Virgil slid off Bucephalus' back and pulled the reins over his head. Although Buce would follow him anywhere, it comforted Virgil to feel the rough leather in his hands to give him something to fiddle with. It also assured him that Buce would not spook with all the people around. People had now filled the stands and surrounding areas, booths were crammed and even the beer tent was busy.
He made a beeline for the trailer, pulling his hat down low over his eyes. Once there he tied Bucepahlus to the side of the trailer and went to the truck to grab his gear. He flung his chaps over one shoulder and hung the vest over the other before hauling the purple and black gear bag from the back seat.
"Virgil!" He whipped around at the sound of his name to see a familiar face. Dallas Walker was headed his way dressed in his signature yellow fringed chaps, mustard yellow shirt, black and yellow boots, and his gambler style black hat. His belt buckle gleamed with the design of a two-headed snake and the words Dark Sides Bull riding that was almost identical to Virgil's minus the symbol. Virgil's was a purple thundercloud. He gave a smile that looked almost sinister on his deformed face. An accident from years ago in his early days of bull riding had left half of his face and one eye scarred forever. It was a reminder to everyone about the dangers of the sport.
"Dallas," Virgil greeted as he set the gear on the fender of the trailer. "And where would your other half be at?" Dallas leaned on the trailer, facing Virgil and gave a short chuckle.
"Oh you know, the usual. Harassing straight cowboys with his dirty talk." Remus Brown has a bad habit of flirting over zealously with men he knew were straight. It amused him to see the terror on their faces of being hit on by the same gender. "I might have to go rein him in here in a bit."
"Nah, decades of us gays and women living in fear from assholes like the ones he goes after. I feel like they can handle the wrath of Remus, maybe they'll learn a thing or two," Virgil joked. Sure he loved the country and the lifestyle but cowboys were not the most open to the rights of those they thought were lesser than them.
"I wish I could turn him loose on every homophobic but last time he got us kicked out before we could even celebrate because he went after the Head of Security's son."
"I wondered where ya'll went. Figured you'd just found a trailer somewhere," Virgil muttered.
"That doesn't mean we still didn't find.." Dallas started. Virgil's hands went to his ears and he yelled to drown out his answer. Dallas and Remus had started dating at the beginning of the year, making Virgil feel like a third wheel but he was happy for his teammates and friends. He just felt left out at times.
Dallas stuck his tongue out at him before laughing. "Don't worry, Virgil, you'll find that special cowboy soon enough." Virgil hung his right thumb in his pocket and used the other to run through his already messy hair.
"Nah I'm good being on my own, so much more freedom. Plus Buce is the only man I need in my life." To be honest he did want a relationship but the idea of it terrified him. People expected so much more of each other when in a romantic relationship and the touching all the time. Remus and Dallas were always touching whether it was their whole bodies pressed against each other and kissing passionately or just a small brush of the hands as they walked by. Sometimes Virgil just couldn't handle anyone touching him which led to having the overall impression of being snobby. Other days he craved anyone living to just hug him which was tricky and very frustrating.
"Whatever you say, Virgil. Eventually your dream dude will find you and you'll change your mind, unless you decide that your Aro Ace which is still cool and all," Dallas assured. Virgil shook his head. No he wanted a relationship and maybe the other stuff but it just seemed impossible. "You might want to get your things on soon, it'll be starting soon." Virgil again nodded not even bothering to argue that they were the last event of the night and had time. "I have to go find Remus before he gets into trouble."
"That would be smart. I'm going to change then probably stop by the stand to say howdy to Pat and Logan." They said their goodbyes and Dallas left, headed for the beer tent, a likely place to find his mustached boyfriend.
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Hello I just want to dedicate this chapter to all my fellow Aces and all the beautiful Aros. Ya'll don't get enough love so here is your daily reminder that you are amazing and valid!
Also the thing that Virgil is struggling with is something that comes from my personal life. I have the reputation of not liking people touching me but then it leads to me being touch starved so if any of ya'll have any ideas to help that would be amazing. -AnxietyThnks2Society
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8 Seconds Going On Forever
FanfictionA Sanders Sides Bullriding AU. Virgil is a bullriding trying to gain enough points to make it to National Finals and achieve his dream. It's all he's focused on until a very distracting Rodeo Queen shows up. Roman is the complete opposite of him, ou...