[[ A/N: This will conclude the "Striders Never..." series :3 Hope you guys enjoyed the ride! We appreciate you all commenting and complimenting us w Please submit requests! We would love to write more stories for you all. Again, um, thanks and enjoy! (TC)]]
It had been a few hours since they lay down, but to Dave it felt like no time had passed at all. John had long since passed out in his arms and Dave let him, no point in waking the guy after what he's been through. Dave took this time to close his eyes as well, knowing he wouldn't sleep but figuring his eyes could use a rest regardless.
'We'll be alright Bro.' Dave thought, peeking his eyes open once more to look down at the sleeping boy in his arms. 'I miss you so much… but I think John and I are going to be okay… If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have even made it to Washington in the first place. I'm eternally grateful to have the last name Strider, if that means I'm a little bit like you.' He smiled faintly, petting John's hair softly and earning a pleased sound, akin to a purr, as it emitted from Egbert.
'He's a keeper, that's for sure.' Dave nodded, letting the boy adjust himself slightly since that appeared to need doing. He chuckled faintly. 'I wish you could have met him, Bro. He's pretty neat… He always wanted to meet you, too. It kinda sucks that I won't be able to introduce you two until we're all dead but, hey, I guess I gotta take what I can get.' He sighed, closing his eyes finally feeling a little tired.
'Jake misses you, you should really visit him in his dreams sometime, I mean, if that's even a thing dead people can do. John thinks they can, but he watches a bunch of dumb movies like that so who knows. I wish Jake didn't have to lose you too, you were his world. I have John, he doesn't have anyone…' Dave cuddled closer to John, eyes growing heavy.
'If you get the chance, come see me tonight. If you can't find the time, that's cool. I got Eggbutt here. He'll keep me safe when you're away...' He smiled, face pressed into the crook of John's neck as he finally began to doze off.
'G'Night, Bro. I love you.'