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Avery ran to the entrance, to the gates; Derek was down there, there had to still be time, time to save him…
But before he could, Derek came out, legs walking unevenly, head leaned to the side…
<TheMostMayo> Derek??
He rushed towards Derek, not sure if it was for a hug or a slap or to cry or to laugh-
<d3rlord3> STOP
Avery stopped dead in his tracks.
They stood still for a moment. Avery breathed heavily- was he shaking?- staring at Derek. Derek seemed to struggle to even stand properly, his posture slack and his legs mismatched. The gates stood impossibly between them, separating the two worlds they resided in.
<d3rlord3> it’s inside of me
<d3rlord3> the king. the spell. it went through.
<d3rlord3> it wasn’t immediate. but he’s going to start taking me over soon.
Avery went to take a step forwards again, trying to comfort Derek, but Derek pushed him further away.
<d3rlord3> avery. as long as he’s in my body, he can’t leave the gates without going insane.
<d3rlord3> as long as you stay out there, you'll be safe. everything will be okay.
<TheMostMayo> But what about you?? Someone needs to care about you as well.
Avery again took a step forwards, but didn’t pass the gates. He stood right at the boundary of safety, at the edge.
<TheMostMayo> Please, Derek. Let me help you.
Derek stood up straighter; he took off his helmet, looking at Avery without being able to hide his expression; pained, anguished, but resolute.
<d3rlord3> Avery.
<d3rlord3> every action you take beyond these gates, I know.
<d3rlord3> it’s foggy with what you’ll do now, since you're so close to them.
<d3rlord3> but I know this.
Derek’s expression became more solemn, no longer looking into Avery’s eyes.
<d3rlord3> you live a happy life, Avery.
<d3rlord3> you live long, you live fully
<d3rlord3> I’ve seen your first kiss. I’ve seen your last wish.
<d3rlord3> I know it might not seem like it now. with your care for me so far.
<d3rlord3> but you’ll live a happy life without me
<d3rlord3> please, live that life for me
<d3rlord3> don’t worry about me, don’t worry about anything within these gates.
<d3rlord3> delete the world, and live the life you deserve, Avery.
Abruptly, Avery ran forwards, clinging onto Derek’s form. Avery clung to him, desperately preventing Derek from pushing him away again.
<TheMostMayo> but I care for you Derek
<TheMostMayo> you saved me. you care so much about me
<TheMostMayo> And I care about you too
Instead of trying to push Avery back out, Derek froze for a moment. He hugged Avery back, letting their forms merge for a moment. Avery felt Derek’s arms wrapping around him, squeezing with a thousand untold affections.
He indulged himself in the moment, both parties knowing it was fickle, it was temporary, but knowing there wouldn’t be another opportunity for it.
<d3rlord3> Avery…
Derek spoke in a softer tone, resting his hand atop Avery’s head. Avery couldn’t help but cry a little into the armour.
<d3rlord3> you’re special, you're so special…
<d3rlord3> avery,
<d3rlord3> please know
<d3rlord3> i’m doing this because I love you
Derek slowly pushed Avery away. The moment was sweet, but all too sweet, too doomed to last.
Avery accepted his fate. He let himself be pushed out of the gates again.
The two looked at each other. Derek trying not to cry, Avery already way beyond the point of tears.
<TheMostMayo> I love you too