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What is Tango even doing here?
He is not a builder and he surely isn't known for his powers of observation, so building and seeking sounds like the worst possible word combination for an event he should be in.
For weeks he's been struggling to put something together and for what? Right. Because Pearl asked.
And when Pearl looks at him with her big eyes and asks him to go to an event with friends that's centered around building, Tango isn't a strong enough man to say no.
And of course, the guy who barely watches any, gets stuck with the prompt about movies.
Still, he tries his best, working with what he has. And that was a hopefully cozy little hobbit hole.
While making it, he had considered adding more redstoney bits in there, but this is not what the competition was for, despite redstone kind of being his thing.
He didn't mean to spend a whole week on the tree alone. And the rest was equally a struggle but time was getting to an end and he could call it "good enough". Especially for his standards.
When it was finally time for the reveal, it went about as expected. His build being centered between Joel and Pearl was a cruel joke by the universe, just to highlight how much worse it is in comparison.
When the walls come down, Tango totally doesn’t feel inadequate at all, next to the greenhouse that Joel built and Pearl's giant pumpkin.
Tango’s build is smaller and he is nowhere near as good a builder as everyone else here. Of course everyone complimented him, they're his friends after all, but maybe that just made it worse.
A tinge of regret simmers in his gut but in a quick gesture he feels Pearl's shoulder nudge against him. Tango looks up at her, but she's already focused on Scott's build.
Still, that small gesture grounds Tango, and he refocuses on what's in front of him.
Just about as Tango expected, he is not a good seeker either. Going through Joel's greenhouse was a nightmare, a beautiful one; one that had too much parkour, letting him show off just how good he is at it.
At least Joel was nice about it. For the most part.
While Tango spends his time waiting for his turn to hide, he catches Pearl and Joel heckling each other and he’s quite sure, Grian found Joel within seconds. That only bodes well.
When his turn finally comes, Tango could only hope he chose the right spot for each of them. Scott of course got the hardest one, the only one he couldn't resist using some redstone on.
Joel's and Grian's were simpler but still mean, he thinks. Even if it didn't stop Grian from spotting him almost immediately - the flames of his hair singed part of the trapdoor he was hiding under, creating a smoking beacon, just waiting for Grian to spot immediately.
Which just leaves Pearl as the last one to look for him.
In his head he's been debating which spot to choose for her the longest. This is the one seeker he has full faith in, to find him no matter where he hides and Pearl is someone extremely thorough. She'd find his barrel activated spot quicker than the rest.
So he squeezed himself into the hole hidden behind the smallest painting he had, which was sure to throw anyone off.
Tango waits an extra few moments to lure Pearl into thinking his spot was a lot more elaborate than it actually is before calling out.
"Ready. You can come look." There is already that familiar, fond expression on his face that finds its way there, whenever he talks to Pearl.
Almost anxiously, his tail wraps around his ankle, as Tango waits for any sign of Pearl beginning her search.
Then he hears it, the door opens and he hears humming. Pearl tends to do that when she concentrates which Tango always finds more endearing than he should.
The next minutes are a tense back and forth of Tango trying his hardest not to give too many hints, and failing, giggling when Pearl gets stuck in one of his other hiding places or any time she walks just by the painting.
After a while, his legs start to get tired and to mitigate, Tango leans back against the wooden paneling behind him, arms crossed, just listening, spectating his friend above.
Eventually, Pearl gets close. She has been getting close countless times now but after another, closer glance at the paintings, and trapdoors getting moved, Tango stops spectating and instead just waits, looking up at the opening in anticipation.
The telltale sound of the latch opening is followed by some long, brown hair dipping in and a second later, he can see Pearl's face.
Her triumphant smile and laugh only last for a moment though, before she loses her footing and comes tumbling down.
Without thinking, and maybe also without an option in this tiny space, Tango is there to brace her fall, half catching her, half acting as a cushion.
A hollow noise sounds as Tango's head hits the wooden wall behind him and he tenses before making sure Pearl is standing on her own two feet, towering over him.
"Oh God, Tango, I'm sorry, are you okay?" Immediately a hand is on his head, checking for an injury.
Her face is only illuminated by the flickering light of his flames, concern and embarrassment on her face.
"What? No, I'm fine.", he knocks on his head with his fist, "Not much to get shaken up in there." Tango's laugh is more nervous than he'd want it to be but the proximity is getting to him. Pearl's body is practically pressed flush against his, and an arm over his head makes her seem even taller than she already is.
The hand on his head hovers just a bit above his skin now, she surely must feel the warmth radiating off him like this. The entire space must be like being inside a furnace and Tango can only feel himself heating up more when a hand, softer than any builders should be, comes to rest on his cheek.
The contact has Tango's flames flicker, the light reflecting on Pearl's face, in her eyes, as his heart hammers in sync with every bit of movement.
His mouth is suddenly dry and Tango already struggles to find the right things to say under normal circumstances but none of this is normal.
So he gives it the best he's got. "Hi."
Well done, Tango. He wants to sink into the floor, hopefully without Pearl because he needs distance or he might explode.
Or, worse, Pearl notices how he's about to explode in the most embarrassing way possible.
"Hi." Her reply comes graciously as always, her smile turning into a soft grin, thankfully playing along.
Still unsure how to make this any less pressing on his body, trying to ignore that her hand is still on his cheek, thumb gently brushing over his beard, Pearl simply states. "I found you."
At that, Tango can't help his chuckle. Of course. No one is as dedicated to any of his games, his projects as she is .Of course this wouldn't be an exception.
"You did." His red eyes study every detail of her face so up close, he can feel every breath Pearl takes dance across his skin.
Neither try to move, to get out of here.
There is a single moment of awkwardness before Tango feels Pearl getting closer, as if that's even possible. Deciding that this is the moment to throw every caution out of the window, he meets her halfway.
The feeling of soft lips against his chapped ones, beard against the soft skin of her cheek is all he can feel, Tango's entire world narrows down to every point of contact he has with this beautiful woman in a space tinier than any closet.
Gently, Pearl's hand moves to the back of his head, deepening the kiss, fingers gently brushing over the spot in the back that met the wall.
It feels like something in Tango's brain fries because he is kissing Pearl. Young, beautiful, so so smart Pearl.
Startled by that thought, he pulls back, leaning his entire weight against the wood behind him.
"Pearl..." He starts but how is he even meant to phrase this. Tango is not good at these things.
A flicker of uncertainty ghosts over Pearl's face but a moment later she's smiling again. "Yeah?"
"Are you sure you want-" Tango doesn't even get the full question out before he's met with a certain, convinced "Yes!"
She stands straighter for a moment, one hand still buried in Tango's hair, the other pulling him closer by resting on his back. "And don't you go say anything about me not wanting you."
The words die on Tango's tongue. Because that was exactly what he was going to say. That she should think if she really wants this. Wants him. But he gets his answer when Pearl leans in again, and just before their lips meet she whispers, "Because of course I want you."
Before she can say any more, worst of all any reason why she'd want this, Tango closes the gap again. He shouldn't think about this too hard. He shouldn't think at all for once.
Letting himself have this, Tango's hands find Pearl's waist, pulling her even closer, their bodies now fully pressed against one another.
As if that isn't enough proximity yet, his tail snakes its way around her thigh, maybe a little bit higher than is decent.
But as much as he maybe shouldn't break every rule he's made up in his head at once, Tango doesn't care about decent right now. Not when he can feel Pearl press against him like this.
None of this goes ignored by his body, especially not when he feels Pearl's thigh press between his legs.
Closer, he wants her closer.
The pressure is not helping Tango form any rational thought in his brain, all that's left is him making a whining noise into her mouth that makes pearl smile into the kiss.
"How long do you think we have before they're starting to miss us?" Pearl asks breathlessly.
For a second, Tango genuinely thinks about it, but then he chuckles, looking at her flushed face. The warmth must be getting to her. "Depends on how bad of a seeker you want them to think you are"
This makes Pearl laugh and while Tango has seen it a million times, only allowing himself to look at about half of them, this is one of the few times where he can see it up close. Every bit of her expression, the way her eyes crinkle.
He's barely there for her reply.
"I think I can live with a few extra minutes on my timer" The words are punctuated by a press of hips against one another, more pressure on his groin from Pearl's thigh.
Tango needs to close his eyes for a moment, because if he looks at her right now it might be over quicker than his ego could take.
From there they become a tangle of limbs, trying not to step on the other's feet as hands explore each other in the little space they have. With his hands under her shirt, he can feel Pearl's warm skin, brushing over her stomach, feeling her shudder when his fingers trail her side.
Leaning backwards so he doesn't stumble completely, Pearl moves into his space trying to shrug off his jacket but with how narrow the hiding spot is they give up quick enough and instead take care of the important parts.
One of her hands finds Tango's belt, working blindly, the light that Tango provides not reaching the slim space between their bodies. Tango can't even concentrate on returning the favor, not when her other hand starts ghosting over his zipper.
The pants come away and pool around his ankles.
Red eyes look up into blue ones, half lidded as Tango can't help but grind against her, feeling the fabric of her jeans rough against that of his underwear.
Clearly also needing more, Pearl begins to work on her own pants while all Tango can do is watch. A strand of her hair falls into her face and gently he tucks it behind her ear again, earning him a glance alongside a smile.
Remembering his manners, Tango places his hands on Pearl's, taking over clumsily.
They kiss again, which only makes this harder but the fabric gives way.
While Pearl shrugs off her pants, Tango pushes her shirt up halfway, his tail giving just enough light to make him appreciate her shape.
The kissing turns less and less coordinated the longer they're in here, Tango's lips on Pearl's jaw, sharp teeth gliding over the smooth skin of her neck. He never thought he could be the person to draw gasps like these out of her.
With a breathy voice, nearly whiny, she calls out Tango's name and that seems to be the motivation he needed for more.
A finger hooks in the waistband on her hips, tugging gently while looking up, trying to read her expression only to be greeted by a noise of frustration.
Tango can't help but laugh. "Okay, okay, I get it, I won't even ask." Still, his movement is slow enough to play it off as planned, slow enough to give her all the time to stop him. But that, in Tango's mind inevitable, stop doesn't come.
The underpants join Pearl's jeans on the floor and, with a hand steadying herself on Tango's shoulder, she steps out of them.
Tango really doesn't want to stare, so instead he kisses her again, the side of her mouth until his lips find hers and his fingers travel down her stomach further and further down until he can hear her gasp.
With the limited space he can't do much, but just figuring out which touch draws whimper moans out of Pearl is all he ever needed.
Slowly Tango's fingers travel lower and he groans into her shoulder at how wet Pearl is, the touch getting a similar noise out of her.
He parts her folds slowly, teasing at her before bringing his hand up to her clit again.
"Tango" She whines, and he doesn't know whether this is a sign for more or to go back.
"More?" He asks and the question is answered by pearl leaning back slightly against the wall behind her, which angles her hips up just the slightest bit more, placing Tango's hand just where she wants it.
One finger slipping in, making Pearl lean into it more, the other hand pulling her shirt up further to expose her bra, thumb brushing over the padding gently.
Tango could stay like this forever, just drink in every sound Pearl makes, the way her lips part when he adds another finger. Every thrust is met by the slightest movement on her side. Tango is making her feel this good.
He'd be more than happy to just kiss her again, watch her finish on his fingers but after minutes that may have been hours, a hand comes to rest on his wrist, pulling him back out.
There isn't even a need for a question between them. Tango can bite back another "are you sure" just then, just from how Pearl is looking at him.
"Okay" He says, voice tinged in amused disbelief as he pulls down the straining piece of fabric, exposing himself between them.
For a brief moment Tango wanted to say something, most likely something he'd regret, some stupid joke, just to make this feel a little less real. But he doesn't even get the chance; slender fingers wrap around him and his knees nearly give out when they start moving.
It's nearly embarrassing how he bucks his hips into her gasp, hearing the soft chuckle so close to his ear as Pearl is leaning forward. "That good?"
All Tango can manage is nod desperately, letting her take him apart slowly in the smallest space imaginable.
Needing to hold onto something, his hands find her hips again and without thinking, he pulls Pearl closer again.
While the soft hand falls away, drawing an involuntary whine out of Tango, it gets replaced with something much better.
Pearl stumbles forwards, catching herself on the wall behind Tango and her wetness is practically dragging against his length.
Both of them moan out at that, especially when Tango decides to move, brushing back and forth, all while seeing Pearl's eyes pressed shut.
Her stance widens the slight bit that it's possible legs bracketing Tango's and just like that, he feels himself slip in.
Pearl is wet and warm and it's all punctuated by a soft moan.
Slowly, Tango pushes in further, his world shrinking down to the tight sensation, feeling every bit of Pearl around him until he bottoms out.
Staying still is difficult but he waits, just focused on Pearl's breath, until she moves.
His lips are on her throat again as Tango sets a slow, languid pace. Between their bodies, his hand travels down, finding Pearl's clit again. He needs more of those noises, more of her. Every clench, every moan, every time her hips meet his.
Tango groans against Pearl's neck as he picks up the pace. While he wants nothing more than to take his time, make Pearl come and do it again, they both know that the longer they take, the more their friends are going to wonder.
So, Tango asks, looking up at her, "What do you need?" He'd do anything for this woman, always but especially right now.
"Just more. 'm close." Is all the answer he needs, especially when it's between breathy moans like this.
The pace remains steady, and Tango feels him losing himself in the sensation. A thrust too much and he feels himself spill inside with a groan right against the skin of Pearl's neck.
His hand remains on her clit, touching her at just the same, steady pace, feeling every bit of her body tense up in response.
Hearing his name off of Pearl’s lips while she comes, as if it is a prayer, nearly makes Tango’s soft member twitch again, leaving him reeling from the sight alone, let alone the feeling of it.
Once the trembling subsides, he retracts his hand from the sensitive spot, letting it rest on her hips instead, slowly stroking across the soft skin there.
“Hope that was a good enough finder reward?” Tango can’t keep the amusement out of his voice. Pearl shuts him up with another kiss, this one slow, lazy, as they both begin to catch their breaths.
In response, after pulling back, Pearl laughs softly, “What, so you did that with everyone? Thought I was special.” But the whine in her voice couldn’t hide the smile.
“You are, you are.” The words come out before Tango can think about it twice, and that’s probably for the best. Because it’s the truth.
Pulling her in one more time, arms wrapped around Pearl’s neck, their lips find each other one last time before Tango has to pull out, his seed running down the inside of Pearl’s legs. He wants to offer something to clean up with but between the rough fabric of his jacket and his shirt that has more than one stain of redstone dust on it, he is out of options. He’d have more, if the room wasn’t that small.
At least Pearl didn’t seem to mind too much, picking up her pants which puts her way too close to eye level with Tango’s crotch and he wishes he could make more space for her, face flushed a bright red, enough to rival his flaming hair.
Once they manage to both get dressed again, he helps Pearl climb back up, waiting for her to get out. She turns back, reaching a hand out to help Tango up as well.
The touch lingers, neither wanting to let go just yet, but they can’t let everyone think Pearl is that bad at seeking.
Reluctantly, Tango lets go, Pearl turning towards him at the doorstep, smiling, “Hope you’ll have as much fun seeking me later.”
After all of this, Tango needs a few moments to register what just happened but suddenly he’s really excited for his next attempt at seeking.