+Author's note

Aksnjskakdnkl

What a gentleman, what a man!

Was there any woman who wouldn't say the same? With his calm demeanor and his gentle ways, Dell Conager was more than capable of wooing a wonan.

The fact that his smiles were glazed with the honeyed perfection of a southern drawl made it almost impossible to pass him without a sigh.

Completely oblivious to this information, he would always whistle a tune, those strong broad arms handling a task at hand would glisten with sweat and pulse with veins.

And did the woman appreciate this?

The love struck gazes of the ladies in the room definately seemed to answer your question.

Trying to ignore the heated gazes of the women around you, you hugged the toolbox tightly, standing next to dell as he finished up on a ceiling lamp.

"All done!"

Stepping down from the ladder, the ladies surrounding him cheered and giggled, watching him climb down; some flocking towards him.

"How do you do it Dell?"

"You're so talented Dell! Can you fix my television?"

"Dell! Have some tea!"

The woman giggled and flustered around him, and Dell, being the gentleman he was, took his helmet off and smiled sweetly.

"Tha's mighty kind of ya, but I have to get goin' things getting late and all. Ah'll stop by yer house for the television sometime miss Liana!"

Liana giggled, and you rolled your eyes as you handed Dell his tool box.

Dell tipped his hat at you and grinned.

"Thanks honey bee!"

You blushed. And quickly headed out the small cafe with Dell.

+++

Riding in his truck, Dell drove down the road humming to himself as you looked outside glumly, your mood greatly contrasting the beautiful pink sunset.

It's been more than 2 years since you've fallen for the texan. How could you not? His soft voice, his kindness and his baby blue eyes, and the way he treated you-

'-Is exactly the same how he treats other women' you bitterly thought.

Sighing, you leaned against the window.

It was true, he was gentle, kind and selfless to you. But that was how he treated other women as well. He's just so damn sweet to everyone and it just tears you up to think that he treats you the same as the others.

Didn't you live on base with him? Didn't you two have sweet moments only you shared with him? Weren't you always there for him? And for what? To be treated exactly the same as any other woman who just waltzed into his life?

Grimacing, you started drifting back.

+++

Frightened and nervous, you stepped up at the old base, expecting to be crushed by a team of assassins, only to be greeted by a sweet Texan with a grin.

'It's a pleasure to meet ya miss (L/n)! Welcome to our base!'

You smiled as he took your hand in his and shook it firmly. It was warm, just like his gaze.

+++

'Mighty cold out huh?'

You nodded as your teeth chattered. Up in a tall wooden tower with Dell at the dead of night, watching the empty battle field for any traces of enemies.

Something heavy was draped over your shoulders when you saw that Dell had given you his own worn out coat. It smelled like him, and you could still feel the warmth that Dell had left in it.

+++

After failing miserably at retrieving the intelligence, you had been yelled at by the administrator, and you wept outside the base in the rain.

You hiccuped to yourself while tears and raindrops fell from your face. When a figure shielded you from the rain.

Holding out an umbrella for you, Dell wiped your tears away with his other hand.

'Don't cry darlin', you make the heavens cry with ya too'

+++

You looked down at the cup of coffee you held in your hands.

Your reflection rippled in the dark drink. Your meal completely forgotten, your expression even more so.

"Darlin'?"

You shot your head up, and saw Dell looking at you worriedly.

"Somethin' botherin' ya?"

About to open your mouth, you paused momentarily only to shut your mouth, quickly shaking your head.

Dell didn't look too convinced.

+++

It had to be done. There was no other way to go about it. Why ruin yourself for a man who'll never look back at you? Why bother?

Your decision was made, and Dell paid the price.

It had been 10 days now, and you haven't spoken to the Texan unless nesscessary. You didn't laugh at his jokes, didn't stay in the same room, and his questions were only answered in short dry replies.

Dell had been concerned to say the least. He wanted to know if there had been something he had done, he could at least hear or fix it. But you refused to speak more than a few words to him.

On a quiet evening, a knock on your door caught your attention. Quickly shutting the book you were reading, you went to your door to answer it.

But when you saw who stood in the doorway, you immediately regretted your decision.

"Hey darlin-"

"-Hey Dell.."

His heart broke at your words. You refused to meet his gaze and your expression was downright miserable.

"Uh.. Can Ah talk with ya for a moment..?"

"..Sure"

Dell shut the door behind him, and followed you into the room, sitting right next to you on your bed.

You dreaded his presense but to be so close to him.. Just a hand's reach away..

The Engineer inturupted your thoughts.

"So uh.. Ah haven't been seeing you around lately.."

"Really? I didn't think so"

Dell opened his mouth, but thought better and shook his head.

"..Darlin'? Is there somethin' Ah did wrong?"

Your vision blurred, tears filtering your sight into a whirl of colors. Bowing your head down, you tried to hide your tears to no avail.

"(Y/n)? Darlin', please.."

He put a hand on your cheek.

"Couldya please lookit me with those pretty eyes of yours?"

You angrily pushed his hand away, muttering.

"..don't"

"Wha..?"

"Don't say that"

"..W-what?"

You snapped, holding his gaze, you glared into his eyes as hot tears spilled down your eyes.

"Don't say stuff you don't mean! Do you have any idea how confusing it can be?!"

"Darlin'? Ah-"

"Don't you dare call me that! Stop saying those things, it really.. It makes me think.. think that.."

Your words got caught in your throat, a sob replaced your words.

"..that you really like me.."

His eyes widened. While soft hiccups echoed your room.

"You lead so many girls on.. You really have no idea do you..?"

Dell was shocked. He had lead girls on? And all this time he thought he was just being polite. He had no idea what he did to them.. To you of all people!

Tears ran down your face and you refused to look at him any longer. But when a warm calloused hand held your cheek again, you flinched.

"(Y/n).. Lookit me.."

Grudgingly, you lifted your gaze to the soft Texan.

"(Y/n).. Ah had no idea what Ah did.. And how Ah made ya feel.. And outta all the people Ah might've hurt.. Ah never wanted it to be you.."

He leaned towards you, making you hitch your breath.

"(Y/n).. Ah know it sounds mighty wrong for me to say this now.. But Ah really mean it when Ah say this.. (Y/n), Ah adore ya.."

He stared deeply into your eyes, wiping your tears away with his thumb.

"..would you give me a chance yo stay by your side and love ya the way you deserve..?"

You looked at him in surprise, but saw his firmly set jaw, patiently waiting for your reply.

Instead of answering him, you closed your eyes, drawing yourself closer to the Texan.

Dell came closer, and you both brushed your lips together, the salty taste of your tears on your tongues, but not without the sweet taste of love drowning your mouths.