Chapter Text
[Powering On.]
[Restoring Memory From Backup.]
[Initiating Systems Repair.]
[Estimated Time Remaining: 30 Minutes]
[Senses and Control Modules Rebooting.]
[Estimated Time Remaining: 45 Days]
[Senses and Control Modules Active.]
[Estimated Time Remaining: 15 Minutes]
Boothill bolted upright, eyes wide in panic. He reached for his side, only to find no gun or holster.
His panic increased and he frantically scanned the room he was in. some sort of science lab…?
“Hey, calm down. You are safe now.”
Boothill searched for the owner of the voice. A man was looking at him, completely deadpan. He looked vaguely familiar, but couldn’t place it.
“Where is my Gun??”
The man sighed. “Why is that your first question? I took it momentarily to ensure that Bullet Holes are not inflicted onto my ship or any of its occupants. So if you would calm down…” another sigh. “Please…” his tone sounded forced. “I would be glad to return it to you, alongside your other items.”
Boothill stared at him.
[Processing Information.]
“Where the blazes am I? What happened?? Who are you???”
[Estimated Time Remaining: 20 Minutes]
A blonde head popped into the doorway. “Is-”
The man beside him tensed. “Wait, be-”
“BOOTHILL!”
The blonde man ran into the room, and before Boothill knew what was going on, he was trapped in a tight hug.
“...careful. His memory isn’t fully restored yet.”
Boothill froze. He looked at the person hugging him as best he could, considering their face was cradled in Boothill’s neck.
“... … kid…?” his tone came out weak and unsure.
A young woman entered the room and smirked. “Oh good, you’re finally awake. Reenie here was worried sick about you.”
“... Topaz?”
Aventurine tensed and released him from the hug. “N-no I wasn’t…”
Ratio raised an eyebrow. “Absolutely no one is going to believe that obvious lie, gambler.”
[Estimated Time Remaining: 10 Minutes]
Boothill looked at them all, wrought with confusion. “...you came?”
All eyes turned to him.
“Well duh,” Topaz replied. “What kind of question is that?”
Aventurine tilted his head to the side. “Why wouldn’t we come? …Boothill?”
“But… but… I’m an outlaw??? An’ I keep causin’ problems for all y’all???”
Topaz and Aventurine looked at him with sympathy.
“...stop starin’ at me like that.”
Aventurine sighed. “Look. I can’t speak for these two, but you’re my friend , Boothill. And you’ve saved me countless times, and keep making sure I’m taking care of myself. So of course I’m going to help you. Because that’s what friends do, they care and help each other.”
Topaz snorted and muttered to herself. “You’re one to talk…”
Aventurine elbowed her side. He paused, then smirked. “After all, Boothill, I am your ‘Greatest Competition and Nemesis’. Gotta make sure you’re still alive and kicking, right?”
Boothill just stared, trying to wrap his head around the love and concern directed at him.
[Repairs Completed.]
[Running Diagnostic.]
[All Systems Functioning Properly.]
[fuel reserves low.]
“...fork me, this’s gettin’ too emotional fer my liking. Could I get some grub or somethin’? I’m starving.”
Aventurine grinned. “There’s the Boothill we know and love.”
“...I’m gonna ignore that last part.”
Topaz rolled her eyes, and Aventurine laughed.
Ratio handed Boothill a bag of stuff. “This way. Aventurine and Topaz made sure to prepare plenty of sustenance.” He huffed and left the room.
Aventurine rolled his eyes. “Again with the pretentious language. Just say ‘food’, come on!” he followed after Ratio.
Topaz laughed and shook her head. “Come on, let’s go. Kitchen and Dining Room are both down the hallway to the right.” she left as well, following the others.
Boothill stared at the empty doorway for a moment.
He carefully lowered himself from the table and disconnected the charger.
“... I’m definitely getting myself my own portable one.”
He took a moment to retrieve his items from the bag and geared up again. Some of this definitely wasn’t his, but finders keepers they say~
Boothill smiled. “Well, someone’s gotta make sure them kids eat enough food. … I’ll thank ‘em later.”
He left the room and made his way to where the others had gone.
~~~~~