Words Can Hurt

Chapter 3

"Is that why Maquina was able to shock the bunny?! Oh man, that's hilarious!"

"Oh that's nothing, mate! I haven't even gotten to the funny part yet!"

Valiente's laughter made Guapo's heart skip a beat. He could feel butterflies in his stomach and his tongue tying itself in knots.

Guapo was lying to himself. He couldn't do this. Hopefully, if he was quick enough, he could slip away without either of the bulls noticing.

Guapo turned to make his leave when suddenly-

"Hey, Guapo!"

Guapo swore internally and froze in his tracks. He had been noticed. There was no turning back now.

Valiente stood up and approached Guapo from his left side.

"Guapo? Are you okay?"

Guapo could feel his heart pounding. If it started beating any faster, he swore it would pop out of his chest. Valiente's brown eyes and fur complimented each other perfectly. When the sunlight hit his eyes just right, it was like staring into pools of honey. When it hit his fur, he glowed brightly enough to make an angel jealous. His broken horn, despite being an insecurity of his, only made him look more handsome. And don't get Guapo started on those muscles, or that voice.....

"Uh, Guapo? You're staring."

Guapo's train of thought was derailed by the same voice that was making him swoon.

"Is there something in my teeth? It's okay, you can tell me."

"N-no, your teeth are fine."

"Then what's the matter?"

Angus smirked. He knew exactly why Guapo couldn't spit a sentence out around Valiente, and why he was always staring at him.

Guapo turned to the Scottish bull. "Angus, can I steal Val for a sec?"

Angus nodded.

"Thanks, Angus."

Guapo repeated a new mantra in his head as he and Valiente left.

("Okay, Guap, it's now or never. You've got this.")

Valiente stopped at the chicken coop and sat down.

"So, what is it you want to tell me?"

"Uh......"

"Guapo, you know you and the others can trust me now. Whatever it is, I promise I won't get mad."

("I've had the biggest crush on you ever since we were calves.") How could something be so true, yet so hard to say? He could roast someone at the drop of a hat, always had the best comebacks to insults, but he couldn't tell the love of his life how he felt. What had he gotten himself into? Guapo started to blush. 

"Hey, it's okay, there's no need to be embarrassed. I promise not to tell anyone."

"Valiente? I....."

Nina ran over to Guapo.

"Guapo, there you are! Dad and I need you to help us with some errands."

Guapo nodded, and reluctantly followed the little girl. She was telling him everything he was going to be helping her and her father with, but the bull was only half paying attention. ("The world is just against me today, isn't it? And just as I was about to tell Valiente how I feel, too!")

Valiente bit his lip as he watched Guapo leave.

Angus noticed this. "Were you just checking Guapo out?"