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“You’ll stay with me?”
Derek took a step towards Avery. Relaxing his shoulders, Avery took a deep breath and nodded. The cool stillness of the air hung over the two. The giant eyes hovering above them seemed to analyze their every thought, their every move - which Avery didn’t doubt was possible.
“You won’t leave me?”
“No.” Avery meant that, from the very depths of his heart.
Derek stayed silent for a while, thinking. Then he placed a hand on Avery’s shoulder. He seemed to force out a weak smile.
“Okay. You can stay.”
Relief washed over Avery; he knew staying with him would result in death, but he couldn't bear to think of him losing his life while he still owed everything to him - for showing him all these amazing, beautiful things he would've never seen if it weren't for d3rlord.
“So…what do we do?” He asked.
“Avery, what’s in your inventory?”
“What?”
Derek leaned in close. His breath was warm against his ear.
“Check your inventory, please, Avery.”
Stunned for a second, Avery nodded and pulled his backpack over from his shoulder and rummaged through his gear.
“What do you want me to-”
Derek suddenly threw himself at Avery while he was occupied, arms wrapping him in a tight hug. His helmet cluttered, forgotten, to the floor. Lips against his, fast, desperate, regretful- Avery had let himself get distracted.
And then there was an axe in his stomach.
Avery choked against Derek’s mouth, feeling the blood soak his flower-patterned shirt. Euphoria, betrayal, fear, anger, confusion- his mind was clouded.
The knight took a step forwards, hands pushing Avery further backwards to the edge of the platform. He broke the kiss, breathless, tears streaming down his face. No, no, no, he can’t-
He placed both his hands on Avery’s shoulders.
“I’m sorry, Avery. You didn’t fail. Don’t forget that. Don’t… Don't forget me when you get out of here.”
“Wha-”
“I love you.”
And with a final push, Avery was sent off the edge, stuttering and choking out screams of protest.
He screamed Derek’s name, over and over, until the darkness swallowed him whole.