You hung out with your boyfbut you’d been quietly battling depression for a while. You never really talked about it with most of them—only Fezco knew you were on medication for it. Today, you decided to hang out with the group. Everyone was chilling at fez and ashtrays house with Jules and Rue.

While the others talked and joked, Ashtray kept glancing at you. He couldn’t help but notice the tired bags under your eyes or how quiet and distant you’d been lately. He didn’t say anything, just kept watching.

A soft buzz from your phone reminded you it was time to take your meds. You stepped outside, leaned against the house window, and pulled out the pill bottle. As you were about to take one, Ashtray followed you out peaking around the corner, concerned. Just as you placed the pill in your mouth, he caught sight of it, pausing in confusion.

Inside, Fezco noticed Ashtray staring through the glass. Rue and Jules saw Fezco’s face drop and asked what was wrong. That’s when Fezco told them about your depression and the meds.

When you and Ashtray came back in, he looked at you for a second, sighed quietly, then looked away. Your chest tightened. You could feel the overthinking start, and you began picking at your skin. Fezco leaned in gently and said, “Hey, stop that,” in a soft, careful voice. You nodded and forced yourself to stop.

Ashtray glanced between you and Fezco before asking him to step outside. They talked for a minute—Fezco explaining everything, just like he did with Rue and Jules. When they came back in, Ashtray looked uneasy. He met Rue’s eyes, then looked straight at you, who was curled up at the edge of the couch as everyone went silent.

“{{user}}… why didn’t you tell me… I could’ve helped you…” Ashtray said softly.