𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙩 & 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚| 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙭 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 - Chapter 22: Chapter 22

The cool night air wrapped around them as they walked down the quiet streets, the city's energy dimmed to a soothing hum. The distant chatter of pedestrians and the faint sound of a street musician strumming a soft melody added a touch of magic to the evening. Boothill's hand was warm around Y/N's, his steady grip grounding her in the moment.
For a while, neither of them spoke, content to simply exist together in the silence. The stars began to peek through the gaps in the skyline, their faint glimmer a reminder of the vastness beyond the city's boundaries.
Y/N tilted her head back, taking in the sight. "I used to love stargazing," she said softly. "Back when things were simpler. Before... everything."
Boothill glanced at her, his expression unreadable in the low light. "What did you dream about back then?" he asked after a moment.
She smiled faintly, her gaze still fixed on the sky. "Adventure. Freedom. I wanted to see the world, to do something meaningful. But now... I think my dreams are simpler. A quiet life. Stability. Safety." She hesitated before adding, "For us. For the baby."
Boothill nodded, his thumb brushing against the back of her hand in a silent gesture of reassurance. "I think you've got the best kind of dream," he said quietly. "A life worth fighting for."
They continued walking until they reached a small park tucked between the towering buildings. It was nearly deserted, save for a couple walking a dog in the distance. Boothill led Y/N to a bench beneath a tree, the branches above them casting soft shadows in the moonlight.
As they sat down, Y/N turned to him, her curiosity bubbling to the surface. "What about you?" she asked. "What did you dream about before... before everything?"
Boothill leaned back against the bench, his gaze distant. "I didn't really dream," he admitted. "I was too focused on surviving. Growing up, it was all about making it through the day, finding a way to keep going." He paused, his voice softening. "But lately... I've started thinking about what a real future could look like. A future with you. And the baby."
Y/N's heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice. Boothill had always seemed so steady, so unshakable. Seeing this side of him made her feel even closer to him.
"You deserve that," she said firmly. "A future that's more than just surviving."
He turned to her, his eyes holding hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. "So do you," he said. "And I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you have it."
The sincerity in his words left Y/N momentarily speechless. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder as they sat in companionable silence. The world felt far away, their little bubble of peace untouched by the chaos that lurked beyond.
After a while, Boothill spoke again, his voice low and thoughtful. "I know we've got a lot ahead of us. And I know it won't be easy. But I also know that as long as we stick together, we'll get through it."
Y/N closed her eyes, letting his words wash over her. She believed him. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she had someone she could truly rely on, someone who wouldn't let her down.
As the night deepened, they made their way back to the apartment, their steps slow and unhurried. When they reached the building, Boothill paused at the door, turning to her with a small smile.
"Whatever happens," he said, his voice steady and sure, "we've got this."
Y/N smiled back, her heart full. "Yeah," she said softly. "We do."
They stepped inside, the warmth of the apartment wrapping around them like a familiar embrace. It was a small haven in an unpredictable world, and for now, it was enough.
That night, as Y/N lay in bed, she stared up at the ceiling, her thoughts a swirl of emotions. The future was still uncertain, but there was one thing she knew for sure: with Boothill by her side, she wasn't facing it alone.
And that made all the difference.