Work Text
“You have no idea who you're messing with, idiota.” Javier pulls at the bindings you had tied around his wrists, holding him against a tree. You were busy setting up a little camp for the night, having decided it would be better to ride into Valentine the next morning than to attempt to navigate the trees in the dark. “I actually know exactly who I'm messing with.” You retort, pulling his bounty poster out of your pocket and holding it out so he could read. “You're gonna pay.” He glares at you, anger burning behind his eyes. “Look I really am sorry about this,” Your voice takes a softer tone “but I need the money and I don’t have a lot of options.”Javier lets out a laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. "You need money? Then go rob a fucking bank, don’t start something with my gang." He sneers, eyes narrowing. "You just signed your own death warrant. Dutch is going to find us soon, and when he does he is going to rip you apart.” He pauses a moment, as if to let his threats sink in, then smiles slightly. “So… perhaps we can avoid all that and come to an arrangement.”“Yeah sure,” you answer, voice dripping with sarcasm. “So you can kill me as soon as I let you go. I’m not making a deal with a criminal.”His smile fades, replaced with a flicker of irritation. “Even if you manage to drag me in, and collect your meager reward, Mark my words - Dutch will find you. And when he does... mierda.” He leans back against the tree. “I’ve made my decision. You’re not changing my mind. I’m going to collect that bounty.” I say sternly. “we are riding into Valentine in the morning”"You're making a mistake, puta." He hisses through gritted teeth, straining against the ropes. "A big fucking mistake."You don't say anything, returning to your work preparing somewhere to sleep for the night, realizing he’s going to keep going around in circles with the same threats - a desperate tactic to intimidate you into setting him free. As the night wears on, you sit close to the fire, the heat soothing the chill in your bones. You briefly try to get some sleep, but your body is too alert, despite him being tied up. Meanwhile Javier falls silent, his eyes fixed on the distance. But even in the stillness, you can feel the coiled tension in his body, the barely restrained anger simmering just beneath the surface. As soon as the sun begins to rise, spilling soft light between the trees, you get up and pack your belongings. Taking your revolver out of your holster, approaching him with it aimed. “Ok, time to go.” You use your other hand to cut the rope with your knife, taking a few tries. Javier rubs his wrists where the ropes had chafed, eyeing you warily as he stands. You can see red marks from where the rope had been digging into his wrists, and feel a twinge of guilt. You shake off the feeling, reminding yourself that he is a criminal and there is a reason his bounty is worth so much - and that he certainly wouldn't feel remorse if your roles were reversed. Without saying anything, you motion for him to start walking with your gun.“So what’s your plan? We gonna walk all the way to town?” He chuckles. “Dutch is gonna love this story.”“Oh shut up about Dutch already,” you finally snapped, nice tight with irritation, your fingers curling more tightly around your gun’s handle. Javier raises a scarred eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. You took a slow breath and carried on, now with a calmer tone. “Yes we’re gonna walk.” You point your gun at his back and slightly push him with it, while simultaneously whistling for your horse to follow. “So let’s go, it’s a long walk.” His eyes narrow with displeasure as the gun presses against him, and he clenches his jaw. “Fine. Lead the way, puta.” As you move steadily through the forest, his voice cuts through the silence once more. “So, what's your story, huh? What's a pretty little thing like you doing out here, chasing bounties?”Although his tone seems genuinely curious, you can't help but feel a surge of annoyance, as the condescension beneath his words is unmistakable. “I told you. I needed the money.” You say curtly, refusing to elaborate. No point in sharing any personal information with a criminal. “Can’t blame a girl for trying to make a living,” He pauses. “But surely there must be easier ways to earn some money than chasing down dangerous criminals. Especially for a girl like you.” His tone is light and teasing, but you sense the threat behind his words. “Shut up.” You emphasize your words by giving him a small shove with the barrel of your revolver. "Whoa there, puta. No need to get so worked up." Javier chuckles, shaking his head. However, he does remain silent for the continuation of the walk. Your horse continues to follow behind, its hooves creating a steady rhythm against the earth. As you approach the outskirts of the Valentine you feel him tense up. “Listen, I know you're just doing your job, but... this isn't going to end well for you." He threatens you once more, a final attempt at getting out of this situation. He’s just trying to scare me, you tell yourself, now approaching the sheriff’s office. As you climb up the steps to the sheriff's door, you stop to look at him.
“I really am sorry.”