Chapter Text
Avery’s grades declined right after Derek had fallen, at least that's what he assumed. He ignored multiple classes, slept in all day, and neglected himself for weeks on end. Avery's roommate had dropped out of college early; there was no reason for him to keep cleaning it. His dorm was torn apart; clothes here, half-opened protein shakes there. Avery's floor hadn't seen daylight in weeks. Life lost its colour, blunt like an unsharpened pencil.
… he should get himself together, he HAD to. Avery had no scholarship; his tuition came straight out of his own pockets. What’s to say his parents wouldn't fight him for stealing their wealth?
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It has been approximately 4 months since Avery found out Derlord was alive. And it has been 2 months since Derek moved into Avery's dorm room. Avery’s life was gleaming with light; he had been doing insanely better once he had the news that Derek stood with a beating heart. He has a reason to wake up every day!
Beep… beep… beep…
Avery's alarm trumpeted. He peeked his eyes open and slumped his hand on the snooze button. He would’ve skipped morning class… if he hadn't had a field trip to go on today. It was for Avery's art class, something about the end-of-the-year-photos-for-looking-at-when-you’re-30, he recalled. Avery stared at the wall as if it were the reason he couldn't sleep in, rubbing his eye with his hand before getting up to sit at the edge of the bed. Hm, Derek must be awake already. I mean, he is more responsible than I am. A sigh, and Avery was gone to change into day clothes. Pyjama pants and a band shirt would be fine for sitting in the humid wilderness, right? He grabs his outfit from his wardrobe’s drawer and strolls to the small apartment’s bathroom.
Some putting clothes on later, and Avery gets his daily intake of coffee. He forgets that Derek makes coffee for the house every morning, so he doesn't have to. To the kitchen counter!
“I see you’re awake now,” Derek comments to the half-asleep Avery, trekking over. Derek was sitting down while propping up his head on the heel of his hand. God, Avery needs this man.
“Ello,” Avery replies in his drowsy voice. He hops onto the kitchen's stool and traces the rim of the mug.
“Thanks for the coffee, Der,” Avery speaks first.
“As always, Aves,” Derek replies. He looks up from his coffee cup and shoots Avery a soft smile. Avery stills, Aves? That's new. He lets out a breathy chuckle at the new nickname, sending a beam back.
Avery finishes his coffee and places it in the sink to wash later. “I'm gonna finish packing and brush my teeth, be ready by 8:10!” Avery says to Derek, already walking away, waving Derek bye on his way out.
“I'll be ready. Don't forget your bag!” Derek teases while chuckling a bit.
“Clothes, toiletries, chargers, I just need my toothbrush, and I think I'll be all packed!” Avery exclaims to no one in particular. His teacher said that there would be bunk beds at the cabins if he remembers correctly. Holy shit, he forgot he's sharing a bunk bed with Derek. I mean, they live together already, but Derek will be sleeping like, right next to him! He flushes at the intrusive thought of him and Derek sharing a bed. God dammit, Avery, get yourself together! He sighs loudly, grabs the final items sitting next to his duffel bag and shoves them in. That won't be an issue later, totally. He waddles over to the way-too-small bathroom and brushes his teeth. He noticed earlier that Derek's toothbrush was already gone, probably packed. How is this dude so prepared for everything?!
Ten minutes later, the clock strikes 8:07. Avery’s ready, at least that's what he thinks. He clasps the strap of the duffel bag and attempts to make it to the doorway of the dorm without toppling. Avery spots Derek leaning against the doorway, smirking at Avery's failure. “You want some help? My bag is lighter, I think.” Derek asks. “Please,” Avery pleads. Derek laughs a little before lifting his bags' strap and putting it aside to snatch Avery's matching duffel bag. He towers over Avery slightly, trying to get Avery's bag off him. Holy shit, holy shoot, Derek is so tall, and it makes him hotter. Avery short circuits for a second, finding the wall that definitely needs a repaint more fascinating. “Okay, try my bag. It's okay if mine is too large as well; we’re only walking to the bus stop anyway,” Derek asserts.
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Fast forward, Derek and Avery arrived just in time for the bus, and placing their bags beside them, they felt better. Should be mostly smooth sailing from here, at least. The bus was mostly empty, which wasn't surprising to Avery. Who takes an 8 am bus to the countryside of his town? I mean, a few of the people he knew who had his class (during or not during his period) were spotted on this bus, but that was it. Avery sighs and rubs the sleep out of his eyes again, turning to stare at the window. Avery felt like he could have fallen asleep right then and there.
“Aves, as much as I know you want to sleep, we’re going to make it to our stop in less than thirty minutes,” Derek replied to a non-existent question. Damn this bastard and his infinite knowledge! “Mmrgghhh, finneeeee…” Avery mumbles out. He pulls out his phone and decides to scroll until they get to the place.
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“To be honest, I thought the cabins would be less… clean,” Derek says, relieved of the heavy bags across his shoulder, now laid across the cabin's bed. “Me too, these are like, hotel-level clean,” Avery adds. “Prof said that we have an hour before the first activity,” Avery reminds him. Derek pivoted to Avery with a puzzled look “The first activity is-?” a swimming activity, Hastur answered.
Ouch ouch ouch…
Derek clutched his forehead, bending over in pain. This parasite should've killed him, yet he's alive somehow. The piercing pain hit him like a truck, striking behind his left eye. Why was everything around him muted again?
“Der? Derek!” Avery called. His eyebrows furrowed worriedly, darting between Derek and the wall. Cautiously, Avery got closer to Derek; attempting to comfort him by rubbing his back.
“Hhrgghh… I'm, I'm okay Avery. Don't worry.” Derek mumbles, uprighting himself awkwardly from his previous posture. He runs a hand through his hair before belly flopping onto the bottom bunk. That was a bad idea, he thinks, now my headache is worse!
Avery crosses his arms, shooting him an unimpressed expression. “Dude, you literally just like, almost died of infinite knowledge; how can I not worry!?” He scolds Derek. Avery wants to be light about it, yet again he wants to get his point across as well. Derek sighs and turns onto his back to face the other.
“You care too much, Avery,” he mumbles to no one in particular, looking away.
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