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As soon as Keefe left Sophie, he went back to the common room to find the others waiting for him. Instantly, he was hit with a flare of panic and a cascade of questions. Calmly, he handed Sophie’s sparkling dagger to Fitz, knowing he would keep it safe, before turning to face the crowd of anxiety in front of him.
“Look, I will explain some of what just happened, but it’s not all my story to tell. That’s up to Sophie, and we need to make sure she feels safe enough to tell us, ok? Now, give me a minute, I need to borrow Dex.”
Dex’s head shot up, panic flooding his features as he tried to scramble away, “No, it’s um, it’s ok…… we don’t, we really don’t have to.” he stuttered.
“Yes we do Dexy,” replied Keefe, seizing his arm in an inescapable grip, “now c’mon, I promise this won’t be as bad as you think.”
Dex fought Keefe briefly, before taking a deep shaky breath and allowing himself to be dragged away to Keefe’s room.
The flood of anxious faces morphed into a concerned and troubled river as the boys left.
Halfway up the stairs to Keefe’s room, Dex filled with a new resolve and began attempting to escape Keefe’s concrete grip again, nearly sending both of them tumbling down the stairs.
Keefe adjusted his grip, pushing Dex in front of him, ensuring he couldn’t escape.
“Hey, calm down. I know this is really, really scary, but it needs to happen ok? Don’t worry, Sophie will be getting a similar conversation soon. In fact, I’m sure most of the people here need a conversation like this.”
“Ok.” Dex mumbled, as if all the energy from fighting has drained him. Then, as soon as the thought occurred, he asked “What about you? I mean no offence dude, you’re pretty cool, but it’s pretty clear you’re going through some shit too. It’s not fair of me to put all mine on you too.”
Keefe paused, then plastered on a grin. “Don’t worry, I’m all good. And if I ever do need anything, which won’t happen by the way, I can be serious and have a conversation too.”
Dex nodded, allowing Keefe to lead him into his room, and sit him on his bed.
“So,” said Keefe, running a hand through his shaggy hair, “I know this is like, the last thing you want to talk about right now, but I think it’s really important. You’re clear suffering too, so maybe talking will help?” He paused, taking a breath before asking the dreaded question, “What happened when you got kidnapped?”
Dex met his eyes, searching for a way to, please, get out of this conversation. When he realised he wouldn’t find one, he nodded, sighed, and began to describe what he remembered, choking back sobs as he spoke. He recalled every searing burn, every stinging comment, and every shock of terror and pain. When he finished, Keefe had scooted closer, placing an arm around Dex’s shoulders and pulling him into a half hug.
“I just feel so useless. Like nobody ever remembers what I went through too. I know what happened to Sophie was fucking horrific, and i’m not discrediting that, of course I’m not, she’s my best friend. I just wish someone would acknowledge me too, instead of me just being the ‘tech guy’ dealing with all the stuff nobody else understands.”
A wall of guilt hit Keefe as he realised Dex was right. They all loved Dex of course, but nobody had offered him the same comfort they’d offered Sophie. They needed to fix this, now. They needed to get Dex to realise they loved him too. That, of course they cared and they would always be there for him. Keefe vowed he would do everything he could to, and for now, he would just sit here, comforting Dex for as long as he needed.