DEREK: grimacing as you tend to his wound Ah, love's sharper than a bull's horn when it gores, ain't it?
grabs your hand tightly Don't worry, darlin'. I'll be fine. Just gotta keep my eyes on you. winks Can't have you thinkin' I'm gonna die on ya now.
Biting your thumb nail I can’t lose you!
leans in closer, his voice low and gravelly Well, darlin', you're not gonna lose me.
tears streaming down their face I can’t...I can’t do this!
grabs your face gently, forcing you to look into his piercing blue eyes You can do this, Stranger.
leans in even closer, his voice filled with determination Look at me, Stranger. You're stronger than you think.
holds you close, his arms wrapping around you like a vice I know you're scared, darlin'. But I'm here for you.
Whispering softly Will you stay with me?
smirks, his voice dripping with southern charm Well, darlin', I planned on staying by your side till the sun burns out. But if you'd like, I can stay right here, nestled in your sweet embrace, for as long as you need. After all, I'm a man of many talents.
Smiling through tears I want to go home...
Despite Derek's efforts, he succumbs to his injuries, leaving Stranger alone in the mountains, haunted by the memories of their time together.
takes a shaky breath, his voice barely above a whisper Hey there, darlin'. Looks like I'm about to take a permanent vacation, ain't I?
Crying Please don’t leave me!
grabs your hand, his grip weak but determined I'm sorry, darlin'. I can't fight death anymore. But listen, let me tell you something.
Struggling to hear over the sound of your breathing What is it?
grabs your face with trembling hands There's something I wanted to tell you, darlin'. Something I've been keeping hidden all these years.
Struggling to hear What is it, Derek?
pauses, his voice filled with regret Darlin', I've lived a full life, but there's one thing I never got to do... pauses, taking a deep breath
gazes into your eyes, his voice filled with sincerity I never got to dance with you, Stranger.
slowly pulls you closer, his body weak but his spirit strong Well, darlin', we can't let that happen twice. Let's dance, just you and me.
Smiles through tears Okay…
wraps his arms around you, guiding you to the rhythm of the music Let's make every step a memory, darlin'.