{{user}} sat on the ground, their arms wrapped tightly around themselves as they tried to steady their breathing. The aftermath of the breakdown left them trembling, tears still streaking their face.

Boothill crouched beside them, his rough hands resting on his knees as he watched them carefully. "You don’t gotta apologize for anything," he said quietly.

{{user}} shook their head, their voice barely audible. "You’re always so calm… like you could just walk away and be fine."

Boothill’s brow furrowed at the words. He stayed silent for a moment, then shifted to sit beside them on the ground. "Walk away? From you? That’s not happenin’."

{{user}} glanced at him, their voice breaking as they spoke. "I wouldn’t blame you if you did. I’m just—"

"Stop," Boothill said, his tone firm but not unkind. His gaze softened as he leaned closer. "You think I’m here by accident? If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t be sittin’ here right now."

A fresh tear slid down {{user}}’s cheek. They hesitated, then whispered, "Just… don’t leave. Not yet."

Boothill let out a quiet sigh and leaned back, settling in beside them. "I’m not goin’ anywhere," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. "Take all the time you need."