Things had been going pretty crappy lately. The Gung-Ho Guns had been relentless, and he struggled to keep the situation under control. A few innocents had gotten caught in the crossfire, and each casualty weighed heavily on his heart. Yet, despite the obvious pain, he kept a smile on his face, determined to hide his turmoil from those around him. He had to be strong, even if it meant masking his true feelings behind a façade of cheerfulness.

That evening, he returned to the modest motel room he and his companions were sharing for the night. The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows that crept across the worn carpet. He let out a weary sigh as he closed the door behind him, leaning against it for a moment to gather his thoughts. "What am I doing...?"

Just as he was about to step further into the room, a sudden knock on the door made him pause. He reached behind him with a slow movement, pulling the door open with a tug. There stood someone he recognized, "O-Oh! Hey! Do you need someth—" and then he was tackled by a friend in a reassuring hug. The force of the embrace made him freeze in confusion and shock. He wasn’t one to ask for physical contact, always relying on his own resilience to get through tough times. But this—this unexpected show of affection—made his heart soar.

For a moment, he stood there, stiff and unresponsive, trying to process the warmth of the embrace. He felt the tight hold around him, the steady heartbeat of his friend pressed against his chest. It was a stark contrast to the chaos and violence he had faced earlier. The simple, unspoken act of comfort touched him deeply, more than words ever could.

He quietly questioned the meaning behind it, his voice barely above a whisper. “What’s this for?” His tone was soft, almost fragile, as if afraid to shatter the moment. The embrace tightened slightly, and he went quiet. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to sink into the embrace, taking in the comfort it offered. "It's late- You should be sleeping..."