Wasteland.(Aarmau AU)

Chapter 20: Pendant

He had a four broken ribs, two broken fingers, and major fluid loss, his arm was at an odd angle so it might have been sprained, he was coughing up blood, so internal bleeding was a risk. It wasn't a lot, so it also might have just been blunt force bruising, a much less serious problem.

It was amazing honestly, how hurt he got, as he was the only one in power armor and Laurence escaped with just a broken arm, and his pride.

Although Aphmau knew how to fix the majority of these problems, they did not have the right medical equipment to do it properly.

The only place who would have it was the Vault. But Aphmau did not want to go back, for a number of reasons.

One, She didn't know the way from here, and she didn't want to get lost.

Two, it would take a few days to get there, even if they knew the way. And Aaron might not last that long in the cold air.

Three, She didn't know if she could last that long, She was so close to having her baby that she was afraid any strenuous activity would induce labor.

"We know the way!" Garroth said, setting some of Aaron's fingers. Laurence was wrapping a tight bandage around his chest, to set his ribs in place.

"You do?" Aphmau , checking Aaron's pulse.

It was stronger now, beating much more quickly and audible. He was getting better.

But the coughing had gotten worse, now he was throwing up blood, a lot of it, his color was draining from blood and fluid loss.

"I don't think we have a choice at this point. If we don't do something, I don't think he'll make it." Garroth replied, pushing the trashcan just a little bit closer.

"He won't." Laurence added sadly, giving Aphmau a apologetic look.

Her breath hitched, she didn't have to think about her next decision. It was made for her.

"How long will it take us to get there?" She asked hopeful they knew a shortcut.

"Well, only a day if we walk through the night. But Aph, the baby-" Garroth started.

"I'll be fine, We're not expecting them for another week. Right Laurence?" She asked.

"Well, yes, but, my vision is not always accurate, Are you willing to take that risk?"

She took a glance at Aaron, who was currently subconsciously trying to rip off his bandages. He was fading by the hour.

"Yes. Aaron's done so many things for me, it's time I start to give back."

"Okay, start packing your things well keep an eye on him." Garroth smiled and took Aaron's temperature.

"95.4, Low. But he has every blanket in the house."

Garroth and Laurence looked at each other, Garroth took a glance at his lovers arm and chuckled.

"You got lucky." Garroth laughed, grazing his back.

"No, I didn't..." Laurence replied softly, almost in a whisper.

"What, look how bad Aaron got it."he gestured, to the pale man on the metal table.

"Garroth, That was supposed to be me..." He said softly. His voice shaking.

"What?" Garroth asked quickly.

"I was supposed to die! I was supposed to be in Aaron's position! But I changed the fates, because I was scared, of dying, of never seeing your dumb face again!" He yelled,his voice resounding.

"Are you saying..."

"Aaron is stronger than me by a long shot, but the probability of him dying before we get there is still staggering. He may die, yes." He was trying to calm down, but was failing.

"Why would you..."

"I didn't ask for this! I didn't want this power! I never did, I don't want to see your death... It replays in my mind like a broken record. Fighting the Deathclaw and you getting in the way of its tail... Then it... it... Garroth..." He started to choke up. Tears threatening to fall.

"Shhh..., It's okay, you don't have to tell me." He brushed some hair out of his eyes. And smiled.

"All of us make mistakes, but it's also our job to try and make up for them." Garroth tipped Laurence's chin up to him.

"Aaron is as tough as steel , he'll be fine. Besides, We would be just as frantic if it was you. Now go pack, I'll keep an eye on him."

"Thank you..." Laurence went to join Aphmau. And closed the door behind him.

Garroth looked down to Aaron's pale face. And Aaron suddenly groaned a in slurred voice.

"G-Garroth..." He croaked, coughing loudly.

"You need rest, go to sleep Aaron." He responded, Aaron was delusional at the moment.

"No, I can't... Look in my pocket." He coughed up some blood on the floor. And groaned, grabbing Garroth's hand and shoved it into his pocket.

Only startled for a second, he felt something cold and hard, it felt like a rock.

He pulled it out, it was a little metal box, in it was a red and purple pendant. Swirled with gold.

It was untarnished, and looked brand new. He looked at Aaron in disbelief and he smiled.

"Give... it to her. If I don't...." he gags and hunches over, turning away and once again throwing up his lunch and blood.

He passes out, letting go of Garroth's hand with a metallic thump.

Garroth stares at the pendant, it was beautiful. he put it carefully in his pocket. For now, the pendant would stay with him.

He sighed and gave Aaron some fluids, and only for a second did Garroth's hand linger over his heart.

For it was beating very weakly, like it was on its last stretch.

He wasn't going to give up on him, for her sake.