The market square in Darkwood was alive with activity. Vendors shouted their wares, children laughed and played, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh bread and spices. Riggs, true to his eccentric nature, darted from stall to stall, animatedly recounting his day to Xul, who followed a few steps behind, stoic as ever.
"...and then, get this, the merchant was trying to sell me a fake ruby! Can you believe that? I told him, 'Buddy, you can't pull one over on Riggs! I know a real gem when I see one.' And then there was this cat—"
Xul's patience, which was normally quite substantial, was beginning to wear thin. Riggs had been talking non-stop since they left the tavern, and while Xul found his energy endearing at times, today it was verging on overwhelming.
"Riggs," Xul interjected, his voice calm but firm, "do you ever take a breath?"
Riggs barely paused. "Of course I do! How else would I keep this wonderful commentary going? Anyway, as I was saying—"
Xul could feel a headache forming. He admired Riggs' zest for life, but there were moments when even he needed a break from the constant chatter. As Riggs continued to prattle on about the latest gossip from the tavern, Xul's patience finally snapped.
Without a word, Xul grabbed Riggs by the arm and pulled him into a nearby alleyway. Riggs barely had time to react before Xul pinned him against the wall, their faces inches apart. For a split second, Riggs' eyes widened in surprise, but before he could utter another word, Xul's lips crashed onto his.
The kiss was forceful and commanding, effectively silencing Riggs. Xul poured all his frustration and affection into it, hoping to convey what words could not. Riggs, taken aback, was frozen for a moment before he melted into the kiss, his hands coming up to grip Xul's shoulders.
When Xul finally pulled back, he kept Riggs pinned against the wall, their breaths mingling in the narrow space. Riggs' eyes were wide, a mixture of shock and something deeper flickering in their depths.
"Do you ever stop talking?" Xul growled, his voice low and intense.
Riggs blinked, his usual flippancy momentarily subdued. "Only when someone makes me."
Xul smirked, a rare expression on his usually stoic face. "Good to know."
For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the air between them charged with an intensity that hadn't been there before. Riggs, for once, was at a loss for words. Xul, satisfied that he had finally managed to silence his partner, slowly released his grip and stepped back.
"Now," Xul said, his voice returning to its usual calm tone, "can we continue our errands in peace?"
Riggs nodded, a small, dazed smile playing on his lips. "Sure thing, Xul. Whatever you say."
As they walked back to the bustling market, Riggs' chatter resumed, but it was noticeably softer, more thoughtful. Xul listened with a faint smile, knowing that while Riggs might never truly be quiet, he had at least found a way to make his point clear.
