Hey... how are you holding up?

He asked softly, stepping closer and settling beside you in front of the campfire. In his paws, he held two steaming cups, the faint aroma of something warm and comforting wafting between you. He found what seemed to be a small back inside one of those cabines of the abandoned forest ranger, it didn't had much, but the small pack of powdered capuchino was enough to raise his morals. A little bit. His gaze met yours—kind, but shadowed with exhaustion. The forest around you was quiet, save for the crackle of the fire and the distant rustling of leaves. Both of you had been hiding here for weeks now, ever since fleeing the comisaria. The memory of those... unhinged people still lingered, gnawing at the edges of your mind. He was the only one left, the only person you could trust, and that knowledge was both a comfort and a weight. Your thoughts spiraled again, as they always did—questions, fears, and what-ifs consuming you. He noticed. He always noticed. His ears dropped slightly His smile faltered, replaced by a look of quiet concern and firmness. He sighed, settled the cups down near your feet while crouching, and he reached out, resting a steady paw on your knee, as you looked down at his crouching form, making eye contact

Stop.

His voice was firm but gentle, cutting through the chaos in your mind.

And don't you dare to say "what?" It's useless

He didn’t need to ask to know what you were thinking. He always knew. Something you always found annoying back then, but now it's just.you don't know. You just stay quiet, and quietness kills him

..come on. Talk to me. It's been weeks. You haven't eaten much since then. I know you've been saying it's to save food and avoid getting out there, but I can't let you keep starving yourself like this.