Final Chapter: Rescued

According to Aerith, Keme was just exhausted. The trauma from his captivity, along with being bound for hours, had took its toll to the point of fainting. Besides the rope burns, scratches and bruises, the Thief would make a full recovery in a few days.

Drusus, on the other hand, was severely injured from his torture. While he thankfully survived, he had to stay bedridden for at least a week—even one small movement could open his wounds. Like Keme, he was exhausted, and even traumatized from his ordeal.

But the first thing he asked when he first came to was if his husband was okay. When Taika comforted him that Keme was well, Drusus simply smiled before he drifted off again.

Keme did the same when he woke up—while he was relieved that Drusus was okay, he had demanded the healers to bring his husband in the same room. Taika understood why—he wanted proof that Drusus was okay, that and he wanted to be there for his partner during their recovery.

When Keme was released from the confines of the hospital bed three days later, he visited Drusus every day—he even stayed overnight to watch over his partner. When Arc checked on him at night, he saw Keme fast asleep on the chair, his hand holding Drusus'.

A week had passed, and Drusus was fully healed enough to be released from the hospital. Upon leaving, he was greeted by Than first, who hugged him and thanking the gods above that his friend was alive. Aric was next, and when Than let him go, Aric embraced Drusus, scolding him gently and saying how he almost lost him.

Taika and Veles also welcomed him back, with Veles placing his hand on his shoulder with a warm smile, as Taika had brought Drusus his favorite food: vegetable stew.

Keme was last, and he had quickly hugged Drusus, tears going down his face as he kissed his cheeks. He whispered gratitude to the gods, and also apologizing for what had happened.

Even though Keme was relieved and happy that Drusus was okay, Drusus frowned slightly upon hearing his apologies.

The same night Drusus was healed, he and Keme returned to their shared dorm. Along the way, neither had spoke a single word. Drusus glanced at Keme, who didn't look back—he was staring at a distance. Their hands were interlocked together as they walked down the hallway, while Drusus greeted the few people who passed them by.

When they finally returned to their small dorm, Keme let go of Drusus' hand. He didn't even look back at the Monk as he sank in his bed.

Drusus raised a brown brow—something was bothering his partner. Keme had his head down, staring at his boots as he sighed.

His frown deepened. The sad look on Keme's face was subtle, but the Monk noticed it right away.

"Keme?" Drusus spoke up.

Keme's response was a grunt, not even looking at him.

With worry growing into intense concern, Drusus sat beside him, his arm wrapped around the Thief's shoulder. He felt Keme tense up—not a good sign.

"Are… are you okay?" Drusus asked, his voice filled with concern.

"…" Keme sighed, shaking his head before he finally answered, "It's all my fault, huh?"

Drusus' eyebrows rose even higher at his answer. His fault? What did he mean by that?

"What?"

"It's all my fault that we were captured. If I had been more aware of my surroundings, you wouldn't be hurt—"

"Don't."

Keme glanced up at Drusus, his mouth opened as if he was in mid-sentence.

When Drusus saw the tears threatening to fall from his lover's face, his heart broke. Without warning, he held Keme close, his hand rubbing his back. Keme stuttered, as if trying to tell him that he was all right and he shouldn't worry so much.

But after a few seconds, his stuttering changed into sniffling. His arms were wrapped around Drusus' body, his face buried in his chest.

"Please don't blame yourself," Drusus whispered in Keme's ear, his voice soothing Keme's crying little by little. "None of this is your fault. It… it was mine."

"But it wasn't your fault either, Drusus," Keme whispered, his voice muffled from his face in the Monk's chest. Drusus gritted his teeth at the sound of his full name being said by Keme. "You did what you needed to do to keep me safe. There was no other way to get out of that damn realm…"

"Keme…" Drusus could only say under his breath, his free hand carding through Keme's head. Noticing that the bandana Keme wore was still on, filthy and torn, he undid it and removed it.

He almost chuckled at Keme's extremely messy hair that was hidden under his bandana. Throwing the bandana to the side—he'd ask Cid if he could clean it later—and taking off his headband, he kissed Keme on the forehead.

"We're okay. We're alive. We shouldn't be focusing on what had happened to us. All that matters is that we made it out alive, together."

Keme looked up at him—this time, he was smiling. That one word—together—made his heart swell.

We made it together. We weren't alone. We had each other.

Drusus glanced at the clock that sat on the desk, before turning to Keme. "It's getting late. We should get some sleep."

Keme nodded before the two settled to bed. Neither of them bothered to get dressed—they were both exhausted.

Not only that, but they were comfortable, holding each other in their arms.

"Hey…" Keme whispered as Drusus turned off the lamp. The Monk hummed in response. "If I have a nightmare, will you wake me up?"

Drusus nodded before Keme could even finish—of course he would be there for him. After that traumatic day, they needed all the comfort.

And they found that comfort from each other.

"Of course," Drusus agreed. "Just as long as you do the same for me."

"Like the old days? Of course!"

Drusus chuckled at Keme's humor—he was thankful that despite what had happened, Keme still kept his optimistic personality.

"Good night, love."

"'Night, Drus," Keme whispered, sinking into the covers. "Sleep well…"

As the two drifted off into a well-deserved sleep, they felt safe and loved in each other's arms.

They had survived their ordeal together; they will get through the aftermath together as well.

Constructive criticism is welcomed! Thank you to all my readers and reviewers for taking the time to look at this! I apologize for not writing since November, and seeing everyone welcoming back made me smile.

More to come! Stay tuned!

Until next story, everyone… see you!