That was the last thing Whumper A heard before they saw the back of Whumper B scream into view.
With the flash at the gun’s muzzle, Caretaker didn’t even glance back at them as they threw Whumper A’s own gun to the ground.
They- They’d shot Whumper B!
“I hope your happy with what you’ve done.” Caretaker called out, never turning back to the pair. And just like that, they were gone. Their job complete.
But their voice was drowned out by the intense buzzing in Whumper A’s ears as they crawled desperately towards where Whumper B was sprawled out on the pavement.
“Whumper B!”
Frantically, Whumper A searched for where Whumper B was bleeding and they had to stop it-
Whumper B’s hand latched onto theirs, a startled scream dying in Whumper A’s throat as they clasped back on that hand as if it was the only thing in the universe.
“Whumper B, are you okay? Where’s the bleeding? I have to-”
“I’m glad I got to see that beautiful face of yours before I go.” The words were nearly pristine, only a hint of wetness in Whumpee B’s breath.
Whumper A’s fingers froze from where they had been prying at various pieces of clothing to reveal where B’s wound was.
But that-
That sounded like goodbye.
“Don’t you dare say goodbye Whumper B. Don’t you dare!”
Whumper A couldn’t take it anymore as they heaved Whumper B’s body into their arms. But just as they took the first step, the telltale numbness of Caretaker’s special limb paralysis toxin took hold and their legs buckled uselessly under them.
Of course, it had to be the legs.
And that was it. Whumper A’s vision blurred as their resolve disintegrated. Their closest confidant, dying in their arms and it was their fault-
“Why? Why do you always sacrifice yourself? I- I’m not worth protecting but you are!”
“L- cough -iar. If your not worth protecting, then why are you so boopable? I love you so much ” Whumper B replied, reaching up weakly with a trembling hand to place their finger on Whumper A’s nose, the vague deliriousness clouding their eyes, but before they could, Whumper B’s eyes slipped closed.