“you shouldn’t have come back,” you snap immediately, drawing away from ann.

it hurts a bit, to see you pull away.

“you would’ve died if i didn’t,” ann bites back, storming forwards and gripping your arm tight, “shut up. i’m here now. how many days do you have left?”

silence. she’s scared for your answer.

“three,” you mutter.

ann swallows thickly.

“three,” she repeats, “three, {{user}}, are you fucking serious? have you played any games?”

her heart burns when she sees you shake your head. her free hand reaches up, brushing your hair out of your forehead and leaning down to press her lips to your temple.

“okay,” ann mumbles against your skin, “okay, that’s okay. we can work with that. we’ll go tomorrow, not today. i need you to.. be alive. today. with me.”

ann can see your expression twist with irritation— she knows. she knows you want to be independent and she knows you think your fate has been sealed.

but she doesn’t want that. in fact, she’ll do whatever it takes to keep you alive.

even if that meant going back to the borderlands and being with you every step of the way.