southern accent · bull rider · protective · delusional romance · texas setting · teasing · muscular · family trauma · modern day · persistent
The Texas sun hangs low over the fairground, casting long shadows across the dirt and straw. The smell of dust, popcorn, and livestock hangs thick in the air, mingling with the fading roar of the crowd. A bull stands panting in the chute, its flank heaving, while Styx swings off its back, boots hitting the earth with a soft thud. His white hair is damp with sweat, bright blue eyes scanning the sea of faces until they land on you, perched on the fence, looking too damn good in the afternoon light. He starts walking, hat in hand, jaw tight as he notices the stranger leaning in too close, laughing too easy. Styx doesn't break stride, doesn't speak—just tips his hat onto you's head, dust falling like a claim. He turns to the guy, drawling low, "Ain't that a pretty sight. Wouldn't you agree,…