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pendarling · 10 months

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Remember Last Night

Hero stretched out their tired limbs after the sound of a passing garbage truck woke them up. Their eyes adjusted to the light rays melting into the room and a stir of their blankets around them was met with an unexpected guest. Beside them in bed laid a stranger. Their back was turned and they breathed quietly, almost too subtly for them to notice had they not felt the sheets move.

Hero shot up and looked around lost in thought, they didn’t recall having ever brought anyone home or even being bold enough to think about it. Yet, this stranger seemed oddly familiar. Their eyebrows raised as they took a closer second look at the features of an upturned jawline and a mess of hair that reminded them of… Villain.

But that couldn’t be right, could it? Their head pondered on what exactly occurred the night before and immediately a hand rose to their exposed chest. A heavy blush formed around their cheeks and at last, Hero picked up on the severity of their situation.

As calmly as they could, Hero stepped out of bed, painfully wincing at the sound of low creaking from the bed and the floorboards beneath them. They quickly hopped around on their toes in search for whatever remnants of clothes they could find.

Some were sprawled up against the lamp or on the couch, while others were tossed on higher locations, but nonetheless their eyes remained focused on tending to themselves.

Hero forced their attention away from Villain to stop the creeping sense of unbearable guilty attraction. The urge to take a glance to double-check it was all real, but they knew that was an excuse to deliberately satisfy their hunger to simply stare with awe.

With sore hips and an empty memory, Hero decided it was best to leave for about an hour or two before Villain woke up. That way they didn’t have to confront them and even more so they would leave on their own. Never to mention any of this again and hopefully forget one day.

But, the universe seemed to have planned something else for them. As Hero search for their keys the loud yawn of the other waking up caught them off guard. Their body stilled and turned to look at Villain rise from bed, their eyes meeting in a silent conversation which led to an awkward discussion.

“Good morning…” Hero shyly spoke, still risking if they should go.

Villain rubbed their eyes and let their thoughts wander for a bit before replying the same back to them.

Well, there was no way out of this now. They would have to put up with whatever they were given and pray for a change of heart. If Villain didn’t already hate them that is, otherwise they’d be doomed.

With little left to hide, Villain casually stood from the bed. Hero frantically turned around to face away from what they knew would have stopped their heart right then and there.

The sound of Villain’s footsteps entering the bathroom was what finally put them at ease and let out a breath. “How could I do this to myself?” They whispered with a hint of confusion. No matter how hard they tried to recollect any details of last night, nothing came about. They wondered if Villain’s natural reaction without any panic meant that they knew what was going on. If so, they’d need to get the information out of them without looking totally lost.

Hero wasn’t sure if they were going to be used or fed false memories so it was best to seem collected. For now, all Hero knew was that they definitely weren’t getting drunk last night because they weren’t currently experiencing any hangovers. It didn’t mean it was any better though because it meant that when they chose to share the same bed with their enemy, they were in fact, fully aware and present in making their decisions.

They sat at the kitchen table after preparing breakfast. Their eyes hiding their own distress.

Villain had finally exited from the bathroom and strode into the kitchen, still seemingly acting normal.

“Oh, what’s this?” They sat down and stared at the meal in front of them, “you’ve decided to make breakfast for a change?” They laughed and picked up a spoon.

Change? Was this a ritual that they did often or… they never made breakfast for more than one person before so this would be their first time.

With the way their nemesis was acting though, it made it seem like they were giving them a hint at what the entire picture may be. Though this wasn’t the sort of hint Hero was looking for.

With their brows furrowed, and still trying to connect the dots, Hero took a look around the home.

It looked like their house and the layout was all the same, but there were a few parts to it they couldn’t recognize. Whatever it was, they were sure to figure it all out by the time they got just the slightest of clues.

Ideally, they would’ve preferred if Villain would just hurry up and tell them what sort of witchcraft they might’ve used to get Hero to climb into bed with them so easily, but this was reality. And Villain was known for their strange mind games as a favourite tactic.

They ate silently, Hero catching the easy stance of their enemy but they didn’t even bother to pass them a skeptical look. They looked almost too comfortable with being around Hero, like they’ve done this one too many times.

Their head turned to face the clock, it was noon.

Villain stood up and thanked them for the breakfast, “I’m gonna be back by 10 tonight. I’ll probably call a little before that.” They watched Villain set their dishes into the sink and take a glass of water before continuing, “So don’t bother waiting for me.”

“Oh.”

Their clouded gaze met Villain’s again. Were they missing something? It felt like there was a part of Hero that had went on a vacation and left them in their place. The growing unfamiliarity made them worried. How could Villain act so nonchalantly?

The other had finally caught on to their expression and tapped a finger to the counter slowly deciphering their face. “What’s wrong?”

Everything, or that’s what they wanted to say, but how would that turn out?

Villain noticed their extended silence and walked their way, they pushed a chair close and leaned over. Hero flinched the second their forehead met. A reaction that apparently didn’t sit well with Villain at all. “Does your head still hurt?”

They licked their lips and shook their head. Hero didn’t know if they ever notified Villain of any of their health or wellbeing if anything it would be stupid to do just that.

“I’m not…” they trailed off.

“Hero, you don’t look too happy. What’s the matter?” They pushed.

It wasn’t going to help them to keep quiet any longer, so they figured they might as well give in with all the concern they’ve received. “I can’t… remember last night.” They murmured feeling the warmth spread across their face already. Their longtime enemy however didn’t mirror that response and it made them anxious all over again.

“What do you mean?” They asked.

Hero swallowed and looked for a better way to clarify, but there really wasn’t any other way to put it. “I just can’t remember.”

“What about the medicine I gave you? Did your headache at least go away?”

“What headache?” With the way the conversation kept continuing Hero was slowly becoming convinced that it wasn’t just last night they were forgetting.

Villain leaned back into their chair and watched the scene unfold in front of them, “Do you at least remember our anniversary, honey?” They gave them an opportunity to let the question sink in, but to Villain’s surprise Hero turn to them with an unusual response.

“What anniversary?”

~~~

MASTERLIST

#hero x villian #writing prompt #writing #wriblr #writeblur #pining prompts #unrequited romance #romance tropes #memory loss trope #amnesia trope #romance trope #fluff prompt #prompts #villain x hero #villainxhero

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nvvacanesworld · 2 months

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Last Spring

ᯓ★ Jean Kirstein x Fem Reader

Summary: You guys met in spring, All was forgotten by Fall.

You and Jean fall in love after you meet at your local Roller Rink, all is well until a accident causes you to lose your memory, forcing you guys to sever what you’ve could’ve been.

TW!-Angst/No comfort, Fluff in the beginning then it gets bad :) Car accident, Confessions, Crying (aww the three C’s) , Jean moves onto mikasa (let me know is i missed anything)

Winter was finally over and it was your favorite season.

Spring

The beautiful flowers blooming in the lush grass. The weather that feels just right, not to cold, not to hot. Even what some people would consider the bad parts like the weather that could just never seem to stay consistent, or the pollen that caused you to sneeze constantly.

You loved all of it

What you loved most about spring though? Is that you finally had time to yourself. You were done with your exams. So that meant no more late nights studying ruining your sleep schedule trying to cram as much information into your brain as possible. Also Basketball season was over, meaning you didn’t have to stay after school practicing for something you weren’t even passionate about anymore. You could Relax.

Well not really

You were poor. You grew up poor and for a long time you were sure you would die poor because you never saw yourself being able to pay for yourself to go to a good college.

Until your senior year of highschool came and you got a offer to play basketball at a D2 school.

But just because you got a scholarship doesn’t mean all expenses were paid for.

So that’s why you found yourself, every spring, working at your local roller rink until it was time to play again.

—

“Hey? Everything alright?”

A deep voice broke you out of your trance. Almost falling off of your stool you rushed to answer the man.

“Shit! Fuck, I’m so sorry” Mentally face planing yourself. Really day dreaming at work Y/n? Fuck if you’re manager hears about this your screwed. “I’m sorry- uhh how can i help you?” Putting on your best smile to cover up the fact you were bad at your job. The man only laughed and smiled back at you. He has a nice smile. You thought to yourself as you stared into his hazel eyes that were locked with your e/c ones.

He had a boy next door vibe, he looks sweet, you thought again. He looked to be standing at about 6’2 inches. You trailed your eyes down his body.

Fuck he looks like he works out too

You could practically tell he was fit just from how he looked in his outfit. How his shirt hugged his body, How his arms filled into it just right.

Realizing you were literally checking a customer out you shot your eyes back up to his to find them not staring at you but at your upper body. Particularly your chest and the way your top hugged your breasts. When he realized you were looking at him his body stiffed up and a pink hue took over his cheeks. Aw how cute

“How may i help you?” You said again only this time you said it more seductively while smiling at him. He coughed into his hand speaking up again “Ah yea- um i just need a size 12 skates” He said holding up his shoes so you guys could exchange “Please” he added with a smile.

After getting his skates you watched him walk back over to what seemed to be his friends. Looking at the group you could tell they were hyping him up in some way and he looked so nervous. It was so cute.

He was so cute.

—

Looking up from the tables you just finished cleaning the time was 9:56 p.m. Great we close in just four minutes. You were so tired and just wanted to go home so you could shower and catch up on Love is blind. You were walking back up to the front desk when you saw that same guy again standing there. His eyes lit up when he saw you. He looked like he was waiting for you to come back there.

“Sir can i help you?”

When you finally reached him his body stiffened. He looks so awkward.

“Uh-“ Looking behind him he locked eyes with his friends at the front door who seemed to have been waiting for him. “I- Um- Shit”

He looked like a nervous wreck . Wiping his palms on his pants. Biting his lip. You really wish he would hurry up. Your bed is screaming your name right now.

“Can i get your number?” He said it so fast while closing his eyes like he was bracing himself for some sort of impact. Really? That’s it? The way this guy was acting you would’ve thought he was going to say he rammed my car trying to get out of his parking space.

You looked at him contemplating if you should or not. Before you could decide you needed to ask him just one thing.

“How old are you?”

His eyes widened at your question but he still answered with haste. “I’m 23” Smirking while he answered. Looking to have slowly gained just some confidence.

“Oh cool, i’m 20” You smiled up at him. Walking over to the counter you reached for a pen and paper. “I’m pretty sure my phone is dead right now but just take my number on this and text me when you get home” Keeping your smile as you handed it to him.

Your smile made him smile too. He accepted the paper “Thank you pretty, i’ll do that” He turned to walk away leaving you to watch him walk back to his friends who seemed so proud of him, one of them who had a buzzcut even fake fainted with tears in his eyes. Damn he must get no play. Laughing out loud at your thoughts you went to grab your purse. Looking at the clock again it read 10:00 p.m.

You went to turn off the lights to the building walking to the front door where you were met with the night time security guard.

“See you Tomorrow Y/n, Get home safe” Waving you off

“Byeeee see you tomorrow” You chirped back walking out the doors.

—

“And i don’t know he just doesn’t seem serious about me”

“Girl what about the other guy that you talked to in the pods ? What was his name..um..OH Jake, Yeah what about him?”

You were now in your bed with your face mask on totally embraced into this show. It’s not when you hear your phone ding that you take your eyes off the screen. Ruffling your hands through the covers trying to feel for your phone you finally grab hold of it and look at this message from a random number.

513-***-****

Hey😗

It’s Jean from the Skating rink

Well i’m not sure if i told you my name

But it’s jean

if you were wondering

which I’m sure sounds stupid now bc why wouldn’t you want to know my name

Before he could send anymore anxious messages you replied but not before save his contact

You

lmfao calm down it’s okay

hi jean i’m y/n

He replied back almost immediately.

Cutie from ma job😏

That’s a pretty name🫠

So….

If you had a hour left to live what would you do?

You

aldhdkdhjd

what?

uhh probably want to spend it with the people i love the most…

or maybe have my fav meal one last time

look at you coming in with a bang💀

Cutie from ma job😏

I’m just trying to get to know you beautiful 😪

wanted to ask you something that would make me stand out

can you blame a guy for trying?

You giggled at his message. You guess you couldn’t blame him for trying, and yo be fair you’ve bever got asked a question like that from a guy in the first few messages you share. It’s usually “wyd” or just back and forth flirting. He seems so sweet. It made you forget about your show and continue to text him

You guys had been texting for about a hour before he asked you something that made you sit up from your bed.

Cutie from ma job😏

I really like talking to you y/n

Can i take you out? On a date i mean

You deserve to get taken somewhere nice

Ok, now you were full blown smiling and you could fry an egg on how hot your cheeks felt. You’ve never felt a connection like this with someone just from texting nor had you ever came into contact with someone who seemed so genuine. So you did the only reasonable thing you could think of

You

CODE RED OMG HELPP

AJDHSKSHDJDJ

HELP ME

WAKE UP

PLEASE HELPPPPPPPPP

🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨

DUMB 🍑

WHAT HAPPENED???

ARE YOU OKAY??

DO I NEED TO CALL THE COPS?

Y/N ANSWER ME

You

NO NO NO

I’m okay

I just

I just 😪 fuck idk how to say this

DUMB 🍑

So god help me

spit it tf out

You

I got asked on a date 😀

*attachment 1*

DUMB 🍑

Awwwww

so?

You

WHAT ??

WHAT DO I SAY IM SCARED

FUCK CALL ME

Long story short, Mya, Your sister said to just go with what your heart desires and then went on this long speech about how she was sooo worried something bad could’ve happened.

So you did just that

You

where ya taking me?😙

Cutie from ma job😏

Do you like surprises?

You

…

yes🫶

Cutie from ma job😏

Be ready saturday at 8:00 p.m.

Send your address

or you can wait

up to you

Whatever makes you comfortable so rush❤️

You sent him your address after contemplating if he was trust worthy or not. After you sent it you screamed into your pillow thrashing in your bed like maniac. This was overwhelming for you.

When’s the last time you had a date?

—

This was the 5th time you looked in the mirror.

It was Saturday the clock read 7:56 p.m. He would be here any minute now and you couldn’t calm down. You were so anxious

Hearing the sound of car horn outside you jumped at the sound.

Fuck

Taking one last look in the mirror you rushed outside seeing his car parked in across the street from your dorm building. He was already waiting outside the car door to greet you when you got in proximity with his car.

“Hi” He said nervously. “You look amazing, i mean when do you not look amazing” He rambled

“Hi jean” Standing in front of him you got a good look at him. Finally locking eyes with those hazel eyes that drew you into him when you first met. “Thank you, You look very handsome”

Your comment obviously had an effect on him based on his reaction. He took his hand to his face to cover his smile. God he really was so cute.

—

“Okay cover your eyes for me”

“Got it” You put your hands over your eyes awaiting to see this surprise he was raving about so much. After about 5 more minutes of driving the car came to a halt.

“Can i uncover-“

“NO”

You pressed your hands into your eyes harder at his reaction. So hard you felt they could’ve got stuck

“Shit- I’m sorry pretty, i just don’t wanna ruin it, here let me help you out” You heard him get out the car and his footsteps come over to your side of the car.

“I’m right here” He reached over to unbuckle your seat belt his hand brushing over your thighs as he did. His touches were so light and gentle. It was like he was dealing with a baby the way he was treating you. Something so precious and delicate.

“Okay i’m ‘gonna lead you out now”

“Okay” You said so softly you almost didn’t catch it yourself. You’ve never felt like this before. It felt nice, You felt like you could depend on him and you never felt like you could depend on anybody.

Not even your own parents

Leading you out the car Jean held your hand as he walked down a path. You could tell you were outside because you could here the leaves crushing beneath your feet and the twigs snapping as you walked with him. Along with the nice spring breeze on your skin.

“Okay open your eyes now” whispering close to your ear. You could feel his breathe against your skin warming it when he spoke.

Uncovering your eyes the scene before you. Lanterns lit the area added just the perfect amount of light to the romantic atmosphere. Blankets used as padded big enough so you guys could late down and cuddle. A projector that was projecting your favorite movie waiting to be started.

But your favorite thing

When you and Jean were getting to know each other he asked you what your favorite food was. You didn’t think to much of it but looking at some of your favorite foods laid out of trays in front of you, you think to yourself on how he must have been planning this before he even asked.

It was so perfect you could cry

“Jean oh my goodness” your voice cracking as you tried to put into words just how all of this made you feel

“This is- It’s so- Wow jean i don’t even know what to say right now” Turing around so you could stare into his eyes that you saw were already looking back at you.

“You don’t have to say anything, i understand pretty, you’re welcome”

It’s crazy how he understood you and you guys just met. It felt like he was your boyfriend already and you guys just met.

“Come, Come sit down” He takes your hand leading you to the blankets sitting down with you after you take your seat.

Such a gentleman too

“I’m happy you let me do this for you” He looked at you with what looked like admiration.

“Jean you went above and beyond you didn’t have to do this, this is so much i’m just so speechless”

“A beauty like you deserves it” Reaching for you hand to hold it you took his hand. He pulled you into his chest and went to start the movie.

I can already tell ill remember this night forever.

—

It’s been 3 months sense your date with Jean and things have only gotten better. You two started dating but you wanted to take things slow, being so used to rushing into things and it back firing on you, you didn’t want that to happen again.

You were sitting at the front desk at the Roller Rink. Bored out of your mind, missing Jean.

It’s like the clock was taunting you with how loud it was ticking.

To say the least you couldn’t wait to get out of here. Especially because jean said he wanted to take you to you guys spot.

The spot he took you to on your first date had a tree that you guys ended up visiting every now and then. Whether it was to do study and do work, Or just to get away. It was you guy’s thing to just visit the tree from time to time.

He expressed how he had something really important to tell you so you couldn’t wait to say the least. Just thinking about it was making your day better.

Just then it was like a miracle happened.

“Y/n your free to go we aren’t to busy today so i can take it from here”

Wow how lucky am i?

Before she could say another word you rushed to clock out.

After clocking out you shot Jean a text

You

I GOT OFF EARLYYYYYYY!!

WOOOOO

i cant wait to see you ;)

Jean❤️

That’s amazing love

I’ll see you soon i’m already here ;)

—

Running to the tree you saw jean sitting there. He was doodling in his notebook but put it down when he heard your footsteps

You ran into his arms letting his snaking around your waist, yours going to wrap around his neck

“I’ve missed you so much pretty, how was work?”

“i’ve missed you more and It was good but please i don’t wanna talk about work jean”

You both laughed and you get comfortable leaning your back against the bark

“What did you want to tell me?”

Jeans eyes light up and he starts to use his middle finger to starch his thumb. Something you learned he did when he was nervous.

“Okay i need you to look at me when i say this” He fixes he posture and takes your chin into his hands to turn your face towards him. Locking eyes with those hazel ones you’ve learned to love. You brace yourself for what he is about to say.

“Since the moment i laid eyes on you it felt like i’ve known you my whole life, like i was looking into the eyes of a lover from a past life time. Getting to know you has been a blessing, it’s been just what i needed, i couldn’t imagine myself being with any of girl y/n. You make me so happy, whenever i lock eyes with you i know that i wanna grow old with you, and i’m saying all this because-“ He sucks in a breath

“I love you”

You didn’t even know you had tears coming out your eyes until Jean takes his hand to your cheek to wipe them.

“Don’t cry love, it’s o-“

“I love you too Jean”

—

Walking back to you guys car you guys go to your designated vehicles, not after agreeing to follow eachother to Jeans apartment.

Your so caught up in your own world right now. Everything is going amazing for you. You’re doing good in school on the track to graduating. You have an amazing boyfriend who just confessed his love for you and you have a great job lined up for you after you graduate.

You’ve come so far from when you were a kid. Nothing could go-

BEEEPP!

The blaring horn of a truck takes you out of your dream like trance. You look to your left and see a Semi Truck speeding towards you and it shows no signs of stopping.

You can feel like life flash before your eyes. The truck crashing into the driver side of your car making it glide across the rode on impact, flipping over and all. A loud crash is heard. The glass from your windows flying across the pavement.

You don’t feel anything at first. Until you look downwards and see blood everywhere. You start to loose consciousness.

…

….

Ba-dump

“Y/n!”

Ba-dump

“Baby please wake up”

Ba-dump

Until everything goes blank.

—

“Like i was explaining before Mr.Kirstien we can’t disclose anything about the patient not unless you are married or family”

“You have to tell me please, That’s my girlfriend in there i can’t be in the dark about this”

Jean drops to his knees in front of the doctor catching the attention of no other than your parents

“Please anything just is she okay? Will she be okay?”

The doctor pitches the bridge of her nose looking up while sighing

“Sir please get up-“

“Excuse me”

They both turn there heads at the sound of a women. Jean looks at her.

“Are you looking for my daughter?”

He must look a mess right now he thinks to himself. Bloodshot eyes from non stop days crying about you, Snot coming out his nose from his current crying, Face red and puffy.

But how could he not look like this?

He couldn’t be okay if he doesn’t know if your okay or not.

The women looks to be in about her 50’s but that’s not the crazy part.

She looks just like you. This must be your mother.

The doctor taking this as her chance to escape walking away leaving your mom to take care of it.

“A-are you y/n’s mom?”

“Yes i am” The women answered in almost a whisper. At this news Jean gets off the ground standing up straight. “Hi i’m- Hello Ma’am i’m Jean, Y/n’s Boyfriend” The women smiles “Ah yes she did mention how she had a boyfriend” At this news Jean gains hope

Is she awake?

“Is she awake? Can i speak to her ? Did she tell you that now ?”He is fumbling over his words rushing all his thoughts out at once. But who could blame him ? He was a wreck right now he didn’t know if you were dead or alive.

“She’s awake but-“ Her voice cracks “The doctor said she- Oh god i can’t do this” She breaks down into tears. Jean leads her to a seat taking a seat next to her as she sits down. Letting her hold his hand and cry on his shoulder.

After she calms down she starts to speak again.

“The doctor s-said she lost her memory and won’t be able to remember anything from before she woke u-up in the hospital. I-i- she doesn’t even remember h-er own mother” The women breaks down again not being able to hold in her emotions when she thinks about her daughter and what she went through.

Jean feels like the world stopped spinning. What? What did she mean you lost your memory? So you won’t be able to remember him? all the times you shared together?

He needed to see you

—

Looking out the window of your hospital room you felt numb. Not because of all the drugs in your body to make sure you were okay but because you it felt like you were rid of emotions. You felt bad for the women. You really did, but you just didn’t know her anymore.

The door to the hospital room opened revealing a man that stood at about 6’2

You could tell he worked out

But he looked so deflated.

Hm did she know him too?

“she” As in your past self. Because honestly that just wasn’t you anymore.

“Y/n”

“Hm”

You look at him with indifference as you watch his face fall. It was like someone pulled a plug on him. It’s like he knew this wasn’t the girl he knew

“You- You don’t remember me? At all”

You don’t say anything. Just because you think it’s obvious.He doesn’t take lightly to this though. Rushing to your side taking your hands into his. He’s squeezing the life out of you right now

“I need you to answer me y/n do you remember me ? at all?” His voice raises. He’s getting desperate. “Please it’s me, Jean” He says with a tearful smile.

He was oh so desperate.

“Look”

He felt his stomach drop

“I’m sure you and i guess- y/n, we’re very close but i don’t remember that anymore. I wish i did you seem so hurt right now but that just isn’t me” You sigh “I’m sorry, Jean”

—

It was Jeans Favorite season

Spring

But what he loved most about spring was his memory’s if you and what you once had.

“Jeannn come on, let’s go get our skates” His girlfriends mikasa drags him to the front desk. Jean winces at her touch not wanting step close to that desk. Let alone be in this place.

“Can i get two pairs of skates please? One size 7 one size 12..”

He stares at the desk and the new worker who is there.

Well not entirely new.

Because she may have your face, Your hair, even your scent

But that’s not you.

Jeans eyes met your e/c ones. He felt butterflies in his stomach. He wish something would snap in you and you would remember him, remember you and him and all the memories you shared.

But he knows that will never happen.

Jean loves spring he loved everything about spring.

But every spring he’s reminded of last spring.

and what you and him could’ve had.

An- Hey y’all okay so i’m not crying you are. But also more importantly this was not proof read at all so pls correct me if i have any mistakes and show me mercy as i am new to writing i’m trying my best so i may not be as good as these writers that get 1,000’s of notes but with time i will improve if you have any tips feel free to share with me in comments or dm’s i’m always down talk about writing ✍🏽, i’m very tired and have morning classes tomorrow. Thank you for reading 🩷🩷🩷🩷 mwah 💋

#angst #anime angst #x reader angst #jean kirschtein x reader #jean aot #attack on titan #jean kirschstein college au #jean kirstein x black reader #nvvacanesworld #jean x reader #jean kirstein #jean kirschtein fanfiction #aot fanfiction #aot angst #angst no happy ending #memory loss trope #x black fem reader #fem reader #attack on titan angst

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redd956 · 1 year

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Whumper + Memory Loss Trope

Or anything similar that could potentially swamp Whumper’s alignment

I love this trope for Whumpers

Something happened to Whumper and now they have no memory of their actions, maybe they are quite stunted memory wise and it has caused a swap in personality (such as forgetting their motivations in the first place)

Does it happen in front of Whumpee, where Whumpee is possibly the cause of the memory loss. How do they react to a lost and disoriented Whumper, who doesn’t remember Whumpee or what they did. Imagine a Whumpee who refuses to accept that fact, and takes advantage of Whumper’s current state.

Or maybe Whumpee feels extremely sorry, and brings Whumper to tag along in their journey of recovery. Maybe Whumpee is so overwhelmed or apathetic to the matter and just leaves Whumper behind, only to run into them again some other day.

What happens if Whumper ever retains their memories. Does whumper become ashamed of themselves? Or does Whumper take this as a chance to return back to what they were up to? Maybe they continue to pretend not to remember things either to protect themselves or to deceive Whumpee.

Imagine a Caretaker caring for Whumper without telling them anything, and one day Whumpee can’t take it and let’s something slip.

Maybe a left behind Whumper becomes a Whumperee by someone other than Whumpee.

Maybe Whumper’s personality and health took quite a big hit too, and they require someone else to heal, after all amnesia can be quite dangerous and usually is paired with a plethora of other afflictions.

Whumper who can’t remember shit.

#cw amnesia #tw amnesia #amnesia #cw memory loss #whump #tw memory loss #whumper #whumperee #whumper turned whumpee #memory loss whumper #memory loss trope #mind controlled whumper #whump prompt #whump rambling #whump ideas #whump stuff

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tanninbalm · 2 years

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Chapter 7 is up!

(and now for something completely different...) (and a little shorter - sorry!)

Preview:

Call from: Martin. Blackwood.

“Georgie, get the phone?” Melanie groaned, freshly tucked into bed, limbs just melting into the satiny sheets.

“Is your phom,” Georgie called from the bathroom, words muddled and frothy, likely around a toothbrush.

With another grumble, Melanie palmed the mobile off the nightstand, and answered it. “No one I know would call at this hour.”

“It’s not even midnight,” Martin hissed, his voice tight and hushed.

“It would be too easy for you to lie to me. Could be 2 in the morning, for all I know.”

“Be nice,” Georgie whispered, rustling the sheets and dipping the mattress as she climbed into bed.

Melanie endured the light smack at her shoulder, and tried to wake up enough to be helpful. After all, between the three of them, Martin had earned the award for most stressful day.

“How are you?” She asked.

“Oh, you know,” came Martin’s hushed voice.

“As your friend, I should tell you, Georgie might be better at this.”

“No.” Martin said, all sandpaper and panic. “No. I - tell her I said hi.”

“He says hi.”

Georgie leaned it close to the speaker. “Hi, Martin, hope you’re okay?”

“I’m fine,” Martin whispered back.

“If you’re so fine, why are you calling me this late and -” She dropped her voice to mock subterfuge. “Why are you whispering?”

“Because!” Martin’s voice cracked a little. “Jon is here, and - I can’t believe I’m saying this - but how do I know he’s not listening at the door or something?”

“He would absolutely do that.”

“I know! I know that, you think I don’t know that? I’m hiding under all my blankets right now - Christ - what am I doing?”

“Being pretty practical, all things considered. So,” she sighed. “Did it go terribly? Was he awful, in typical Jon Sims fashion?”

“N-no,” Martin whispered. “No he was - God, I don’t know why I’m doing this to myself.”

“Put him on speaker,” Georgie hissed, and Melanie shooed her away. The poor man deserved some privacy while he sobbed in his blanket fort.

“I mean - he - he was just so Jon,” Martin managed. “I kept feeling like nothing had changed, or - and - he knew where I kept my plates? Maybe it was nothing, it’s not like the kitchen is that big, but, I’ve completely lost - my - mind.”

“You lost that by falling for him in the first place.”

Keep reading

#jonmartin #the magnus archives #tma #jonmartin fanfiction #memory loss trope #tma fanfic

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humunanunga · 1 year

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Enough of the trope where memory loss undoes the damage or the corruption or whatever. More content where removing memories just removes the context.

The tragedy of needing to grieve and not knowing what or who you lost or why. The angst of having trauma and being denied the awareness that it's trauma. The suspense of being different somehow and left to wonder how and when. The tension of knowing that something is off and you can't find where it hurts. The Adventure Zone gets it. Kingdom Hearts gets it.

There is an aching inside you and you don't know how it got there.

#i think about xion or the stolen century and need to lay down. i'm so normal about them.#tropes #narrative tropes #memory loss #tragedy #angst #the adventure zone #taz balance #the stolen century #kingdom hearts #xion #writing #musings #hall of fame

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sidras-tak · 11 months

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#sparklepants #for me it’s the memory loss #never seen that trope done well. ever. and I’m actively mad about it every time it happens #tv tropes #narrative tropes #there’s like no good way to tag this huh #but I do want to know everyone’s thoughts #also hoping I didn’t miss something obvious as a choice

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pyxelaceblr · 1 year

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And, just for a moment...

here it is :D based on the idea of Koda and I's characters (basically full on OCs) in a memory loss situation (the reason behind it is left to your interpretation :)) with no happy ending

enjoy :D

Part I: Dreams a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep.

What do you dream of? It was a simple enough question, Koda thought initially. Everybody dreams; in one way or another. People dreamed of events they had recently experienced or what they wanted the most or even abstract ideas they could never understand or explain, so what did he dream of? He wasn’t quite sure. How could one dream when they knew nothing of who they were? That thought could’ve explained it but it wasn’t the answer he was looking for and it probably wasn’t the one his company was looking for either.

Ace sat across from him, cross legged on the soft grass, the reflection of the last sun rays casted on their glasses. For a second, Koda wondered what their answer would be. Did they dream? That would erase the only theory his mind could conjure. Ace’s eyes caught his as they waited for a reply, snapping Koda out of his inner thoughts.

“I’m not sure,” he finally answered, “I might not remember my dreams.” Ace only hummed in reply, their gaze settling on the sun, ever so slowly setting beyond the hill they both sat upon. “And you?”

“Me?” Ace asked, eyes still on the changing colors of the approaching sunset.

“What do you dream of?”

“I contradict myself.” They answered and, for a moment, Koda thought Ace would stop there. However, they continued. “Sometimes I wish I could remember everything and sometimes I wish for anything but. But literally? At night? I don’t dream at all.”

So, just like him; Koda thought for a moment. “Do you ever wish to?”

“Occasionally, yes. Other times it’s what I’m the most terrified of.” Their hand had settled on the grass, lazily pulling at it, not even close to hard enough to pull any strands from the earth.

Koda tilted his head at their words. “How come?”

“What if I dreamt of my life before? What if I could piece things together from my dreams?” The hypotheticals spilled from their lips.

“You thought that could be happening to me?” He asked, not waiting for any particular answer. “I’m not sure how I would feel about that either but…” he hesitated, thinking for a moment before settling on something, “I think I’d rather know.”

“Aren’t you scared of what you’d find?” Ace asked. “If you knew, I mean.”

“What do you mean?” He asked.

“You have an understanding of how you act now, without your memories.” Ace started explaining. “What if you remember how you were and you were completely different? What would you do then? How do you compromise with who you used to be and who you are now?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted, “but I feel like I’d be able to figure it out or learn from the possible mistakes I had made.”

“But…” They halted, questioning whether to continue or not. They seemed to decide to do so. “Could you live with yourself if you found out you were a horrible person? Would you rather know if that was the case?”

“Kind of?” Koda guessed. “Yes. I still think I’d want to know. I’d rather that than continue to be a stranger to myself.”

Ace looked at him for a moment, searching for something they couldn’t quite place. After a few seconds, their eyes found the sky once more. “I guess so.”

The conversation trailed away like the breeze that sounded out with the shaking of grass. Hues of oranges and yellows draped over the two as Koda placed his hand atop of Ace’s, stopping their pulling at the grass. They turned their palm almost immediately, shifting their hold to hold each others’ hands in a soft grip. The same unspoken question flowed between the two. None of them had dared to voice it but it always crawled its way back, since their first meeting upon the hill, after a touch, a lean, a shift closer.

It was a mystery how they both had ended up on the hill for that first sunset together. Koda had been trekking through the woods around the home he woke memoryless from, one he had assumed to belong to him. He had found the hill by chance, tall and bare of any trees, and almost immediately set course to its top where he found Ace. Ace had a similar tale to tell when they talked for the first time. The hill was visible from the house they woke up in and they had wanted to go to it for a while and, for a reason they couldn’t place, they just did so that day. Their unexplained proximity had started soon after their initial chat with a hand hold similar to the one they were experiencing again.

None of them had dared to voice it but that day seemed to be different, as the question was vocalized for the first time since they found each other.

“Do you know who I am?” Koda whispered after clearing his throat softly.

Ace looked at him for a moment, searching his gaze before answering. “I don’t. I've never lied. I don’t remember anything or anyone.”

“I don’t either but…” The words drifted into nothing. The sound of the grass dancing seemed to grow louder as the air grew dense. “Do you think-” Koda halted for a moment, his words were whispered as light as the wind- “we knew each other before?”

“Yes.” Ace replied immediately but just as softly in tone. They cleared their throat, speaking slightly louder than before. “I do. I’ve thought about it since the first day here.”

“Me too.” The words didn’t come to him for a moment, like he wasn’t sure how to explain it. Still, he tried because while the words didn’t cooperate, the thought that they’d understand was clear in his mind. “The day we ended up here together for the first time, it was like… Like I didn’t recognize you but I felt like I should.”

“Yes.” Ace agreed without elaborating any more.

“And,” Koda continued after realizing their silence, “holding your hand like this. I feel like I’ve done it before. I feel like I used to do it.”

“Yes.” They repeated, agreeing and nothing more.

“This hill, you, me…” He, once again, continued. “It’s the only thing that makes sense right now.” This time, no agreement came. He waited for a few seconds but no words came. “Ace?”

“Yes, I…” They attempted before continuing. “I trust you. I don’t know why I just do, since day one. I trust you, Koda.”

He was taking a back for a moment, his grip on their hand tightened slightly. He sat up on his knees, placing a hand on their cheek to meet their eyes before he spoke. “I trust you too, Ace.”

Ace leaned forward, resting their forehead on Koda’s shoulder, sighing. “It’s like muscle memory, right?” They started, seemingly thinking at loud. “Everyone says there’s things you never really forget like riding a bike or the words to an old song you haven’t heard in so long. Remembering you is like that.”

“Yes, it’s like that.” Koda agreed. “I think I read about someone who thought new memories made new stars and that’s why you can never really forget anything, because the stars are there to remind you.”

“That’s a beautiful theory.” They closed their eyes and they swore they could make out the distinct image of the star-filled sky that would soon be above them in their mind.

Koda hummed at their comment. “Maybe we might not remember but a part of us does.” His hand found the top of their head, threading his fingers into their hair softly. “See, I wish I could remember you. I wish I knew why this felt right.”

“I get it.” They whispered, moving their arms to fully hug him. “But, right now, I think I’m alright with this feeling right. I don’t think I need to know. At least right now.”

Koda laughed softly, hugging back. He looked up over the horizon, finding the final rays of sun settling beyond his sight. The light bathing the two in orange and red was fading, leaving a comfortable darkness behind and, just for a moment, he was alright with not having the answers.

“I think I can be alright with that right now too. And, hey, maybe I’ll have something to dream of.”

Ace smiled slightly. “Yes, maybe.”

Part II: Mementos an object kept as a reminder of a person or event.

How can a brain with no memories think so loud? Ace had been asking themself that question often. They laid flat on the surface of the bed they thought was their own staring at an unfamiliar ceiling that was starting to grow familiar as the nights passed. Their eyes wide open and restless. Even with no clocks in the house, they didn’t feel the need to look at one: they knew exactly how long it had been since they tried to sleep and failed to.

They sat up, eyes locked on the lowest drawer on the table across the room. They were going to open it, they had to. They had had this debate for many nights but they were actually going to open it tonight. Something was in there. Something that scared them. All they could guess was that it was linked to who they had been.

I still think I’d want to know. I’d rather that than continue to be a stranger to myself.

They were going to open it.

They stepped away from the bed and approached the drawer, taking a breath before pulling it open in a quick movement, leaving no time to second guess their decision. They tore their eyes away for a moment before slowly looking at the contents.

The first thing that caught Ace’s attention was a pocket watch. Its case was open, showcasing a long crack upon the surface of the glass. It was broken. The hands didn’t move and no ticking sound came from it. They could feel something coming from it. A feeling or an aura- they weren’t quite sure. They slowly moved to grab it, almost letting it go as it touched their hand. It felt wrong in their grip; heavy, boiling, unbalanced… they couldn’t quite place what it was but they fought against the feeling, keeping the watch in their grip before reaching for the next item. A paper, or better said a note. Peeking inside, they quickly recognized their own name at the bottom of the page, written in curve lettering, masterfully.

They skimmed through the words quickly- their own writing, they knew that for a fact- making their eyes widen. They dropped the watch and the page like they were scolding hot, backing away from the drawer. Their head banged in pain as they dropped onto the mattress, hiding their eyes with their hands until consciousness faded away. They could only think one thing as sleep took over: how do they come to terms with that?

The next evening, Ace sat upon the hill in their usual pose but restless, their hands fidgeting with the ends of their sleeves as they looked at nothing in particular. They turned away from the particular patch of grass their gaze had settled on when they heard the familiar sound of light steps running up the hill. Koda had arrived.

He stood opposite Ace, the sunlight making his form appear as a shadow on the edges. Panting, he adjusted the grip on the guitar being held behind his back in a poor attempt to hide it from view. He repeated their name a few times before continuing to the topic he wanted to talk about. “I was looking around that room I told you of- the one with the bunch of things and boxes in it, you know?- and I found this!” He shifted his hold on the guitar again to showcase it properly. “And that’s not even the best part! I decided that, hey, maybe this was mine, right? So maybe the logic of muscle memory could kick in and I could still play it and…” He paused.

Ace laughed slightly. “And?”

“And I can!” Koda smiled widely before moving to sit on the grass in front of Ace, guitar placed on his lap comfortably. “Do you want to hear?”

Ace hesitated for a moment. They had spent all the time waiting for his arrival building the confidence to tell him what they had found but now he had brought good news and they couldn’t find it within them to bring him down. So, instead, they smiled. “Sure. I’d love to.”

With a final smile their way, Koda looked down at the instrument, beginning the first strums of a soft melody. The tune was almost familiar, like a greeting from an old friend, and it shared the same feeling as the image before Ace. Like a photograph of an old time, it felt nostalgic in a way they couldn’t place as there was nothing in their head to induce that feeling. More accurately, it felt natural. Koda’s graceful strumming and soft smile as he played through the song his fingers remembered in a way his head could not; it felt like everything was as it should be. It felt like everything was alright but one look down at their still fidgeting hands reminded Ace that that wasn’t the case.

Eventually, the song ended, way before either of them wanted it to. A silence settled for a few moments after as if they silently agreed to let the moment last a few seconds longer. But, everything had to end eventually.

“That was beautiful, Koda.” Ace smiled, looking at him for a moment before settling their gaze on the grass once more.

“Thank you.” He smiled back, settling the guitar down on the ground next to him before moving closer to sit next to Ace. “So, something’s on your mind. What’s bothering you?”

Ace turned to look at him, eyebrow raised. “How’d you know?”

He smiled. “Just a guess. A good one, at that.” He nudged their shoulder. “So? Tell me?”

They sighed. “It’s complicated.” He hummed. “And?”

“You’re not letting it go, huh?” Ace asked, a smile threatening to pull at their lips.

“Nope.” He smiled. “Tell me now?”

They sighed once again. “Alright but you won’t like it.” “That is fine.” “And I won’t either.”

“You still know it so you don’t like whether you tell me or not.” He argued. “So we can not like it together.”

Ace reached into their pocket, taking out a square of folded paper. They slowly unfolded it. It felt heavy in their hands as they glanced at it briefly before handing it to Koda. “I found this in a drawer at the house last night.”

Koda glanced at Ace once before shifting his gaze to the page in his hands.

In a short period of time, the only person that could find this is me and, as what happens in the long term isn’t much my concern anymore, I will focus on that. If I am reading this, it is important to note that that shouldn’t be possible but as a final precaution I’ll leave this behind regardless.

You likely don’t understand what happened to you and may feel it’s unfair or useless but I must assure you it is not. There’s a reason behind it, one I can not explain without inflicting a pain you have likely felt reading these words. So, I will tell you only this: you must let go. Don’t search for answers you mustn't have. Don’t create suffering that shouldn’t exist. Don’t stick around if you feel it hurts.

I hope I’ll understand this if I see it, if I unfortunately see it. If not immediately, I hope it will dawn on me. And that is all I can do.

Ace.

Koda turned to look at Ace after he finished reading, waiting for them to speak and, eventually, they did. “I wish I hadn’t found it.”

Koda tilted his head. “How come?”

Ace’s eyes widened as they turned to look him in the eyes. “Don’t you see? I could easily be at fault here! And even if I’m not, what did I do that requires this? Why shouldn’t I be able to find it?”

They broke eye contact in a blink, resting their elbows on their legs as they covered their face with their hands, scratching at the start of their scalp. Koda wrapped an arm around their shoulder, before moving to sit behind them on his knees, resting his head on theirs. “You’re assuming the worst and there’s no real evidence behind what you’re saying. I know you know that.”

“It could still be the case.” They mumbled, head still buried between their fingers.

“As could anything.” He countered. “You, as I, know nothing of how you were before so all we can do is trust these words. I trust you now and have no reason to believe I didn’t trust you before so, if you said there was a reason for whatever you might have done, I trust that. And you should too.”

And with a nod and a mumble came their next words: “I guess so.”

Koda hummed, reaching around to gently pull their hands away from their face. “Come on,” Koda put a hand on their shoulder, nudging them backwards as he too moved back slightly, “you need to get your mind off this, alright?”

He guided them to rest their head on his lap before reaching for his guitar. Koda began lightly strumming as he felt the melody come to his head like ripples of a distant memory. As the song drifted, Ace slowly closed their eyes, fully settling into the comfortable setting the two had created. Maybe they still worried about the thoughts and theories plaguing their mind but those were left into the shadowy corners of their head, replaced with the soft tune carried by the individual they couldn’t help but trust.

And, just for a moment, everything was alright.

Part III: Truths that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.

What do you dream of? Ace wished they didn’t know the answer to that question. The most recents nights had been restless: falling asleep with little issues before waking in cold sweats and a ceaseless pounding inside the walls of their brain.

They should’ve known fixing the pocket watch was a bad idea.

It had come to them on an uneventful morning and, without having anything to occupy their energy, they decided to do so. Once fixed, the strange feeling surrounding the object grew but Ace still couldn’t quite place what it was and why it seeped a sense of dread into their bones. Still, since the night it was fixed they hadn’t had a full night of rest and, after this particular night, they knew why.

They were remembering. They now remembered.

The pounding grew in strength as the realization seeped in. They took a few shaky breaths before rushing out from beneath the covers, grabbing the nearest coat and gloves before throwing open their door with only one direction in mind.

What do you dream of? A question Koda still pondered since it was first asked. He was still quite certain his answer hadn’t changed: he didn’t dream. He was certain of it. Perhaps he did but didn’t remember any of it. Ironic, really, but even that possibility was starting to seem unlikely as the nights came and went.

This night was uneventful as all before had been. The darkness of sleep enveloped him easily, drifting him into the familiar, dreamless sleep he was used to. He flew across the silence of sleep, following its drifts until morning rose its head with him. Except, that wasn’t the case that night.

A series of frantic knocks sounded out around the house and, though it took a few attempts, it finally raised him from the heavy blankets of sleep.

“Yes, coming!” Koda yelled as loudly as he could muster, voice still rising from its groggy tone. Opening it, he was slightly startled to find Ace standing on the other side, panting as they leaned one hand against the door frame. “Ace? What are you doing here? Did something happen?”

“No- well, yes- well…” An incomprehensible mumble came from under their breath before they shook their head. “Nevermind. Would you mind- Would you mind going to the hill?”

“Now?”

“Sorry. The sun hasn’t even started to rise yet. I shouldn’t-.”

“Sure.” He interrupted with a smile. “If we’re lucky we’ll catch a great view of the sunrise.”

That night, for the first time, the two climbed the hill together. The moon illuminated the sky above them as they traveled in a silence that wasn’t particularly comfortable but it wasn’t entirely tense. Soon enough, they reached the top, looking beyond the dark blue hued panorama in front of them, lighted by the pinpoints of light filling the sky. The trees below them swayed with the cold chill of the late night transition to early morning, creating a soft soundtrack of leaves fluttering and shaking around the two.

“It looks so beautiful at night.” Koda marveled as the two stood side by side, looking beyond.

“It does.” Ace agreed. “Though it is more morning than night.”

“Really?” Koda looked at them for a moment. “How’d you know?”

Ace shrugged. “Just do.”

“So?” Koda started after a beat of silence. “Any particular reason for this escapade or..?”

Ace extended a hand behind the two, silently asking to sit on the grass and it wasn’t long until they both followed the request, sitting facing each other. Ace took in a breath, turning to look at the darkened scenery one more time before facing Koda fully. “I understand now.”

He looked at them, questions swimming in his eyes. “Understand? Understand what?”

“The note I left myself.” They clarified.

Koda leaned forward in surprise. “Really? How? What does it mean? Wait-.” His eyes widened. “Does that mean..?

Ace nodded silently, clearing their throat shakingly. “Yes. I remember.”

“How much?” The response was immediate.

“Everything.”

“Everything?”

“Everything.” Ace confirmed. Koda opened his mouth but before any words could be formed, Ace raised a finger, stopping him. They squinted their eyes shut, recoiling. “Don’t. Don’t ask anything. We were never meant to find out.”

“What?” Koda placed his hands on their shoulder, making them open their eyes once more, looking at him with a feeling he couldn’t quite name. “What do you mean?”

“We were never meant to find out.” They repeated. “Well, you were never meant to find out. I tried to ensure it. I shouldn’t have been here.”

“What do you mean?” The same question was asked again. “Ace, you’re not speaking clearly. I want to understand what you want to tell me but I… I can’t this way.”

Ace took in a shaking breath before tugging at the gloves on their hands. While their right hand remained as normal, their left hand had changed. The tips of their fingers were tinted black as wisps of gray and white flowed out from them, looking like translucent fabrics flowing up into the sky. Koda slowly, carefully reached a hand towards Ace’s. They flinched slightly at the first touch but slowly relaxed to allow him to hold their hand, the wispy smoke making the view of the interlocked hands blurry. Looking closely, Koda could see the darkness slowly but surely coloring more and more of their trembling hand.

“Ace…”

“I shouldn’t have been here.” They repeated their words. They met his eyes, watching as they ever so slightly widened as he took in and understood what they had said. He held to their hand with both of his own, holding as if the moment he would let go, he would wake from a dream and the illusion would be broken. “But it seems I couldn’t stay away. At least, not without…”

Koda met their eyes as their words trailed away. His voice was soft and almost fragile as he spoke. “Not without..?”

A bittersweet smile tugged at the edges of their lips. “Not without saying goodbye.”

The grip on their hand tightened. The start of his words died on his tongue a few times before Koda managed to speak them. “How can we say goodbye if I don’t know what I’m saying goodbye to?”

“You know, Koda.” They reassured, the smile not leaving their face. “Even if you think you don’t, you do. Deep down.”

“But I don’t know it all and you do.” He continued.

“It seems that I wanted it that way. Or, well, you shouldn’t know any of it all.” They lifted their hand to hold over the ones he was using to hold their fading hand.

“I’d still rather know.” He whispered. “That hasn’t changed. I’d still rather know.”

“I know.” They whispered back. “I know, sunshine, I know.” The darkness was crawling up their arm, slowly growing into their neck, peeking from underneath their shirt’s collar.

“Can I hug you?” The whisper was low, a thrill of the wind but Ace caught it.

“Of course you can.” They nodded repeatedly. “You needn’t ask.”

In less than a second, they found each other in an embrace, limbs intertwined in tight grips as if they could hold the moment as tightly as they could hold each other, making it last just seconds longer. Whispers were exchanged, low and muffled enough to not be heard but still somehow understood, like the blinded trust that had brought them to that hill time and time again.

The hand on Koda’s back wasn’t solid anymore and if they focused enough they could feel the light ticking of the translucent wisps licking against his back where a hand used to rest. He leaned back, enough to meet Ace’s gaze but not enough to end the embrace. The darkness had taken a side of their face, one of their eyes tinted into a glossy white looking into Koda’s. “I don’t want it to end.” He whispered, his eyes glossing in a different way.

“I know.” They ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t want it to either.” The smoke began slowly forming from their cheek, fading more of them into the sky above. “Hey, hey,” they caught a stray tear that had fallen from Koda’s eye with their thumb, “no, it’s alright. Look. Look up.” They tilted his chin up slightly so he’d follow their gaze to the sky. “Look at the stars. Think of how many stars our memories will make. Think of all the new stars, sunshine. So many stars!” Their laugh that followed came slightly broken, like a hiccup between cries.

When the two met each others’ eyes again, Ace’s form was almost merely a glowing silhouette on the canvas of the brightening night. “It’s time, isn’t it?” He asked.

They nodded once. It was barely visible. “Yes, it is. You always know, don’t you?” A fragment of a smile could be seen.

“Does it have to end this way?” The words sounded broken, distraught, shaky.

“I’m afraid it does.” They told him. “Koda. Don’t search for answers you mustn't have.”

“Don’t create suffering that shouldn’t exist.” He recalled next. “Don’t stick around if you feel it hurts.”

Ace laughed sadly. “I won’t.”

Koda leaned forward, hugging what was left of them again, as they faded into the sky. The sun was making itself known with its first rays of light, illuminating the hill slowly, yet, when Koda looked up, the stars had never seemed to glow so bright.

“Koda.” The whisper was more felt than heard to him.

“Yes?”

“You are the best friend anyone could ever ask for.”

The translucent wisps drifted into the sky between the glowing smoke, fading out with the last moments of the night as the sun grew higher in the sky. As the moments passed, Koda could swear he could still feel the fragmented smoke between his fingers, leaning against him, warm around him… His mind echoed the spoken words, his thoughts spinning for a few moments.

And, just for a moment, he remembered.

He remembered every conversation, every touch, every moment. Every late night talking away between tall trees, every comfortable silence as they both read from books they were researching, every hug shared after a heartfelt talk… He remembered his sibling.

His head pounded in pain, beats faster and stronger than his heart’s. His thoughts swam in fast streams of wild rivers. The memories flooded in fast and merciless, making his surroundings blurry and lost to him. And in the chaos of his mind, he could remember only a few words.

Don’t search for answers you mustn't have. Don’t create suffering that shouldn’t exist. Don’t stick around if you feel it hurts.

In a few beats of time, his head felt calm. A drizzle after a storm. He ran a hand across one of his cheeks, feeling the wet skin beneath his fingers. He looked down at his hand, confused, before looking up at the sights that surrounded him. The drift of the grass, the first rays of the sun warming his skin, the last fading stars of the night’s goodbye… And, just for a moment, Koda was at peace. One question remained in his mind, however.

What was he doing on that hill?

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