Yes

April bit the inside of her cheek as she contemplated this. She had promised Texas that she would get all her tasks done before noon and a break would set her back a bit. Then again, Rory had made a good point. She was a bit peckish and it was a scorcher today. Also, she remembered the last time she overworked herself; the sheriff had given a harsh dress-down when she overexerted herself and ended up spraining her back by accident.

She was more worried about her well-being than being out for a while. And of course, it had to be when Georgia made her next attempt to get rid of Texas! It was sheer luck that she managed to distract the overgrown mare enough for Tex, who was struggling under Georgia’s massive rear end, to wiggle out and knock her disgraced deputy out.

Looking at the Irish artist again, she weighed her options and the outcomes until she came to her answer.

“Well… ah suppose ah could take a small break.” She finally responded.

The grin on Rory’s face reappeared and grew twice its size as he quickly righted himself.

“Just Grand!” He stated before holding his arm out to her. “Now then, may I have da dubious honor of escortin’ ye?”

Nervously, April took the offered arm and the two were on their way. Though it was still morning and the town hadn’t fully woken up yet, the deputy would still feel her blush deepen if someone saw them together like this. Glancing left at the taller of the two, she couldn’t help but admire his eyes again. Those bright green orbs that shined like jewels only added to an already handsome look. She couldn’t help it! There were so few good-looking guys in this town that weren’t either taken or was a criminal.

He was charming, mysterious, a talented artist, and who knows what else!

And then there was…she couldn’t describe it. There was this smell that came from him. Not the foul odor, noxious fumes, or stale whiff others had. It was mysterious…alluring really. It was stronger the closer she got to him, she didn’t even notice she had leaned in to get a-

“And here we be!” Snapping back to reality, the deputy blinked quickly and looked. In her haze, the two had made it to the front doors of the Silver Spurs saloon. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she lightly slapped her cheeks for added measure.

‘What was that all about?!’

Approaching, Rory pushed the doors open and the two stepped in.

Compared to The Crushed Weasel’s hostile atmosphere, Silver Spurs had a gentle, more welcoming one. Soft piano music played from the corner and the few patrons here simply chatted about or enjoyed the peaceful ambiance from the usual unpredictable nature of the town.

Walking up to the counter, the two foxes spotted a large moose standing behind the counter. Massive hands cleaned glasses as wide antlers swayed left and right with his head. Glancing up, he spotted the two approaching and a light smile crossed his lips.

“Well, well, ain’t that a sight.” A low, deep voice escaped his lips. “Ah see it didn’t take long to get in our dear deputy’s good graces, huh?”

“Nothin’ of da sort. Just a humble citizen helpin’ da law.” Rory chuckled as the two sat down.

“G’mornin’ Frank. How have things been treatin’ you?” April said with a smile as she looked up.

“Ah can’t complain. Been right quiet in here and ah wouldn’t trade it for nothin’. Heh, and judgin’ by your looks, you must need a nice, cold drink to wet your whistle, eh?”

The vixen giggled slightly as she held up a finger. “One glass of your famous Golden Sweet tea, please.”

“Make it two, lad.” The artist added, holding two fingers.

The giant moose chuckled deeply as turned around to work on the drinks.

“Golden, eh? I didn’t think you could actually drink da stuff. You got yer own personal mine somewhere, Frank?” Rory asked with a smirk.

The bartender gave a short, deep chortle. “Only thing special about it is the taste. Family recipe and ah ain’t changed a thing. Daddy would have my antlers if ah even tried it.”

“And we wouldn’t want dat, would we?” The male fox responded. Turning in his seat, he looked out at the sparse, yet slowing filling building. “He must be right proud of ye, keepin’ the place runnin’ in the family.”

Rory turned back just in time to see Frank set two ice-filled glasses on the counter. The amber liquid glowed in the sunlight as April brought her glass to her lips. She hummed in delight as the cold drink went down her dry throat. Rory chuckled as he sipped from his glass, giving his own hum of approval.

“Now dat’s a right fine drink, it is. Ever thought about selling the stuff commercially?” He suggested.

Frank snorted. “Oh, ah’m sure certain people wouldn’t mind me sellin’. But this a family recipe and in the family it’s stayin’. One of the reasons ah appreciate Sheriff Texas and Ms. Briggs here.”

“It wasn’t nothin’, Frank.” The deputy said, finally setting her drink down. “Texas did most of the work, stoppin’ them varmints from stealin’ your safe. Ah just helped tie’em up after it was over.”

“Either way, you saved my family’s recipe and ah’m forever thankful.” The moose spoke with a smile. Glancing right, he spotted some waiting customers and went to serve them. “Y’all enjoy those drinks, there on the house this time.”

The two foxes waved and went back to their drinks. After a minute of savoring the tea, Rory spoke first.

“Well now, since it's just us, how’s about a wee little craic?”

April choked on her drink a bit, setting it down after a few coughs. “Cr-Craic?”

“A bit of banter. A friendly conversation to past da time, if ye don’t mind?” He explained.

The deputy thought for a minute. This was a chance for her to gain some insight on him and Texas did say she wanted a better grasp of his intentions. This was the perfect opportunity!

“Alright, Rory. How should we start?” She asked, using his first name to be more friendly.

The fox grinned. “Well then, how's about, where be our dear sheriff? I’d imagine she be with ye or in the station doin’ work?”

“Oh, um, well…” April paused, scratching her cheek nervously. “She’s not here. We got a telegram earlier, said somethin’ about needin’ her at Corre town.”

“Really? Somethin’ serious?” He asked with a frown.

“Ah can’t say. But ah promised to watch the town till she gets back around noon.”

“Noon huh? She may run into me assistant then.”

April nodded, wanting to move on from that question. It shouldn’t be known that the sheriff wasn’t in town right now.

“Well, since I asked the first question, how’s about I answer the next?” He spoke.

The deputy thought for a moment, numerous questions came into her mind. She didn’t know if she should be forward or subtle in her questioning. Biting the metaphorical bullet, she picked one.

“Well, ah I guess for starters; How’d you get started as an artist?”

Thinking for a moment, Rory opened his mouth to respond…