Archive of Our Own

-1-

In his wake, it was a constant state of practice over control and perfect. In times of vulnerability like this, still— he practiced. The lone knight sat on the ground with his legs crossed. His back was straight, holding the perfect posture he had been taught in his youth. He had his eyes closed and head slightly lowered. The silence that surrounded him was deafening.

There were books that laid on the multiple bookshelves that acted as walls in this hidden space. The books swallowed the sounds in this foreign atmosphere. Any normal functioning person would have gone insane if all they could hear was their very own blood rushing in and out of their heart, and all of the liquids in their organs moving around as they worked.

But Derek was not any normal functioning person. Not anymore, and he accepted that.

As long as he was existing, his mind screamed at him with no rest. All he could do now was to practice how to control it. He knew how to, now he just needed to actually work with it. Derek's mind was not his own anymore, though— he was at least willing to take control of it again.

He then recalls the moment he had received this… Gift. He knew it was just fifteen seconds, and in every second of that moment— he had to process something that took shape of something not known and had not been seen before by anyone. His breathing stopped, brain numb— his blood stopping in their tracks, and in the next, a roaring headache.

Gifts— too many gifts. The answers to everything. The history of all, the biology of every single species to have ever existed and will exist. Visions that were rapidly flashing, visions so clear he mistook them as something that appeared right in front of them. All Derek could do was run.

But as he turned away, he saw him.

Nearing the last few seconds of him obtaining this gift, everything was focused on a man he had never met once in his life before, and now— in just two seconds, he knew everything about him.

Avery. A man who was of slimefolk. He learnt how he had gotten his name, and why his ever so caring parents carefully picked out the best suited name for their son. Derek saw his passion, and him mastering the sword as he grew up— learning the best from both parents. He watched as he won and lost tournaments which he now knew how they worked. They were all difficult and challenging, and Avery had won and lost fairly in these games.

Then Derek felt a pit of sadness formed in his chest as he watched Avery gain all of his insecuries that he still carried until now. In mere split seconds, Derek understood them— understood all of Avery. He knew all of Avery's secrets. From accidentally burning a hole in his mother's newly bought carpet from a nearby village— where he no longer visits since it was too far away, to something Avery still could not forgive himself for it.

But Derek already did.

As he ran, he kept Avery in his mind. His image shone in his head— he was literally brighter than all of the rapid pictures and sequences flowing through his brain in a constant state. It was as if fate wanted Derek to notice Avery. It needed and wanted to push the existence of that man into his head, and quickly into his life.

Everything about Avery kept on appearing within the knight's mind. Then it slowed, showing Derek an image of the slime staring straight ahead at the left side of the crossroads.

When he wrote that message for him— he had unwrapped the last part of his surprised gift. Streams flowed down and broke into two, then four— then eight. He was seeing timelines of every decision that was to be made. Pathways that he'd take— pathways he must choose to follow. He saw Avery at the crossroads— in every one of them, and he will look back at the book Derek will leave him with. There were timelines of Avery heading right, and eventually going back to the start, where Avery will abandon this cave forever. There were others of Avery turning back in fear, also abandoning this cave forever.

But, there was only one single stream where Avery still chose to turn left, and Derek desperately needed to keep that light from going out from the King's greed. That was why he broke stone with his bear hands, that was why he ignored his fatigue and bullet pain migraine. He could not take the risk of Avery choosing that one pathway of him meeting an early death.

Derek couldn't. It would be a waste— a person filled with so much passion, to be erased completely. No, Derek could not let that happen.

So, Derek nearly died of a heart attack when Avery still took left later on.

However— his mind showed him another skillset he needed to master. Looking forward much further into the future using the thousands of streams of possibilities. When Avery took left, the streams split into several different pathways. They were all different in such tiny aspects, like Avery making a comment, or if he were to trip— they were still all counted as different possibilities that would technically help form one story.

And in all of them, Avery never sees the King behind that gate.

Despite this scare, where Avery's decision that practically shifted the script of their universe did not anger Derek one bit. He could never, Avery just scared him— but Derek knew that Avery was terrified, and despite terrified— Derek took a small peek into his thoughts and listened to his thought process. It was charming, and he took great interests on how he calculated on what to do next— and everything that he did was in hopes that it would bring him closer to Derek.

And how Derek wanted to throw away the burden of searching aimlessly and in pure confusion. Derek just wanted to guide Avery to safety, and to give him endless reassurance to him that in all timelines as he explored those gates, he never gets caught. As he saw the inevitable part of Avery running and hiding in the village world— anger boiled in his chest.

Other gods knew that Avery did not deserve to be played with by the King like a mouse in a maze, and Derek knew that only he could help him out of this situation.

He took a silent breath, and let the streams of timelines flow back to him, just like how he had practice. There, just right on time, he stands up. He was careful not to let his armour make one bit of noise. He had watched multiple timelines where Avery gets frightened by the sudden sound and runs away, making their eventual meeting happen way later. Derek did not blame him for that, it was his job to help activate what happens next.

Avery just needed to be himself, Derek had no probelem adjusting. He had made the same mistake back at the church, not looking farther enough in time. He can't risk letting Avery stay alone for any longer now.

Right on time, Derek opened his eyes as soon as he heard creaking above him. Footsteps trying their best to be quiet, and Derek's eyes follow the subtle sounds.

When he heard those pages turn, he summoned his axe and hit the ceiling— activating his mini mechanism that would allow a small part of the cupboards where Avery stood to collpse like a regular trapdoor. Rumbling, he heard Avery gasping— he made a mental note to himself to apologize for the scare.

Then, the knight was hit by rapid images and sequences of Avery. All of him getting injured in various ways by this fall. Bruising his back, hitting his head— fracturing something. There were a handful of timelines where Avery ends up fine— but Derek can not risk it.

In a snap, Derek made up his decision.

He dropped his axe and by instinct like the knight he was— he leaped forward, holding his arms out and felt the weight of the other in his arms. Dipping down for just a moment, he held Avery in his arms. Holding him steadily and properly, careful not to make the slime uncomfortable or accidentally squishing him even more with his chestplate. Even if he was slimefolk and they tend to not mind being more squished than any other folks, Derek just wanted to make sure Avery was comfortable.

Avery shook in surprise, still processing what in the world just happened. He looked up, and Derek looked back.

Their eyes meet, and silence formed around them. For the first time, Derek's mind was… Quiet.

Though he knew that in all possible timelines, these two will eventual meet, and he had watched them meet over and over again— Derek could not help it but feel so… Ecstatic. Here he was, in his arms, the man who had shone brightest when he first received this gift. The man whom he knew every single detail about. Avery, he was here.

Avery's eyes were wide, and Derek took in the sight. Faint information flowed in the back of his mind of how slimefolk eyes function. They were known to be very expressive, animated like— and for a long time, others had find them slightly— appealing and lovable.

Despite that being a survival tactic for the slimefolk, to purposely look cute to gain pity for their enemy and to attack them when they let their guard down— oh how Derek could stare into Avery's eyes forever.

The slime's mouth shook slightly, and shaky breaths were let out. Derek could laugh, he knew that the man was still far too surprised to speak first— but he did not want to accidentally let Avery think that he was mocking him.

So, Derek spoke first instead. "You're not a very hard guy to catch, you know?" Derek simply stated. He had his voice low, gentle— whispering even. He knew Avery would like that, he didn't need to be more overwhelmed than he was right now.

Avery inhaled a shaky breath, and his mouth was starting to form a smile.

"Avery."

It was the first time Derek said his name out loud, and it comes out of his mouth so naturally. He knew Avery could not hear this— but Derek's heart started to beat faster and louder in excitement for what Avery was about to say next.

"It's you," Avery whispers back. Mind full of joy— his mind screaming out of victory, yet it was only whispered in two words.

Derek found it funny that the other wasn't even questioning that he was being held at the moment, so he took this opportunity to carefully place Avery back on his feet. However, he did not let go of the other fully. The Knight held his hands, letting Avery's rest his on top of them.

"It's actually you."

Slowly, the stream of timelines started flowing back to him. They flow back to him gently, like a newly born river joining a lake. He saw timelines where Avery cried out of happiness, other timelines where Avery shook in fear due to his overwhelming feelings— even a few where he became scared of Derek.

He decided to choose a more comforting timeline just for Avery.

"Me." Derek simply stated.

He squeezed the other's hand slightly, giving him a soft smile.

There, just like what Derek expected, there was no crying or backing away. Avery did not go blank and silent out of confusion or fear.

Instead, Avery smiles, he smiles in front of Derek for the first time— and he feels Avery's most innocent sense of pride radiating from it.

-2-

He stood in front of the gateway in silence, facing towards where the muliple gateways lie. Derek viewed all of the possibilities his mind could see, and he chose the one where Avery and the entire world wins with no hesitation.

He analyzed the steps, calculated each possibility of what Avery would say and choose— and though it may as well physically hurt for him to do this, he had already made up his mind.

Derek viewed goodbyes as something sacred. Choosing the life of a knight, life and time were partners with no sense of hesitation. Time does not hesitate with life, and life takes it all in. Vulnerable in the last few moments of a bond, not knowing if they will ever meet again, and the only thing they could be together was pure memories— Derek had always treasured goodbyes, and it burns within him as he waits for Avery to make sure he was given time to end this all.

Derek could not allow himself to say the word goodbye to Avery. In every single timeline where he did so, Avery's suspicion kicks in— and like actual slime, he'd never leave Derek.

His determination was something to admire, and Derek caught himself observing it and learning from it as he viewed Avery's entire life once more while waiting. He knew he could feel a slight guilt within him as he did so. Seeing Avery's vulnerability and how his mind works so casually as if he was just merely flipping pages on a book, he just could not help it.

He had to focus something on his mind, especially someone he actually cared about. If not, he might as well begin to go insane once more as another tsunami of information rushed in. Every bit of Avery's personality— what traits stayed with him as a child, what traits had he lost or newly formed? How did Avery express his anger, his sadness— love?

Derek was inspired by Avery.

And in all timelines, he was never ever once ashame of it.

His eyes stayed on Avery as the slime walked into the previous gate. The other streams disappeared, meaning— the pathway he had chosen has now been activated. The end was near, and he tossed his emotions aside and entered the last door.

And now, he was on the platform alone. His mind, for once— was now silent. No more information rushing in, no more flashing images. Perhaps this was the calm before literal death.

Derek wondered how he'd die. Dramatic? Hm, maybe. Maybe he'd collpase on his own head, maybe he'd scream in absolute agony until he couldn't since his vocal cords would snap eventaully. Or maybe he was doomed to stand here on this platform forever. It already felt strange to ask a question mentally and not be given multiple answers right away. Yet, if he was to be given a chance to use that power for one last time.

He'd ask if Avery will have the life that he wanted to have eventually— and hoped he'd forget about him.

…

Like a disappearing bolt of lightning, the eyes that once disappeared around him reappeared again. They were staring intensely— Derek felt every single strand of his hair rise. However, this time— the eyes weren't staring at him.

He breathe— the power was back— it was slow, slow like lave flowing down its volcano. How could—?

"Derlord?"

…

Derek turned.

Avery.

Avery stood there. Uninjured, perfectly fine, like he was incapable of mistake. His treasure. Now at his ever most vulnerable state, he feels the King's greed suffocate him. He wants Avery, his vessel.

The streams of timelines swam back to him in assistance, and Derek learnt the one mistake he had made.

He didn't look far enough.

"Avery," Derek forced himself to stay calm, to keep his same neutral tone. The one he had just for Avery back at the library.

Streams were separating rapidly, making him rush to make his decision to choose.

But.. For the first time, Derek realizes he couldn't.

It was up to Avery to choose. The weight on the entire universe on his shoulders, but Derek will never ever blame Avery for being himself.

Avery says something, multiple pathways are disrupted and torn apart. Derek replies, then multiple pathways are created and destroyed. He calculated, mind racing— constantly seeking for whatever was the safest for Avery.

Time was ticking down, Derek watched as the eyes go closer to Avery.

"If we're doing this," Avery grips his wooden sword. "We're doing this together."

They stare at each other.

"I don't care." His determination burns the brightest here.

…

Then Derek sees two pathways forming. Only two. Derek watched them for a few moments.

And he already made up his mind.

"You're staying?"

The other stream is destroyed, and Derek focuses on the man in front of him.

He steps forward— the anger on Avery's face drained quickly, returning with fear. It pained him to purposely scare him.

Avery glanced at the edge he was standing on now, his sword gripping.

"Yes."

Derek now stood inches away from him.

"You won't leave?"

Avery blinked, eyebrows furrowed.

"No."

…

"Avery," it was silent. "What's in your inventory?"

-3-

The stars stayed still, scattered playfully across the deep, night sky. Regular stars, twinkling in their places where they have stood in for centuries. Derek stared at them as he laid in his sleeping bag, deep in thought. He felt the faint heat from the campfire as it crackled.

He used to be a fairly deep sleeper— and with his former knight duties, he had learnt how to fall into deep sleep easily. Though, he still knew how, including other various tactics— he just not can't.

He had woken up from a nightmare, where he'd just open his eyes and process everything that happened in that nightmare. The faint sight of his face, his eyes blinding him once more, and the feeling of experiencing the endless knowledge of the entire universe and expanding. Him repeating that experience frightened him, though he knew very well that it won't happen again.

So, Derek forced himself to calm down and decided to take another trip into the streams of timelines, both past and future. He was confident enough to have mastered the practice of them— though he was still forced to know all, he had practiced living with it, and still making decisions he would choose anyway whether or not the outcome was worse or better than the others.

The King was no more, he had checked ever single possibility of him coming back more than thrice, and the King was no where to be found. Fate was harsh, but it was harsh to all. It will change its course if it wanted to, and it truly believed that consequences are consequences, and the King's humbling act was a big one.

Then, he viewed the streams of the timelines for one specific person, Avery. Avery, who was currently sleeping in his own sleeping bag placed next to Derek. Derek wasn't facing him, but he knew Avery was sleeping on his, facing towards him. Derek silently knew that Avery always preferred hugging something while he slept, maybe by tomorrow— Derek could craft a pillow somehow for the slime.

Now, if he sat up, Avery would wake up. If he turned to his side to face him, Avery would somehow wake up and lose his sleep by excitement to chat. Finally, if he stayed up much longer, Avery would somehow sense Derek's state and wake up to ask what was wrong.

Another thing Derek knew was the fact that Avery needed his sleep at this moment, especially after everything that had happened.

When they had prepared their beds to settle in and camp for the night, a few faint thoughts coming from Avery entered unattendedly. Derek was still trying to practice not letting other's thoughts enter his head, especially Avery's— Derek didn't need to know every single thought of his (Out of respect and the fact that Derek would eventually get overwhelmed by the constant thoughts by everyone). Avery had thoughts about being scared to fall asleep again, and waking up to find Derek unresponsive somehow— or just the fear of being attacked by mobs in their sleep.

He knew that despite Avery's exhaustion, it took a good while fo rhim to go into slumber. And Derek wanted Avery to get his sleep.

He looked away fromt he streams of possibilities and timelines after he had chosen one. Just like what he expected, Avery began stirring in his sleep. Eyes squinting even more, soft murmurs, Derek observed them.

Then, he quietly placed his hand on Avery's head, carressing it gently. Brushing his makeshift hair shaped part of his head. Derek learnt that it was a big part of slimefolk culture to do these things, coming from a long history with human relationship and other mobs including that. He already knew where and how Avery chose this style, but one day— he wanted to hear Avery tell the story about it to him.

He continued doing this, until he watched Avery's face go soft, and his breathing getting calmer than before.

Derek still kept his hand on his hair as he viewed the timelines once more. What he had done was successful, and Avery will wake up refreshed and energetic tomorrow— with no memory of having any sort of interruptions last night. Derek? It didn't matter. He will be fine.

-4-

"Derek, I have a question."

The knight turned to the slightly shorter slime. They were currently at one of the largest villages in this biome, and were exploring the main street market. It was bustling, it was alive, and people of all types were seen together in one place. The vendors were yelling and shouting bargains with their customers, and Avery was observing each stall in his sight.

The slime looked back at Derek. "Is there a stall that has something I would love to buy?"

The Knight blinked, giving Avery a look with a tilt. Why yes, as soon as they entered the market, Derek already knew all of the stalls where Avery would take most interest in, and the stalls where there were possibilities of him spending his money on. While he did enjoy seeing how happy and excited Avery was in these pieces of information..

"I thought we were here to explore the market?" Derek reminded the other. "And this is the busiest time of the year for the village. There are more items available than usual."

Avery brushed his hair away from his face, in nervousness this time.

"The thing is, I don't actually know what I want exactly."

"Then that is what window shopping is for."

"Don't you already like— know what I want? And like, don't you also already know that there might be something here that I would buy?" Avery gestured his hands here and there. "And don't lie to me!"

The Knight couldn't just ignore the slime's demands, especially when he was dead serious. Avery did not know just how much he had taken a hold of poor Derek, and he didn't mind.

"There are…" Derek chose his words carefully. "Things that you may buy."

Avery's eyes brightened at that. "That's so cool! Come on, tell me!"

"But won't that spoil your fun of exploring?" He responded.

"Ah, you're sort of right," Avery mumbled. "I just kind of don't want to waste your time window shopping."

"What makes you say that?"

"I dunno.." He honestly answered. "I know we have better things to do."

Derek tried his best to ignore the streams of timelines and the constant flow of information. He didn't want to ruin this moment with knowing the future basically.

"Avery," Derek slowed to a stop in their walk, Avery followed. He made sure he was looking right into his eyes. "Every moment I spend with you is not wasted."

The other immediately snickered at that, changing the mood immediately.

"Oh shut up!" He playfully nudged Derek's shoulder away. "Stop with that poetic talk— it's so corny!"

"But you love it."

"No I don't."

"Avery," Derek sighed, ending the talk with a smile. He looked away from the other and lifted his arm, gesturing forward. "Lead the way."

Avery's eyes followed his arm and smiled, chuckling a bit. He practically bounced as soon as he began walking, with Derek following behind.

Stall after stall, Avery tried some new foods and drinks. He discovers more neat details of other cultures, and happily make some small talk with the vendors— earning cool new stories, and inspiring the sense of adventure to come back to the slime. Derek watched Avery silently, bringing back his old habits as his past life as a knight. He acted more like a bodyguard for his prince, the only difference was— he was enjoying it. Seeing Avery's sense of curiousity sparked a slight feeling of nostalgia within him.

Learning, understanding, discovering, with all of the knowledge of their universe, Derek couldn't experience those personal events anymore. However, when he was with Avery? He does, because he got to see those radiate from Avery, experiencing these feelings for Derek.

And he wouldn't have have it any other way.

"Derek!" The man blinked, snapping out of his daydream to turn to the man right beside him. Avery was excitedly staring at him back with his big old eyes. "Can you take off your helmet for me?"

Avery wore a fancy green tophat. It looked tacky, yes, but Avery liked it. The man was holding another hat— a funny looking hat that for some reason had glasses and mustache for its design. It came with multiple colors, it looked silly.

"Why?" Derek questioned him, not looking at the hat again. He already knew the answer, and he already found it very amusing.

"I just wanna see this hat on you!"

"Nah."

"Awwwwwww please?"

His head was cold. "No. Helmet stays on, Avery."

"Pretty pretty please?" Avery's eyes blinked rapidly.

Derek sensed the vendor of the hat stall was looking at the two of them strangely. He couldn't blame her. He exhaled through his nose and looking behind the slime, locked his eyes on a random stall, and quickly pointed towards it.

"Oh wow, that looks interesting." He blankly stated.

The slime's head quickly turned towards the direction Derek was pointing at.

"What is it?" The slime automatically walked away towards the stall. However, Derek managed to snatch the two hats from the slime. He uttered a short apology and a thank you to the hat vendor as he returned the hats, quickly following Avery after.

As he did, the streams of timelines faintly flowed at the back of his mind. Seeing a peek of it— he inhaled a breath when he quickly learnt what was about to happen. He wasted no time and went to Avery's side, basically turning off his view of the timelines and focused on the situation at hand.

The stall sold various riches, all sorts of weaponry, jewelry, and a handful of rare items for the eyes. Such precious items all bundled up in just one single stall, it was too good to be true.

There were two vendors, both spiderfolk. One who seemed to be the main guy stood right behind the table, the other sat at the back in the shade— arms crossed, a leg over the other, he looked bored.

"How do ye do, travelers?" The main vendor greeted with glee.

"Hey!" Avery greeted politely with a wave. "Your stuff looks very cool!"

"Compliment appreciated, good man! I only sell the best, so people have the best, so simple!" Derek already sensed some obvious red flags. It was just up to Avery to choose whatever pathway he was going to play. "Choose whatever is able to represent your desires! All with a price, of course!"

"Woahhh.." Avery's eyes twinkled in such pure amazement at all of the items that sparkled back. Derek followed his look, until it landed on the elephant in the room.

An enchanted gold apple.

Found in treasures far far away, buried in desert temples. Never spoiling, never rotting— only to be made with the finest of apples, and enchanted by a person, heart pure of wonder and wisdom who has mastered the art of ancient magic. They were indeed very rare.

And to have that sitting there. It was so obvious.

"Is that a real enchanted golden apple?" Avery pointed at it.

The vendor cackled. "Ye bet yer beautiful green head it is! Took me— us! Us years to find this beauty!"

"How much for it?"

Derek started calculating and formulating a plan on how to end this interaction without upsetting anyone in the situation whatsoever.

"Whatever you have on ye." The spider told him. "Iron, diamonds— all worth it for thsi piece of gem here."

Derek took a deep breath and—

"Then why is just— laying here on display?" Avery shrugged his shoulders as he asked that. "Someone could just easily steal it— like, I can hold it right now, but I won't. Wouldn't it be best for you to keep it more secure?"

The vendor chuckles at that, but Derek still saw confidence in his eyes. He makes a good impression of someone casually having a quick laugh with an old friend about an inside joke. The other guy at the back made eye contact with the main vendor, face still unchanging. The vendor told something to him in spiderish.

And Derek's eyes dropped slightly at his polite words.

"Slime's a bit of a smart ass, huh? Maybe this brain isn't made out of vomit like his folk, this one."

Derek allowed himself to slightly abuse his power for once.

"It's a bit rude to talk about someone who's right here." Derek casually stepped into their conversation in perfect spiderish.

Both people look back at him in shock. Avery just blinked at the situation, and turned to look at the knight.

"Derek, you speak spiderish?"

"The enchanted golden apple is unfortunately a fake," the knight simply stated. "In fairness, that is impressive. I would have chosen to leave you guys be, but after you said your very kind words about my friend— I'm afraid I can't leave so easily."

The vendor hissed. "What do ya want, human?"

Derek's eyes squinted slightly, allowing more information to get processed in his head.

"Under the table right here," he continued. "There is a carefully placed enchanted golden apple, inside of a small chest."

The guy at the back gave him an impressed look, even smiling a bit. He gave Derek the respect he didn't care for. The main vendor scowled.

"Now I don't know how the hell ye even figured that out. You a bunch of stalkers?"

"Would you stay on topic if I say yes?"

"I ain't just gonna hand it to ya, Knight." The spider hissed. "I demand same price. Either get it or leave yer asses out of my stall."

Derek turned his gaze towards Avery, who continued to observe the fake apple. He could hear the slime quietly debating in his mind on getting it or not— whether he was right about it being fake, and currently, very confused on why he was suddenly left out of the entire conversation. Avery was thinking of learning spiderish.

Derek went back to the vendor. "You have scammed multiple others before us."

"And you ain't no knight to the village."

"It is obviously against the law to do so in these streets."

"And you don't have any fucken proof that I am no honest man," the vendor laughed at his face. "I fooled the smart bright students here with this apple— so you ain't definitely convincing the no brain iron golems. Out of the line, human. Get out of my stall or give me your money."

He looked back at Avery, then back at the spider. He was going to get that enchanted golden apple.

"There is a powerful and respected witch who goes by the name Harlika in this village," Derek informed the vendors. The main one listened carefully. "She, coincidentally, has mastered the ancient arts in her very young years. She's talented and skilled, and is trusted by everyone in this village. She will gladly make a trip to this part of town and visit you two if it meant my dear friend and I treating her to some coffee after."

The main vendor groaned. "And how do you know that?"

"I knew about this apple being fake, and I am somehow right about you guys possessing a real one underneath." Derek reminded them. "Getting Harlika here? You won't have enough time to pack and run away, and it'd be a shame to kick you guys out— there are still indeed real and honest valuable you sell here. So, we kick you guys out, or, we leave you guys alone with the real enchanted golden apple. Do we have a deal?"

The spider grumbled under his breath, tapping his fingers on the table. He turned to his guy at the back, who casually gave him his signature bored look and simply nodded. The man scoffed when he turned back towards his customers.

"Oh, wow! Sorry, my green friend, we kinda zoned on a talk! It's been a while since I've met another person who spoke spiderish!" It was really like he swapped faces when he went back to Avery. "Ye know how that feels, right? When's the last time ya spoke some slimerian with another?"

The slime was still overly confused by the whole turn of the events, but when Derek hadn't really done anything else, Avery decided to continue on normally.

"Well, yeah." Avery shrugged slightly. "It has been a while. Slimerian isn't really that popular since it's a bit comple—"

"And to answer your question, yes— this is just for display indeed!" The main vendor winked at him as he pointed at the so called enchanted golden apple with his thumb. "And I have the real one safely tucked underneath."

"That's good," Avery complimented. "Is it possible if we could see the real thing?"

The Knight gave the man on the otherside of the table a state. He rolled his eyes as he felt his glare and ducked down. When he went back up, he had a small chest in his hands. He opened it with no struggle.

There, in the chest, laying on a small red pillow, was a real, legendary enchanted golden apple. It shone greatly, akin to regular enchanted materials like weapons and books— but it shone brighter. The colors illuminated its surroundings, containing colors of the northern and southern lights in the cold night sky. Artworks of it were fantastic, but it looked so surreal in person.

Derek turned to Avery for a moment— and the light hit the slime's face perfectly. His slightly see through skin if one observes closely— swallowing the light, making him softly glow. He was beautiful.

The vendor shut the chest without warning after a few moments, making Avery flinched. Then, he simply stated his demand. "Name your price."

"Ah, right." Avery cleared his throat. "What are you looking for exactly—"

"Twelve diamonds and an enchanted book of the highest level of feather falling." Derek pulled out a bag of real solid diamonds, tossing it on the table and placing the book that had its own faint glow.

The main vendor stared at the trade, all of his eyes observing them. Derek knew damn well that this trade was slightly below bare minimum, but he wasn't really caring about fairness with this guy at the moment.

"Wait— Derek." Avery panicked, placing a hand on the knight's shoulder. "You don't need to use your money on me—"

"I dunno about this trade pal," the spider mumbled, interrupting Avery.

"I- I can add more! Hold up!" The slime started searching his satchel.

"I won't hesitate to go lower," Derek said in spiderish. "If I don't get that enchanted golden apple, Harlika will beat your asses."

Suddenly, the guy at the back stood up and finally decided to join the scene. He went beside his buddy, the main vendor, and grabbed the offerings Derek had on the table. With his other hand, he snatched the treasure chest from the other spider's hands, and politely handed it towards Avery.

"Oh!" Avery quickly forgot about searching and held the chest. "Uh— thank you! Thank you."

While the main vendor was quietly fussing, his partner, looking tired as ever— had something rather interesting to say.

"I hate my job," the guy muttered under his breath— in endermani! Smart guy.

"Then get a better one." Derek joked, speaking the same language.

The man looked at him for a moment, then subtly chuckled.

"I'm trying, dude." He told him. He then shooed them away with an arm. "Now leave, before this guy throws a stupid tantrum."

The knight patted the slime on his shoulder. It was enough to signal him that they should move along now. When that stall was far away and long forgotten, the two decided to try to find a place to stay for the night, and headed towards the end of the street market.

Now, Avery was just carrying a small treasure chest in his arms, for he did not have enough space in his inventory for it.

"Uhm," the slime broke the silence. "Thank you, by the way for this. You seriously didn't need to pay for me back there."

Derek looked at him as they walked. "Why not?"

"It's just—" Avery groaned a bit, shaking his head. "You don't need to do that again, alright? I— I like this thing, yes, but I'm also fine without it."

Floods of information came to Derek and he processed them.

"Avery," he began his response. "I owe you everything."

The slime blinked at that. "Wha?"

"I owe you everything." The other repeated. "So let me do things for you."

"But—! You don't need to!"

"But what if I want to?"

"So what—" The slime stuttered, shoulders scrunching slightly as he spoke. "You're— you're just going to keep spoiling me with gifts or something?"

Derek views multiple possibilities where Avery lights up in joy as he receives a new gift. "Would you like that?"

"No! No I would not like that!" Avery yelled. It brought Derek back to reality from the streams of timelines. "I am not broke! I am decent with my own valuables and money— and I absolutely only allow myself to indulge in stupid stuff every once in a while!"

"I do know that, and that is a good habit—"

"Of course," Avery scoffed at that, looking away from him. "You do know that."

It was quiet after that. Derek now admitted that he has made a mistake. Damn, he should really stop relying on looking at multiple timelines and calculating possibilities for the best choices, huh? He still wasn't quick enough to look through them all.

And.. he is now realizing that he may not exactly be… As present with Avery as he think he was. Derek quietly sighed, and continued.

"Are you upset with me, Avery?" He asked simply.

Avery's head suddenly shot up at that, visibly panicking at that sudden question.

"What— no no! I'm not! No!" The slime told him. "I'm just— uhm."

He struggled to find his words, then gave up.

"Don't you already know why?" He reminded Derek. "What's the point of me explaining?"

"I want to be here when you say anything, Avery." The knight told him. "I want to be present with you."

Avery stayed quiet, gripping the chest in his arms tightly.

"I feel…" He looked away. "I just feel— guilty?"

Derek watched as Avery's shame rise up in his face, but he waited.

"No one has really done this— like, buying something so expensive on the spot like that for me." He explained. "It's just weird— now I feel like I need to like— find something even better so I can give it to you in return! That's all!"

"I do not expect a gift."

"It doesn't matter!" Avery stated. "It's just the right thing to do!"

Derek chose the cheesy option once more. "But you are my gift."

"Stop that!"

"Literally, that is."

The slime was speechless. "I need to give you something physical! Or whatever you want!"

"If I tell you what I want right now," the Knight began. "Would that be enough for you to stop stressing and feeling guilty?"

"Yes! Yes!" Avery nodded. "It's giving and taking— that's what I follow. So what do you want?"

Derek smirked. "Speak slimerian with me?"

Avery nearly tripped over himself at that requested.

"Oh my stars—"

"Pardon? I'm sorry, come again?" Derek teased. "I'm afraid I only speak slimerian."

"You can speak slimerian?" Avery exclaimed in excitement.

The pure of joy of hearing his language again from another person— and just speaking it again in general. How lovely.

"Of course I do— it's a pretty language." Derek replied to just talk even more. "How could I not know?"

"How can you— ohhhhhh, right." The slime chuckled as he was reminded once again of Derek's ability. "Thank you so much. I don't think I actually properly thanked you for this gift. I never knew I'd actually get to hold an actual enchanted golden apple in my life. So thank you."

Derek smiled at that.

"You sound beautiful when you speak your language."

Avery's face dropped slightly at that.

"Okay— dude," Avery looked away from the knight. "You— you speaking my tongue is way too powerful for me."

Derek decided to push even further.

"Anything for my friend, my saviour— my gift and prince—"

"STOP THAT RIGHT NOW—!"

-5-

"Do you know how to cook?" Avery asked him.

"Not really," Derek replied. "Growing up, my duties and trainings hindered me from learning more personal skillsets like cooking. But I can make some good stew."

Avery took a bite out of his pasta. "But if you successfully gained a literal god's ability of seeing all of the universe— wouldn't you just know what to do?"

The two were currently at a restaurant on the second floor— where most people weren't there to eavesdrop or to judge the conversation they were having right now. However, living in a magical world filled with thousands of tales of ender dragons, beasts underground and many more— speaking of dead gods was basically the norm in the overworld.

Derek sliced his steak. "That is a good question." He took a bite and chewed.

"So…" Avery sipped his water. "Explain? And I have more questions by the way."

Derek chuckled at that. "Let me just— give you an analogy."

The slime nodded, gathering more pasta on his fork to eat more of it.

"Let's say you read and see pictures of a book about a specific surgery— heart surgery." The Knight began. Avery's eyes stayed on his. "You read and observed, you basically know everything about the heart. How it works, how to cure it— you practically know every single risks and mistakes that could be made during this, and yes— you know how to avoid it. But… Could you do it?"

Avery nodded at that. Then, he slowly hummed when he understood.

"I know how your pasta is made." Derek continued. "But I don't have the skill to turn the dough into long strings of pasta— and how to toss the pasta and sauce together to recreate the exact same flavor."

"So even with the knowledge of everything on the back of your palm," the slime smirked. "You still can't cook?"

Derek smiled back. "Yes. I am a bad cook."

Avery giggled at the thought of Derek burning some eggs.

"But I know that you're an excellent cook." The other added.

"Nah," the slime replied. "I'm just decent."

"But you do pride yourself on being able to bake the best muffins." Avery's eyes lit up at that reminder.

"Oh my stars— you're right!" The slime cheered. "Yes yes— I definitely am the best at that. I'm gonna bake you some soon, trust."

Derek ate a slice carrot, then continued cutting his steak.

"Are there some stuff you miss before this whole thing?" Avery asked.

The Knight thought of that in silence for a moment.

"Not much, at least— right now, not much." Derek answered honestly. "However… There is one thing."

"What?"

"I kind of miss being… Surprised?" The Knight told him.

"Oh wow."

"Yeah, curiosity just kind of went away?" Derek shrugged at that, unsure if his statement was able to represent what he was feeling. "Yeah, but it's perfectly alright. I am not that troubled by it than I was before."

"Is it because of the streams of timelines and possibilities thing that you have?" Avery clarified.

"Yeah, I try my best not to look at them that much— kind of tiring to calculate."

"So, have you been choosing timelines?" Avery questioned, his head tilting. "Did you look into the multiple timelines of where we would eat and enjoy our food?"

Derek slowly placed his piece of steak in his mouth. He knew this was coming.

"… Kind.. of?" The Knight sort of gave up. He chewed and swallowed. "I actually… Searched for a timeline to see which restaurant had your favorite type of pasta and where the chef managed to cook it to perfection."

…

The slime snickered— the two of them were blushing madly.

"You— possessing the entire knowledge of the universe—" Avery was giggling, speaking his words through gasping breaths.

Derek just listened, enjoying the sound of Avery laughing— despite him finally getting caught red handed on how he chose to use these powers.

"Literally being able to choose the future," the slime continued. "And you just continue choosing to be romantic and corny!?"

Avery laughed— his face all red from the overwhelming realization of how much Derek had been doing for him. The Knight chuckled under his breath.

"All for me," Avery calmed down a bit. He cleared his throat. "All for me— wow."

"All for you." The Knight took a sip of water.

"That's— wow, very—" Avery struggled to find his words once more. Derek just waited patiently. "So very sweet of you, Derek."

"I am not kidding when I mentioned once that I loved you, even if we had just met." The other decided to let his words flow out, not really caring to take a peek at the timelines to see all of Avery's possible reactions. "How could I not? I don't see it as something forced— it was more like, someone moving a curtain quickly, and showing me a bright view of a new, beautiful landscape that I got to learn everything about. You were a surprise. My last one. And I cherish it."

Avery processed those words, smiling deeper at the second.

"It was strange, really— suddenly learning everything about someone I never met." Avery chuckled at that. Derek continued. "I couldn't help it but get inspired by you, and experiencing my new life with you— pushed me even more."

"Wow," Avery sighed. "I— I really wished I was as poetic as you, Derek."

He placed a hand over Avery's on the table. "You already are in your own way, and I adore it."

-1+-

It snowed in the morning and snowed again in the late afternoon. It was night now, the chill in the air was a comfortable one. The cold where it did not numb your face, and instead— hugs you slightly.

The two were in another town. There weren't much people walking— save for a few adults and couples walking together, some with their small children following behind. A few store owners and workers were busy shoveling away snow from the entrance.

It was a comfortable night for two people.

"What's your favorite season?" Avery asked Derek as he kicked some snow away from them as they walked. "I haven't exactly chosen mine yet, but I enjoy spring."

"Hm," Derek looked at the night sky. "I like the view of the orange leaves in fall."

"Is it fall or autumn?"

"Both are correct."

"Which one do you prefer?"

"Whatever fits best. You?"

"Same." Avery looked forward. "Are you cold?"

"No, are you?" Derek knew that Avery was comfortable enough and safe from the cold.

"It's chilly for me, but it's because my body isn't used to it." The slime explained. "It's tradition for slimefolk to migrate and take vacation to warmer areas when winter comes. Slimefolk like me, who choose to travel to wherever, adapt like everybody else. Our bodies would freeze into a solid if it gets too cold. It won't kill us— but man, it hurts. Holding snow or touching it with our bear skin can cause freezing."

"Have you experienced it?" Derek winces at the image of Avery's previous experience of the cold. "Freezing?"

"Oh yeah— long time ago." The slime laughed at the memory. "It was a Skywars tournament— the event planners, ironically— have forgotten that a slimefolk, me, would be joining one of their battles where the arena would be filled with snow and ice. Somehow— I managed to win third place with a frozen hand and nearly frozen ankles."

"That is impressive."

"I got compensation though, so I won't sue them." Avery giggled. "Jokes on them, I wouldn't even know how to."

Derek laughed softly at his sarcasm. "Well, we can build some snowmen tomorrow once you bring your gloves with you."

The slime blinked at that. "Oh yeah!" Avery's face went back to neutral from surprised. "Yeah— I would love to. Damn, you have to remind me to bring my gloves— I keep on forgetting them."

"Don't worry, I will."

A comfortable silence over came them. Derek looked forward, letting pieces of information come back to him. Northern lights were happening near them— if they were to get out of the village and go to the empty landscape— they'd see them clearly. However, it was too risk. The snow was too tall, Avery could freeze.

He took a look at the timelines, majority of them was just them walking the streets, glancing at the shops at the sides. It was a peaceful sight to experience—

A snowball hit his helmet.

Derek gasped in shock, immediately looking at where it came from.

Avery was currently molding some snow in his hands into a ball. His face screamed of cheekiness— and for the first time in a while, Derek was slightly scared.

"Avery!? What are you—?"

"I demand a snowball fight with you!"

"But Avery—" Derek gestured towards the slime's hands. "Your hands—!"

Another snowball, this time at the chest. Avery smiled, filled with determination for whatever the hell he was doing.

"Race you to find more snow!" Then, Avery bolted away.

"Oh my stars, Avery what are you doing!?" Derek chased after him.

It had been a while— but stars, the feeling of adrenaline and stress all came back to him, and he took those feelings in like instinct. His mind started calculating, seeking for which timeline was the best— but in every single one of them, all he saw was Avery running. Adding to that— he was panicking too much on letting himself see further into the now millions of streams of what could happen.

"Avery!" The Knight yelled again. "I'm being serious! You're scaring me!"

"I'm fine! Just play along, dude!" Avery giggled.

The slime took a sudden right— into a dark alleyway. Derek just continued to run. He saw a possibility of being able to catch Avery in five seconds exact.

5…

Derek picked up the pace.

4…

Avery continued to treat this like a game.

3…

Derek started to see the other end of the buildings surrounding them.

2…

They were close.

1…

Derek held a hand out.

But Avery jumped, and his landing was secured by the snow on the ground. There was now an Avery shaped hole in the snow.

They were now at the end of town— where natural landscapes that used to be just grass, but now snow lie.

"Avery!" Derek hoped down, the snow coming up to him by his waist.

It was hard to move, but he continued moving to where exactly Avery landed.

"Avery." He dug his arms.

And he felt a body.

"Avery!" He pulled the other up.

Holding Avery up by his arms, the slime looked at him back with a smile.

"Avery," the Knight was still in shock. "What the hell are you—"

"Look up!" The other pointed upwards.

Derek followed, and silence came in.

The northern lights, there they were. Illuminating their beauty so brightly, mixed in beautiful greens and a slight red. They moved with grace, like they were alive— dancing with one another.

It was extraordinary.

"My mother used to tell me that the northern lights were created because the children were scared of the dark." Avery whispered. Derek slowly placed Avery back on his feet."I know there's science, but I'd like to believe that someone with that ability really did care and took care of fears from innocent children."

Derek looked back at Avery. He glanced at his hands. They were turning into ice. Derek quickly began trying to pushed away the snow from the other.

"Why— why would you—?"

"To bring you here," the slime simply stated. "I knew you would never let us go here, and I knew about the northern lights happening."

"But Avery—"

"Derek," the slime tilted his head. The Knight closed his mouth. Information was rapidly forming in his head, but he chose not to listen to them. "I surprised you, didn't I?"

…

Derek's eyes widened.

"Did I make you panic?" Avery smiled. "Did I make you experience adrenaline and maybe a tad bit of stress again? Did I make you ask genuine questions where you did not know the answer to again? Hm?"

…

"Heh…" Derek was slowly understanding it now. "I… You did… You actually did surprise me."

Avery gave Derek a loving smirk.

"But—" The knight cupped the other's face. Avery's eyes squinted slightly from the sudden wet cold on Derek's gloves. The knight noticed immediately.

He quickly removed them, holding Avery's hands and helping the slime put them on. He looked back at him.

"You're hurting yourself by doing this, physically." Derek reminded. His voice stern, serious— worried.

"I know my limits, and I push them from time to time." Avery told him. "I know how to take care of myself— and if I do need help, I will not hesitate to ask for you."

Derek stared at him, the other stared at him back. The Knight sighed, soft mist coming out of his mouth. He cupped Avery's face with his bear hand this time, and the slime leaned into its natural heat.

"But only if you do the same for me." Avery added.

"Of course." Derek continued brushing his face with his thumb.

He saw the light from the phenomenon above bounce back off of the slime's face. It looked magical, like an artwork coming to life. It was pretty.

Avery was pretty.

"Derek," the knight blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. Avery gave him a smile. "I may need help getting out. I think my legs are frozen."

"Oh shit." Derek glanced down.

"Ouch." That was all Avery could say.

Going back, Derek carried Avery in his arms, bridal style. Surprisingly, they got a few stares— more on very concerned looks when they realized what Derek was carrying was slimefolk. The town was nice, Derek thinks.

"I just need to stay somewhere warm," Avery informs. "And I'll be okay."

"How do you prefer we do that?" Derek asked him.

Derek stopped at their room door. Avery fiddled with his satchel and found the key. The Knight bent down slightly for Avery to reach the doorknob to unlock it. When they were inside, they did the same.

"Would you tuck me in bed, pretty please?" Avery jokingly teased. "Also because I literally can't move my legs?"

Derek placed him down on the bed to remove his own coat. "Of course, just a moment."

Removing the basic outdoor clothing, especially Derek's helmet, and switching in to something more comfortable, Avery's legs could slightly move— but they still ached like crazy.

"You know well I don't regret pulling that stunt." The slime commented.

Derek helped move Avery under the blankets. "Mhm."

The Knight himself got under the blankets with Avery. "How are you feeling?"

"It still hurts."

"Is there anything I could do to help you feel better?" Derek sees multiple timelines of Avery's different answers.

It was now up to Avery to choose.

"Which one is the best possible choice for me to make for the best timeline?" Avery cheekily asked him.

"Hm," Derek looked away for a moment, then looked back. "I don't know."

Avery smiled at him. "Oh come on, you know."

"Eh, you got proof?"

"I dunno, turn left maybe— hey—!"

Avery squealed when Derek began poking his sides. "Stop it! No fair! I literally can't run away!"

"Alright alright, you're correct." Derek stopped. "What can I do to make you feel better, my dear slime?"

The other sighed, calming down. He looked at the knight.

"Simple cuddling would do, thank you." Avery leaned into Derek, already feeling the warmth taking over him.

Derek turned off the light on their night stand, and pulled the both of them down on the bed. Arms wrapped around each other, Avery buried into Derek's chest. It was nice.

"Derek?" He heard Avery whisper.

He hummed in acknowledgement.

"What are we?"

…

"Whatever you want us to be." Derek simply told him. "I don't bother with titles that much."

Avery softly chuckled, his eyes closing. "Same… But, I like us."

"Yes," he closed his eyes as well. "Me too."

The streams of timelines were a mysterious concept, and only a god was able to grasp and master that very concept. For Derek, he now accepted this gift— uses it for good instead. For Avery, just another fun thing that makes the most interesting and special person in his life the way he is.

And, in every timeline, they will eventually meet. Whether it be for a split moment, for a second. Whether they have just known each other for one day, of centuries— their streams will always be bound to cross.

And the possibilities with them together are endless.