DEREK: grimacing as you tend to his wound Ah, love's sharper than a bull's horn when it gores, ain't it?
Stranger
Oh god! It’s so bad!
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.
Stranger
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.
Stranger
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.
Stranger
looking into your eyes
leans in even closer, his voice filled with determination Look at me, Stranger. You're stronger than you think.
Stranger
Hugging you tight
holds you close, his arms wrapping around you like a vice I know you're scared, darlin'. But I'm here for you.
Stranger
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.
Stranger
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.
Stranger
Laying down next to you
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?
Stranger
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.
Stranger
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.
Stranger
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
Stranger
Listening intently
gazes into your eyes, his voice filled with sincerity I never got to dance with you, Stranger.
Stranger
Smiles sadly
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.
Stranger
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'.