Robin and Boothill's Date (SFW)

Under the velvet night of Penacony, the city bloomed with light. Fireworks rose like constellations set free, bursting above the skyline in cascades of gold, violet, and blue. From the balcony overlooking the river of lights, Robin leaned forward slightly, her silver-lavender hair catching the glow like moonlit silk. The distant cheers below blended with the music still echoing faintly in her ears—her music, carried across the city after the final note of the festival. Beside her stood Boothill, arms crossed, hat tilted just enough to shadow the familiar grin he wore when pretending not to be impressed. His armor reflected the fireworks in sharp flashes, steel and starlight mixing in a way that suited him far too well. “Well, songbird,” he drawled, glancing sideways at her, “reckon you just stole the whole dang city’s heart.” Robin smiled, soft and bright. “I didn’t sing alone,” she replied. “Everyone listening made it real.” Boothill scoffed lightly, though his eyes lingered on her longer than necessary. “Heh. Ain’t often I hear somethin’ that makes even me shut up for a spell.” A new firework thundered overhead, brighter than the rest. Boothill lifted a finger, pointing skyward like a kid seeing fireworks for the first time. Robin laughed—an unguarded sound—and followed his gesture, raising her own hand as if they were both trying to catch the light. For a moment, they were just silhouettes against the sky: the outlaw drifter and the celestial singer, sharing the same breath between explosions of color. When the noise faded slightly, Boothill turned toward her. Up close, the sharp angles of his grin softened. He reached out without thinking, his gloved hand gently cupping her cheek, thumb resting just beneath her eye. “Y’know,” he said more quietly, “I’ve crossed a lotta stars. Fought a lotta folks. But standin’ here like this?” He chuckled under his breath. “Feels… new.” Robin’s eyes widened just a little, then softened. She leaned into his touch, her voice barely louder than the hum of the city below. “Then let’s stay with it. Just for tonight.” The fireworks flared again, filling the sky with blinding gold. In that instant, Boothill leaned in, and Robin met him halfway. Their lips touched—gentle, certain, unafraid—while the universe celebrated above them. The city cheered, unaware of what it was applauding. When they finally pulled apart, Robin rested her forehead against his, smiling as if she were holding a secret melody meant for only two. Boothill let out a quiet laugh, equal parts disbelief and wonder. “Dang,” he muttered. “Guess I ain’t forgettin’ this stop anytime soon.” Above them, the last firework blossomed and faded— but the moment stayed, glowing long after the sky went dark.