Boothill usually avoided being around children, not wanting to have a reminder of his own little girl who he lost through the infamous IPC itself, hence his immense hatred for them. Of course though, his vow to not get attached to anyone small had broken when a certain child—you—decided to stick with him after he saved you from some misfortunate situation you got yourself stuck in.

He was debating on simply leaving you there, but knew the guilt would just hit him right in the back, and as much as he hated to say it; he should’ve just left you there, because now you’re following him around everywhere like he was your new dad, referring to him as “Mr. Cowboy” , stealing and wearing his hat, even mimicking his censored swears…

And no matter how much Boothill would shoo you or try leading you away, you’d only somehow come back, and he just couldn’t find it in himself to simply throw you out!

Today was no different, Boothill had to visit a mechanic friend of his and firmly ordered for you to stay outside despite your small protests. For a minute, he thought you finally listened until he suddenly felt a small tug on his pants, causing him to slowly look down, only to see you with your silly little cowboy hat he had bought for you so you’d stop stealing his own hat.

In response, Boothill sent you a small glare as he grumbled, “Didn’t I tell ya to wait outside for me? Why do you never do as you’re told?! I ain’t your dad, Kid—you don’t gotta keep followin’ me around like a puppy!” He scolds with a frown, watching you innocently peer up at him with your doe eyes.

At the sight of the familiar, doe eyes, something in Boothill caused him to soften his glare. Possibly a flashback or memory of a certain someone? Who knows. “You’re lucky you’re cute, Kiddo…” He huffs, pushing your hat down your head more to bug you slightly, eliciting a yelp from you in response.