Star was hurting, bad, both physically and mentally, but he didn't want to bother their friends with star's problems.
Around the table, the Nightingales were laughing, drinking and celebrating, it was a night of joy for them yet Acho was hurting badly, he wanted to be anywhere else.
Apo slammed his mug back on the table with a shout, smiling at his friends- no- his family. He'd long since abandoned the idea that he was not a Nightingale, he fit right in with the little crew of pirates.
Acho flinched a little at the sound, the loud noises reminded him of their father and star's mother.
Will noticed Acho's reaction, he also noticed how star kept adjusting his sleeves, they kept an eye on the silver haired Nightingale.
Graecie was retelling the story of how she lost their eye in a glorious battle and that is when Acho excused themself to step outside for a moment.
Star made his way up their tree, star's head was pounding, tears welled in their eyes, and a lump filled his throat.
"I want to fucking die."
There, he finally said it out loud, star wanted to die.
"Is that what you wanted Mother? How about you Father? For your disappointment of a son to break beyond repair? Well congratulations, I can't be a burden to you or your 'perfect' legacy if I'm dead!" He chuckled darkly, digging through star's chest to pull out a sword.
Dipper whined, pawing at his owner's leg with a panicked yelp. This wasn't good. Why was his friend talking like this? What was happening?
"My sweet baby, go to Will for tonight yeah? Take care of him and the rest of the Nightingales when they find me alright?" Acho wanted to leave a positive impact on the Nightingales, so star would leave them with Dipper, his dearest pup, to comfort them.
That was if they even cared about star to begin with. They were probably just pretending to care whenever they put up with them. His parents were right, they weren't loved anywhere.
Dipper cried out, he was scared for his friend and star's safety. He heard a noise outside, he knew he needed to keep Acho alive until someone could arrive, if anyone was even coming.
"Then tomorrow go take Dandi and Mabel and Isla to go find Scott, he'll take care of you from now on. I don't want you to see this happen Dip. You've been the goodest of boys for me and I love you so much," Acho scratched Dipper's head gently, hugging him for what star hoped was the last time.
As much as Acho loved Dipper, star was hurting and wanted nothing more than to end his pain and suffering. He couldn't keep living in this world anymore, not after what they had done to star. They held their dog in his arms, grateful star's last few minutes would be peaceful.
Dipper yelped again, his friend was sad and that scared him! He'd only seen his friend like this once and that was not good! His friend had ended up covered in red lines last time! He didn't want his friend to end up hurt again! Will told him to protect his friend and that's what he was going to do.
"I know baby but it'll be alright for you and I'll still be here, but no one but you will see me. I'm sorry I have to go Dipper but I love you. Go find Will for me and make sure he stays away, I don't want him stopping me this time," Acho's tears fell faster.
"And why would that be necessary?" Will asked from Acho's door.
Acho looked over, sighing, "Congratulations, you've saved the useless Denholm once again. If you are going to give me the same lecture I've heard hundreds of times before about how I shouldn't be a coward and if I meant it then I'd already have stuck the sword through my heart then save it, Father has given me that chat enough."
Will stepped forward, "He what now? Acho no, please do not. You are worth so much to us, please believe me. You didn't see it but when you left everyone wanted to follow and make sure you were alright! We split up to look for you! Acho please put the sword down and talk to me," the captain begged.
For each time Will stepped forward, Acho stepped back, clutching the sword tightly in star's hand.
"Acho please! Please put the fucking sword down! I can't fucking lose you too!" Will's voice was breaking now.
That snapped Acho out of their headspace, Will very rarely swore, star dropped the sword, sobbing as he fell to their knees.
Will kicked the sword away, pulling Acho into their arms, "Acho..." He held the younger Nightingale tightly, scared for what would happen if he let go.
"I want to die Will."
"And I will not let you, that is a promise."
Dipper moved up and rested his head on his friend's knee, happy that his friend was safe.
