Archive of Our Own

Day 5: Debris | Pinned Down | "It's broken."

The Narshe Mines. Keme had heard of this place. The mines had a secret passage that went into the town of Narshe, and it was where Terra had avoided capture there. He also remembered how Moogles, including Mog, lived here, but from what he had gathered as he and the team entered, they weren't around at the moment. Why was that? He wasn't sure.

The area was dark, as expected, so Veles and Einar had to use their Fire spells to light the way. The area was crawling with monsters, so Keme and Drusus had to defend the two, along with Taika, as they went deeper into the mines.

As they went deeper, less and less monsters appeared to attack the team. This was an indication, according to Tyro back in the academy, that the boss of the dungeon was nearby. Almost there, then we could finally go back to the academy, Keme thought.

"Um…" Einar began timidly, "have any of you seen any monsters here?"

Veles glanced around for a moment, the Fire spell burning in his palm, before he shook his head. "There's none from what I could see. The boss might be nearby."

"Finally," Keme sighed, as the team came up to a clearing of the cave. The area was large, with stalagmites and stalactites littered on the ground and ceiling. Keme couldn't help but shudder at the creepiness and silence in this area; it felt like he was being watched. "I hate being in this realm. After what happened…" He sighed, trying not to think about that . While it had been several months since that incident, Keme was still shaken up from it. The mere idea of almost killing Drusus thanks to Kefka was something he'd rather not go through again.

He felt Drusus get a little closer to him before he felt a rough hand taking his own. Drusus squeezed it slightly, as if indicating to Keme that it was all right. Keme glanced up at his husband, smiling sadly. "Sorry, love. I shouldn't be thinking about that."

Drusus returned the smile, a rare sight to see, and Keme's heart skipped a beat at that. Oh, how much he missed that smile when he and Drusus were separated a year ago.

"I made a promise that I'll always be here no matter what," Drusus pointed out. "So there's no need to think of that incident, okay love?"

Keme tugged Drusus' hand down, pulling the Monk a little closer, before he stole a quick peck on his cheek. "All right, Drussy," Keme said, grinning as he chuckled.

"Get a room," Veles sighed in annoyance, rolling his eyes.

Keme didn't even say anything—he raised a middle finger towards Veles, a vicious smirk on his face. Drusus merely rolled his eyes at their interaction—they were close friends, yes, but the two were always at each other's throats.

"I think I see the entrance," Einar said, pointing at a large hole that was on the wall. Light shone from the outside, indicating that it was morning—a few hours since they entered the mines had passed, they all realized.

"Great!" Keme cried with a grin. "Now let's kill that boss and get outta here!"

The team took one step—

Only for a rumble to shake the area, like a mini earthquake had hit. Keme gasped, nearly falling over, but Drusus grabbed his body before he could hit the ground. Taika "eeped" before she took hold of the ground to keep herself steady. Veles and Einar did the same, their spells dissipating due to being startled, and the cave plummeted into darkness.

"Wh-what's happening?!" Taika cried.

The area shook—this time, it was more powerful than the last. Small rocks fell from the walls and ceiling, with a few of them hitting everyone.

"A cave-in!" Veles cried. Before Einar could echo what he had said, Veles grabbed him by the arm before pulling him behind a large rock. "Take cover!"

Taika did as she was told, and she quickly rushed forward towards the rock. When she met the two, she held Veles tightly, as if he was her lifeline, as Veles held her back. Einar held Veles from behind, his heart pounding in his chest and his breathing hitched. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, but he held strong as he shut his eyes tightly.

Drusus and Keme, unfortunately, weren't as lucky. Both of them tried to head towards the rock that the others were behind, but the shaking grew more powerful, and both lost their balance. Keme tried to get back on his feet, only to look up and see one of the large stalactites on the ceiling. The rock shook, before it was unattached from its home, and it was falling right down towards—

NO!

Keme didn't shout a warning; he knew he didn't have time. He managed to stand on the unsteady ground before he shoved Drusus to the side. The Monk grunted, and both locked eyes as Drusus was pushed away. Keme's was filled with fear, as Drusus' was filled with horror at the realization.

A sharp pain hit Keme's stomach, and everything went black.

_____

Drusus' mind couldn't focus. The cave-in had stopped a minute ago, but Drusus was trying to process what just happened as he sat on the cold cave floor. What the hell happened? All he could think of was his husband's frightened eyes as Drusus was shoved to safety.

Shoved—

Drusus' heart began to pound hard in his chest, as sweat beaded down his face. His eyes widened, realization kicking in. Keme had saved him, but he was nowhere to be seen.

"KEME!" He screamed, standing up before rushing towards the clearing where he last saw his beloved. Rocks and rubble were scattered on the clearing, forcing Drusus to push away a few heavy rocks to clear his way—he was grateful that he had the strength to do so.

"Keme!" He screamed again, tears pricking his eyes. Worst case scenarios began to fill his mind, not helping his panicking as he tore through the clearing. "For the love of Cosmos, if you can hear me, say something ! Tell me that you're okay!"

Nothing responded to him. At least, for a few seconds.

He could hear groaning, then a soft whimper right after. It was to his left.

When he turned, his eyes grew so wide his eyelids nearly disappeared, and a gasp escaped his lips at the horrifying sight.

Keme, his loving Keme, was under a large stalactite, blood pooling around his unmoving body. The rock had impaled him through the stomach, pinning him on the ground. Despite that he wasn't moving, Drusus could hear the whimpers from his beloved. Keme was alive, but severely hurt.

And it was all his fault.

"Keme!" Drusus cried, running towards his fallen husband. When he was close enough, he knelt down to Keme's level, checking on how much damage the stalactite had caused. He didn't see guts or any organs sticking out, but the sheer amount of blood worried him immensely.

"D-Drusus?" Keme whimpered.

Full name. Fuck!

"I'm here," Drusus tried to reassure, taking his hand and squeezing it to comfort Keme. Or was it to comfort himself? "I-I'm here, love. Fuck, I… Oh Cosmos… baby, I…"

Drusus heard footsteps approaching from behind, but he didn't bother to look—all he could hear were the audible gasps from his friends, along with Veles telling Einar to not look.

"Oh my Cosmos!" Taika cried, her hands over her mouth in shock.

"Shit…" Veles cursed under his breath. He held out an arm to block Einar from seeing the grisly scene in front of him. Einar, however, stood there frozen in place, his jaw dropped. Apparently, despite Veles' best efforts, Einar saw the entire thing. The three gathered around the fallen Thief, with Einar using a Fire spell to light the area once more. Keme was losing a lot of blood, and fast—he would surely die like this.

"B-baby," Drusus stuttered, tears now falling as he squeezed his husband's hand. Keme was dying, all because of him. All because he wasn't paying attention. "I-I'm so sorry, I-I—"

"D-don't be, Drussy," Keme whispered, squeezing Drusus' hand in return. "It's not your fault. Please don't blame yourself…"

"It is, though!" Drusus wailed. "I-I couldn't protect you! Like I promised I would! Now you're… you're…" a sob escaped his throat, gripping his beloved's hand tightly. Cosmos, his husband was going to die here… all because of him.

"W-we have to get the stalactite out!" Taika cried, looking up at Veles for confirmation.

Veles glanced up at his wife, a sad frown on his face. "I… don't know if we'll be able to do that," he admitted sadly. "No matter what we do here, Keme will bleed out. The best we could do is…" His voice cracked when he spoke the next words, "...put him out of his misery."

"What?!" Drusus cried, anger and fear gripping his heart. They were going to kill him? No… he couldn't let that happen. Not like this. "No! We can't! We have to save him!"

"I'm sorry, Drusus," Veles said, shaking his head. The Monk could see tears welling up in the Red Mage's eyes. Despite always fighting with Keme, Veles cared deeply for him, as if they were brothers. "Would you rather let him die in agony?"

"NO!" Drusus screamed, taking Veles aback at his harsh answer. "We have to try and save him! There has to be a way! Can't we just take out the stalactite and use Healaga to close up the wound?!"

"Drusus. Listen," Veles spoke, his voice firm as tears began to leak from his eyes. "There's nothing we can do! We can't just—"

"Um… actually," Einar piped up, wanting them to stop arguing. He hated when others argue and fight, but now, there was a good reason to not do so. Keme needed help. "Drusus may be right. Taking out the stalactite would be risky, but if Taika used Healaga fast enough, Keme… might be able to live."

Drusus glanced up at the Record Keeper, eyes filled with hope and tears. There was a way to save his husband?

"Veles," Einar glanced at the Red Mage, who had an eyebrow raised. "You're strong enough to take out the stalactite, right?"

"Er…" Veles looked at the large stalactite for a moment, before looking down at his own hands. "Drusus could do it quicker, but…" He glanced at the Monk, who held Keme's hand tightly, whispering apologies as soft sobs escaped him. Clearly, Drusus wouldn't be able to do it in his condition. "...I'll do it." He finally volunteered.

"Taika?" Einar said, glancing at the White Mage. Taika merely nodded, determination in her eyes. She knew what she needed to do. She held out her hands, ready whenever the stalactite was pulled out.

"I'll… make sure Keme is okay," Drusus volunteered, looking at his beloved sadly. Keme only smiled slightly, though Drusus could tell it was strained due to the pain. "Love, we'll get you out. You'll be alright, I promise."

Keme merely nodded, his strength waning. Drusus knew that he didn't have much time left. They needed to hurry.

Veles wrapped his arms around the stalactite, gritting his teeth due to how heavy it was. He wouldn't be able to pull it out with sheer strength alone—he needed help.

"Einar," Veles began, "do you think you could use Temper on me?"

Einar nodded in agreement. He raised his hands towards Veles, chanting the spell under his breath. After a few seconds, he called out "Temper!" and the spell surrounded Veles. Veles could feel his strength growing before he nodded his thanks towards the boy. Now he'd be able to pull it out.

"Ready?" Veles asked Keme. Keme took a few seconds to glance up at his friend, before nodding with a grin.

"Three…"

Taika kept her eyes open, fighting the urge to look away from the scene. She needed to focus.

"Two…"

Einar moved aside to give Veles room. He hoped that the Temper spell would last until the stalactite was pulled out.

"One…"

Drusus gripped his husband's hand tightly, as Keme shut his eyes. He knew that Keme would be in a lot of pain, but he would rather that than let him die. Keme knew of this fact too.

"GO!"

As soon as Veles started to pull the stalactite, Keme began to scream. The pain flared up from his stomach and from everywhere, the pain excruciating as Veles continued to pull. Keme tried to keep himself from screaming to no avail, due to how much pain he was in. He squeezed Drusus' hand tightly as this was happening, to the point the Monk's hand turned red.

Drusus could only look on in sympathy, his heart tinged with hurt upon seeing how much pain Keme was in. He knew it was for the best, but he couldn't help but feel awful over this.

Keme breathed heavily as Veles continued to pull, before screaming again. Tears began to form in his eyes, as he whimpered from the sheer pain.

"We're almost there," Drusus whispered to his beloved, hoping that he could hear over his own screams. "Just hang on."

Thunk.

Drusus glanced up upon feeling something small and rough hitting his head. From what he could see, small rocks began to fall from the ceiling, as the stalactites vibrated from the screams. His eyes widened, realizing that another cave-in was about to happen.

No! Fuck, not while this is—

"St-stop!" Keme cried, his eyes pinned to the ceiling; he too noticed the cave-in about to happen, and he knew what was the cause. "Stop! Wait!"

Veles stopped then, looking straight at Keme in the eyes with an eyebrow raised. Why did Keme ask him to stop?

Keme held up his free hand, pointing up at the ceiling, which stopped shaking. Veles glanced up, his eyes wide in realization.

"I-I can't stop screaming," Keme began to explain. "If-if you keep this up, the whole cave will collapse!"

"Then…" Veles asked. "What should we do?"

"G-gag me," Keme suggested.

"What?!" Drusus cried, his eyes wide at the suggestion. Gag his husband, even during a time like this? That would be cruel to him.

"It's… the only way to stop my screams," Keme pointed out, locking eyes with his husband. "Do you have anything to use? I… can't let you guys get hurt trying to save me like this…"

Drusus' mind began to panic, trying to think of something to use. While it could be cruel to the Monk, he knew it would be the right choice. Otherwise, the team would be trapped thanks to the cave-in.

What should he even—

My headband…

He touched his beloved headband for a second, but began to think. Should he even use it for something like this? It was important to him—it was a gift he was given by Than before he passed away, and he couldn't help but think what his friend would think. Would he be upset if he used his gift for this?

No, he thought, Keme is more important. It must be done.

He released Keme's hand, before he reached behind his own head to untie the headband. The feeling of his gift not hugging his head made his heart stutter, but he held on. Keme needed this more than anything.

Keme's eyes widened upon seeing this, before he protested, "Wait, don't use your—"

"It's the only way to keep you from screaming," Drusus said, his heart pounding from the lack of his headband, "It'll be okay, love. I can deal without it."

Keme frowned, but knew that he was right. With a nod, he opened his mouth for Drusus to shove the headband between his teeth, and Drusus did so. The Monk then tied the headband around Keme's head, not completely silencing him, but deadening the sound enough to not cause a cave-in. Once he was done, he took Keme's hand again and squeezed it.

Veles counted down again, and he began to pull the stalactite once more. Keme's screams were muffled, but the ceiling of the cave didn't shake, much to the team's relief. As Veles made progress on pulling the heavy rock out of Keme, Keme's screams grew louder, albeit deadened thanks to the headband.

Drusus couldn't look—he shut his eyes, as he squeezed his lover's hand tightly, and Keme returned the squeeze. Hearing his husband's muffled screams of pain broke his heart; if he had noticed the stalactite, Keme wouldn't have sacrificed himself to save him. Now Keme was in serious pain, all thanks to him.

It took a few seconds, but eventually, Veles managed to pull the stalactite out of Keme's body. He nearly tumbled over from the force, but kept his balance as he threw the stalactite to the side. Blood spurted from Keme's stomach as soon as the rock was pulled out, and Keme's screams grinded to a halt.

"Now, Taika!" Veles cried.

Taika didn't hesitate for even a second. She chanted the Healaga spell under her breath, and the spell sparkled on her fingertips. She aimed it at Keme's stomach, and the wound mostly closed up. Blood continued to drip down, but it stopped the intense bleeding.

Drusus opened his eyes, and turned his head to see Keme's face. The other man's eyes were closed, as if in a peaceful sleep, and his chest heaved weakly.

Drusus' heart nearly stopped, panic hitting him hard. Was Keme—

"He'll live," Taika spoke up, looking at Drusus, as if she had read his mind. "He needs immediate medical attention, but he'll live."

Oh thank Cosmos…

Drusus' hand remained in Keme's, his heart slowing down at a reasonable pace. Keme was going to live. He would be okay.

The guilt remained, however. If only he had seen the stalactite…

"Einar?" Veles asked, turning to the Record Keeper.

The young boy nodded, before he snapped his fingers. Immediately, a midnight blue portal appeared behind him—the portal back to the academy.

Drusus gathered his husband up, removing the headband from his mouth in the process, before he walked into the portal, with the rest of the team following behind. The mission could wait.

_____

Days. It had been days since Keme was taken to the infirmary. And no one heard back from any of the healers.

Drusus stayed in the infirmary waiting room during those days, refusing to eat or sleep. He waited there, like a dog waiting for its owner to return home, for news. Good news, he hoped. The same scenario replayed in his mind. How Keme saved him. How Keme was seriously hurt because of him. If he was quicker, Keme wouldn't have gotten hurt. It was all his fault.

Someone shoved a white box into his hands, and he raised a brow before glancing up. Taika stood in front of him, an intense frown on her face.

"You haven't been eating," Taika pointed out, "So I made veggie stew, your favorite."

Drusus merely sighed, the delicious smell of his favorite food hitting his nostrils. He was tempted to eat, but he didn't want to; Keme was still hurt, and he wasn't sure if he'd be able to pull through.

He handed the box back to Taika, shaking his head. "Not hungry," Drusus mumbled.

Taika's frown grew, but she shook her head before shoving the box back in his arms. "You haven't eaten in days, Drusus. Is this what Keme wanted? To starve yourself?"

"She is right."

Drusus glanced up, and to his surprise, the Warrior of Light himself stood on the side. Along with him were Veles, Tyro, Einar, and Canti. The Record Keepers apparently had heard of the emergency, so they came, Drusus assumed.

"Keme would not want you to hurt yourself like this, Drusus," Light continued, "he wants you to stay strong for him. I understand how much he means to you, but you should not have to do such things."

"You haven't been sleeping, either," Tyro pointed out. "Dr. Mog even wondered if you left the academy entirely! You need the rest and food. Keme wouldn't want to see you like this if he wakes up."

" If he wakes up," Drusus said, tears now gathering in his eyes. "This is all my fault! And he might not wake up because of me! If only… if I hadn't…"

"Drusus…" Veles whispered, sympathy in his eyes. He approached his friend, placing a hand on his shoulder as Drusus cried. He wasn't sure what to say; anything he thought of sounded false to the Monk. So he let him cry.

"That kills normal people," Canti said. The others turned to face her, shock embedded on all of their faces. Drusus' crying grew louder from there, his guilt multiplying.

"Canti!" Veles scolded. "You shouldn't say things like that!"

"What?" Canti questioned, an eyebrow raised. She wasn't sure what she had said that made them upset—she was saying what was on her mind.

Veles opened his mouth to scold her again, but Einar raised a hand to stop him. He smiled slightly as he stood by Canti's side.

"She didn't mean it like that," Einar explained, "she's saying that he's stronger than a lot of people."

Veles stared at Einar, before looking at Canti, as if asking her if that was true. She merely nodded. Veles' glare softened once he got his answer, before he turned to the crying Monk. "They're both right," he began, "Keme is strong. He'll be able to live through this. You know him better than anyone else here, so you know that he'll pull through."

Drusus' crying began to soften, before he sniffled. His mind tried to calm itself as Veles' words registered. He was right—Keme was stronger than even the other Light Warriors. He went through so much in his life, from being homeless at such a young age to this. Keme would pull through, like he had in the past.

Someone cleared their throat, and they all turned to see Aerith behind them, a smile on her face. She held a staff in her hands, which its tip was sparkling due to using white magic.

"Drusus, right?" She asked, glancing straight at the Monk. Drusus nodded, his heart in his throat. If Aerith was here, then that meant— "Your husband will be fine. We need to keep an eye out on his vitals, but he'll live."

Drusus let out a sigh of relief he didn't realize he was holding. Oh thank Cosmos, Keme would live. He didn't have to lose someone else like he had lost others.

"He was lucky," Aerith added, "the stalactite barely missed his stomach. If it had pierced his stomach, he would have died on the spot."

Drusus' eyes widened at this new information, as the guilt reared its head once more. The fact that Keme had a good chance of dying didn't help. Lucky, indeed.

"He was worried about you, Drusus," Aerith pointed out, "he kept asking if you were all right, if you were safe."

Of course he would be worried about me… Drusus thought.

"Would…" Drusus asked timidly, "would it be okay if I see him?"

"Of course!" Aerith nodded with a smile. "I think it would help ease his worries, too."

Drusus nodded in return, before turning to face his friends. They all returned the look, nodding as if they were encouraging him to go see his husband.

Drusus smiled at them all. Oh, he was so lucky to have friends like them. And with that, he followed Aerith down the hallway.

_____

When Drusus saw Keme in the room, he couldn't help but rush in despite Aerith's protests. Keme laid on a bed, hooked up on a heart monitor. An assortment of IVs were stuck inside his left arm, giving him the fluids he so desperately needed. His torso was bandaged up, blood seeping from the white bandages. The Thief's eyes were closed, and his chest heaved up and down, as if he was in a peaceful sleep.

Drusus frowned, guilt striking him once more. Keme was like this because of him…

He took Keme's right hand and squeezed it, as if comforting his husband that he would get through this. This apparently woke him up, as Keme groaned and opened his eyes. Upon seeing his beloved, he smiled. "Hey, Drussy," he greeted.

"Babe…" Drusus whispered, tears forming in his eyes. "Are… you okay?"

"Better than ever," Keme chuckled. "Just need to rest for a few days, then I'll be back in the academy."

"I… see," Drusus answered, frowning before he averted his eyes from his beloved. The guilt grew to a boil, and he couldn't even look Keme in the eyes due to it.

"Hey…" Keme whispered, squeezing Drusus' hand. "Are you okay, love?"

Drusus sighed, not wanting to worry him if he said what he was feeling. Keme had gone through enough already; he didn't want to add onto it.

"You're blaming yourself, aren't you?" Keme asked, squeezing his husband's hand to get him to pay attention.

That struck Drusus in the gut, as he locked eyes with Keme once more. He didn't want to lie to him; Keme knew Drusus just as much as the other way around, and Keme could tell if he was lying about what he was feeling.

The gist was up.

"Keme…" Drusus whispered, "why… did you do it? Why did you save me?"

Keme's expression changed to a frown, sadness filling his eyes. Drusus could tell by the way his eyes flashed with worry that he was remembering a bad memory.

"Because…" Keme answered, "I don't want to see you hurt again. Ever since the Kefka incident, I didn't want to see you get hurt or worse. When I saw that stalactite about to hit you, I did what I needed to do."

"But you nearly died !" Drusus cried, tears now falling. "I'm so sorry, Keme… if I had noticed it, you wouldn't have saved me…"

"You would have done the same thing if our roles were reversed," Keme argued softly. "I'd rather have a near death experience than to let you die. I…" He sniffled, and Drusus could see the tears building up in his brown irises. "I didn't want to lose you again."

Drusus stared at his beloved incredulously at this. What did he—

…Oh.

He remembered when they were separated when they were brought here. How Drusus was trapped in the crystal cocoon and was guarded by the fifth realm's Leviathan. How Keme grew depressed every day until the team found him. And while Drusus could barely see it thanks to how his vision was distorted thanks to the cocoon, he remembered how hard he fought to save his beloved from captivity. He even braved the waters, his worst fear, to save him.

"...I'm sorry, Keme," Drusus apologized. "I… didn't realize how much that affected you."

"It's okay," Keme reassured, smiling slightly. "You weren't there to see how I was feeling when you were gone. Now…" He squeezed Drusus' hand again. "No more blaming yourself. I hate to see you beat yourself up over something I decided to do. I'm alive, and I'll be okay, all right?"

Drusus nodded, squeezing Keme's hand in return as the guilt disappeared from his heart. He was right—it was Keme's decision to do something like that, and he knew that he would do the same.

"Come here," Keme offered, releasing Drusus' hand before holding out an arm for a hug. Drusus happily accepted it as he held his beloved, careful not to jostle the IVs or his wounds. Oh, how much he missed his husband's embrace…

Once the two parted, Aerith cleared her throat from the door. Drusus knew what that meant—visiting hours were over.

"I'll see you tomorrow, love," Drusus said, kissing Keme on the cheek.

"See you, Drussy," Keme whispered, "make sure you eat and sleep tonight, okay?"

"...I will. I promise."

Drusus turned towards the door where Aerith escorted him out; not before Drusus gave Keme one last look before he left for the day. He knew that Keme would be okay in the White Mages' hands.