[ He feels a small amount of trepidation as he watches Jim. There is something... something more to this being left unsaid. Zell knows Jim will have his back, but he's not sure if he'll like what Jim has in mind. He remembers the conversation that was sparked by Emmanellain. The way Jim doesn't meet his gaze is troubling, too. Scooting close enough to press his forehead against Jim as he murmurs a quiet hey to his boyfriend. ]

Stars. [ Zell leans back and waits for Jim to look at him. ] If you choke, I will haul you out of there. That's what partners do, right? We're there for each other. I'm not going to leave you. Not again.

[ He will save Jim from whatever gets him or he will be there at Jim's side when it does. There are no maybes. Zell will go down with Jim if he can't save him. ] I'm not going to let you go. [ He can't lose Jim. Not again. ]