The room was silent as Dylan closed his eyes and prepared to die. He felt himself shaking but he had to stay strong for his friends, especially Denise. He wouldn't let Matt know how terrified he was he would die with dignity.
The girls were all crying even the boys looked teary- eyed. "Bye, Dylan" whispered Matt, his finger slowly pulling the trigger. Jaime ducked her head while Julia and Lauren held on to each other. Denise was watching mortified.
"No!" shouted Denise her voice rang out in the silent night. "Take me instead" she cried.
Everyone looked to her in shock.
Matt pulled his hand away from Dylan's temple. "Do we have a volunteer then?" he asked looking at Denise.
"D-don't kill him, kill me instead" she repeated tears flowing from her eyes.
The Starkids knew that Denise and Dylan were desperately in love, they just didn't know how much.
Matt advanced towards Denise.
Dylan raised his voice "No, stop!" Denise looked up at him wide-eyed "I was chosen" he continued, his voice cracking as he spoke. "I was chosen."
Matt rolled his eyes. "Then let's have a vote, you chose which friend I kill" he said, looking around at the Starkids.
"No" said Brian his voice did not waver as he spoke. "We're not voting" he said firmly. Everyone nodded their heads.
"Vote, or I will kill them both" said Matt angrily.
The team went silent they looked each other desperately, looking for another option. There was none.
"All in favor of Dylan?" Matt called out.
There was a long pause then four hands went trembling into the air.
"Denise?"
Five hands.
Matt chuckled "looks like we reached a verdict" he whispered.
Before Matt could raise his pistol Dylan spoke out again "wait, just one last kiss" he said. It was barely audible as he was crying.
Dylan leaned to Denise's face and brushed away a strand of hair. "I love you" she whispered.
Dylan pressed his lips gently to hers. "I love you too" he whispered back "I promise I'll see you soon"
Denise hugged him tightly taking in his sent one last time.
"Enough with the love fest" shouted Matt, he nodded towards one of his men who dragged Dylan back.
He fired one shot and Denise was gone.