His attempt at holding a good mood falters, and he puts his own drink down to grab Devero's elbows.

"Listen to me, big man. I'm at the end of a tether scrapin' last minutes. I can be helpful. Bein' needed is too much to ask of me. I cain't live up to it if I slip my line. So I'm gonna help carry the load, alright?

"This is what I'm choosin' to do with my time left." And he's trying so very hard, failing, but still trying and continuing to work at, not wanting more than that. After that he fights on another grin, though, prying it back onto his face. "Give me some confidence? I got your back."