mmm mmmm
You're lookin' so good in what's left of those blue jeans
Drip of honey on the money make it gotta be
The best buzz I'm ever gonna find
Hey I'm a little drunk on you
And high on summertime"

The instrument slowly dying down as Striker gazed at the audience. A flick of his eyes stayed in one direction.

"Yeah I'm a little drunk on you."

Everyone cheered, clapped, hollered or threw random hats in the air.

Striker grins very big as he did a hat sweep bow. Hands the guitar back. Able to get away from everyone smoothly as he goes to sit down with Moxxie. Great timing as their food appeared.

"Wow." Moxxie stared at Striker in amazement. "Have you thought about being a singer?"

"One or two occasions but don't want leeches breathing down my neck for content." Striker stated and smirked at Moxxie direction. "So, I'm that good huh?"

"Yes, you were great." A little jealous how he can just go up there and do a performance like that. At the end though he likes what he watches and listens to. "You are going to make someone very happy. If you ever sing like that towards them."

Striker smiled. Grab his cup. Took a huge gulp of his float and got any whiskey out of it.

"Thirsty?" Moxxie tilt his head as he lifted up a burger he was about to eat.

"Yes."

Got another order to drink along with water. The two eat, talk and just enjoy it. Striker was able to get one dance from Moxxie.

Moxxie only obliged because Striker sang up there. Other than that, he was embarrassed and felt awkward and not sure what to do. Yet, Striker just leads the way. Moxxie did laughed when he picks him up to do a stupid spin with him. So, cheesy like in those shows but he likes it. Only had one 'tiny' problem when a prick called Moxxie some not so nice words because he was in a dress. Moxxie didn't seem to care and ignored the jerk.

"Why that piece of jackass- "

"Striker come on its fine." Pull him away to focus on the dance. Felt him relax. He sighs as bit able to lead some of the dance. Didn't see Striker eyes did go back to focus on the asshole.

Striker may have taken him out back when he told Moxxie to order them some dessert. He was quite pleased to not get any blood on himself. Then I went back like nothing happened. The two of them are eating dessert. Stay longer just chatting, even talk with a few customers why they're here. Many love the non-Prom Day. It was just great.

This was a great 'non' Prom Day.

"Rattles wait there." Moxxie tells Striker as they finally rode back home. Jump off Bombproof to rush inside.

"Okay?" Striker blinks then lets out a yawn. Today was long but he enjoyed himself. Look like Moxxie did too. He jumps off of Bombproof and pats the horse. "Well buddy he still oblivious. But did get some sweet compliments."

Got a head nudge with hoof hit the ground.

Striker chuckles and starts to at least loosen the saddle, reins. Glance back to see Moxxie return with a polaroid camera.

"We didn't take a picture."

"Huh right forgot."

The two pairs move close. Striker held the camera as his arms were longer. Took it two times.

One, picture of Striker. The other one for Moxxie.

"Hey Rattles." Moxxie walks with him to the barn.

"What up?"

"Thanks." He looks up at him. "I mean it I really had a good time. Thanks for convincing me."

Striker stared at him and lifted the hat up a bit. "It's no problem and we had a lot of fun. Too bad we couldn't rob a bank."

"Too much work."

"Fair enough."

The two chuckle together Moxxie going back inside the house. While Striker soon followed when he finished with Bombproof. The two of them both said good night. Striker went to sleep fast on the couch after changing out.

Moxxie lays on the bed with a smile. He looks at the Polaroid picture of the two of them with Bombproof faces in the back of them. The pair of them just smiling, relaxed. Just themselves. Turn it over to grab a pen.

'Prom night'. S, M, and B.

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Done!

This was a good night for Prom for Moxxis/Error and enjoyed it. Striker was still a little gloomy at the obliviousness but he enjoyed himself as well.

Don't own the song.

Oh! I did draw Moxxie out in the dress. If your curious to see Random Art!

Any questions?

Until next time!

Bye, bye!