#Memory Snippet

[ask-knowledgekeepers]

Memory snippet #4-5 - "Distant Memories From The Past": North Varron - Polaris - Wisteria Ferus

[snow-body]

what separates you from the beast? (2020, reupload from my old account)

[invalidstories]

Elevator Blackout

Warnings: descriptions of darkness or claustrophobic situations, tension, and uncertain future.

In the dimly lit elevator, Hero and Villain exchanged wary glances as the lights flickered and died, leaving them stranded in darkness. The sudden blackout had caught them off guard, their usual animosity overshadowed by a sense of unease.

"Well, this is unexpected," Hero remarked, their voice tinged with nervous laughter as they fumbled for their phone in the darkness.

Villain nodded in agreement, their usual air of confidence faltering. "Seems like we're stuck here for a while," they replied, their tone more subdued than usual.

As they settled into an awkward silence, Hero couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about their unlikely companion. Despite their differences, there was something intriguing about Villain that she couldn't quite put her finger on.

"So," Hero began tentatively, breaking the silence that had settled between them. "What do you usually do during a blackout?"

Villain shrugged, their shoulders tense with discomfort. "I suppose I'll have to find out," they replied, their voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.

As the minutes stretched into hours, Hero and Villain found themselves opening up to each other in ways they never thought possible. They swapped childhood stories and reminisced about their favorite books, discovering unexpected similarities in their tastes and experiences.

"So, what was your favorite childhood book?" Hero asked, a hint of excitement in her voice.

Villain hesitated for a moment, their brow furrowing in thought. "I always had a soft spot for adventure novels," they admitted, a hint of nostalgia creeping into their voice. "There was something about getting lost in a story that made the world feel a little less bleak."

Hero nodded in understanding, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I know what you mean," she replied, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I used to love reading about brave knights and daring quests. It made me feel like anything was possible."

As they continued to share stories and swap book recommendations, Hero and Villain found themselves growing more comfortable in each other's presence. The tension that had once hung between them had melted away, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and understanding.

"So, what about you?" Villain asked, their curiosity piqued. "What's your favorite childhood memory?"

Hero's smile widened, a fond glimmer in her eyes. "I remember spending summers at my grandparents' farm," she replied, her voice soft with nostalgia. "We'd spend hours running through the fields and exploring the woods. It was like our own little slice of paradise."

Villain listened intently, a hint of wistfulness in their gaze. "That sounds wonderful," they murmured, their voice tinged with longing. "I loved staying up late to gaze at the stars, or make some sort of trouble."

Hero laughed, "I never got that sort of freedom."

"Perhaps it's time to try sneaking out then?" suggested the villain with a mischievous glint in their eye.

As the hours passed, Hero and Villain found themselves lost in conversation, their laughter echoing through the empty elevator shaft. They talked about their hopes and dreams, their fears and regrets, and in doing so, they discovered a shared humanity that transcended the boundaries of hero and villain.

When help finally arrived and the elevator doors slid open, Hero and Villain exchanged reluctant smiles, knowing that they would never forget the unexpected bond they had forged in the darkness of the elevator.

As they went their separate ways, Hero couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret at the thought of leaving Villain behind. Despite their differences, she had come to see them in a new light.

But as she stepped out into the sunlight, Hero knew that their paths would cross again, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of hope for the future. After all, if she could find common ground with Villain in the darkness of an elevator, then anything was possible.

"In the depths of darkness, unexpected connections can illuminate the way forward."

Masterlist

[keeperthemultiversemom]

Nyxie, why are there black tears streaming down your face???

[paperstorm]

Thanks for the tags @ironheartwriter @strandnreyes and @heartstringsduet!

Final snippet from the 2nd person fic that will probably be posted tomorrow.

He laughs, shaking his head and rubbing a hand over his face, and then unexpectedly he sits up and grabs you, pulling you in for a bruising kiss that must taste of him. You are shoved backwards, scrambling until you’re reclined on your couch with your legs wantonly spread and he’s pushing his shoulders in between your knees and looking up at you with a devilish grin that makes your stomach swoop.

His mouth feels like salvation. It had at the bar as well, but there’d been risk and nerves and uncertainty wrapped up in it that time; your heart had been beating too fast and head spinning too hard to let yourself soak in it. It had been quick and dirty, fumbling hands and hissed apologies when you lost control and pushed your hips forward and he coughed, rushed because at any moment you could’ve been caught. This time he sucks at you slowly, his tongue painting lazy patterns along your heated skin, and you feel saved. He is divine, he is further persuasion that perhaps there was never anything wrong with you, because no higher power would create something so holy and then call it a sin.

Tagging @theghostofashton @birdclowns @reyesstrand @emsprovisions @cold-blooded-jelly-doughnut

@actual-sleeping-beauty @thisbuildinghasfeelings @herefortarlos

@tailoredshirt @goodways @alrightbuckaroo @lightningboltreader @freneticfloetry @im-overstimulated-and-im-sad

@liminalmemories21 @nancys-braids @chaotictarlos @lemonlyman-dotcom

@whatsintheboxmh @inkweedandlizards @bonheur-cafe @reasonandfaithinharmony @thebumblecee

@never-blooms @sanjuwrites @orchidscript @jesuisici33 @kiwichaeng

@fallout-mars @honeybee-taskforce @fifthrideroftheapocalypse @fitzherbertssmolder @safeashousespdf

@just-inside-her @firstprince-history-huh @captain-gillian @tellmegoodbye @anactualcaseofthetruth

Want to be added or removed from the list? Lmk

[winters-dream]

For everyone who wanted a part two 💖:

part one

Villain stood in their lair, their eyes trained on their TV as the news played on the large screen. The news anchor had just announced the death of the city’s beloved Hero, and Villain almost wanted to let out a haughty laugh as they turned to face Hero who sat comfortably on their couch, very much alive. 

Hero watched the news silently as the anchor gave a rather dismissive farewell followed by a montage of their work. They stared at the screen blankly, their face void of any emotion as civilians were given a chance to recall their memories of the Hero.

Villain turned the TV off, cutting the news report short as they stared down at Hero, sitting silently on the couch. They sat with their knees brought up to their chest, staring blankly at the TV, seeming unbothered that Villain had shut it off. 

“Are you okay?” Villain asked. They sat down beside Hero, careful to leave some space between them, still unsure how to act around the one they used to share their deepest secrets with, the one who’d kissed their worries away, shared a million ‘i love you’s with. That all disappeared when Hero lost their memory.

Hero gave them a minute shrug, resting their chin on their knees. “The whole world thinks I’m dead. The news said so.” 

Villain gazed at the Hero, guilt wracking their every nerve as they stared at Hero’s sullen expression. They softly sighed through their nose as their eyes followed the movement of Hero’s fingers picking at the corner of a throw pillow. 

“I’m sorry,” they said. And they truly meant it. None of this should have happened to the hero. That fight shouldn’t have happened, Hero should have never gotten amnesia. If Villain had just stayed home that day . . .

“Are you behind this?” asked Hero. 

“No, honest,” Villain answered too fast for their own liking, panic evident in their voice. “I promise, I didn’t know anything about it until just now.”

Hero nodded with a small motion, leaning back to relax against the back of the couch. They put Villain’s pillow, now with loosened embroidery stitches, in their lap and resorted to fluffing it instead. The action seemed to calm the hero’s mind so Villain didn’t stop them. Even if it was about to cost them a good pillow. 

“You know,” Villain started. “It's not too late. Your death just now came on the news. You can go out there and show everyone you're still alive. Your memory is still shit, but the agency will be thrilled to see you.”

Slowly, Hero shook their head. “I don't think so. That's not who I am anymore. They're all going to look at me and expect me. The person I was before all of this. They're going to expect me to remember. They'll look at me with disappointment when I don't.”

Their eyes met with Villain’s. “It's the same look you give me.”

Villain shook their head. “I'm not disappointed that you don't remember.”

They lied. Of course they were disappointed. They looked at Hero and saw a shell of who they used to be, the years of memories Hero has yet to regain. The distance behind their eyes where there used to be love. The passion they used to have, long gone. The determined set of Hero’s jaw as they conjured a plan to save the city. Their pride. 

All gone within the blink of an eye.

Yes, Villain was disappointed, annoyed at themself for expecting Hero to suddenly remember. It wasn’t fair to Hero.

“Let’s stop worrying about the past,” Villain said suddenly. “Because who knows if you ever fully recover. Focus on the now and make new, better, memories today.”

Hero shifted slightly in their seat and Villain saw the first glimmer of hope flash in their eyes. 

“You really think I can move on from this?” they asked. "It'll be that easy?"

"Well, no it won't be easy," Villain admitted. “But you'll have me with you the whole time."

They reached out and placed their hand on top of Hero’s. And for the first time since the incident, Hero smiled.

[envysparkler]

Trick or treat! Love your writing!

Roy fidgeted with his coffee, glancing at the barista, at the menu, outside the glass walls to the gloomy Gotham winter, at the cute, coffee-themed centerpieces on the table, and, in short, everything that wasn't Dick.

Dick smiled.

Roy flinched, even though he wasn't looking in Dick's direction, and Dick's smile grew teeth. He wrestled them away, because he wasn't actually trying to terrify his old friend. At least not yet.

Roy did not look appeased.

"So," he said finally, when he realized Dick wasn't going to break the silence. Dick was the one who'd run into him stumbling out of his little brother's apartment covered in hickeys, Dick was allowed to wait him out. "How--how have you been?"

"Fantastic," Dick answered, taking a sip of his latte. "What brings you to Gotham?"

Roy winced. For a moment, Dick wondered if he was going to stutter out an excuse and flee--but Arsenal was made of stronger stuff than that.

"I was working a case with Jason," Roy said evenly.

"'Working a case'," Dick repeated lightly. "Is that what the kids call it these days?"

Roy winced again. Subtle jab about the age difference, successful.

"Look, man, I know he's your little brother, but Jay can take care of himself! Also, this is totally discrimination, how come you're giving a shovel talk to me and not Kori?"

Dick did not raise his eyebrows though he very much wanted to. Roy and Kori? He didn't know whether to be offended or impressed. Even he hadn't had the balls to go for both of them at once.

"Who said this was a shovel talk?" Dick took another sip to hide his growing smile.

"You practically dragged me to this coffee shop for an interrogation--"

"I just wanted to catch up--"

"--and I don't care what you say, if Jason wants me to leave, he'll tell me, so I won't take any of your bullshit--"

"I literally didn't say anything--"

"--and I really like him, and Kori too, so I'm not giving them up for anyone or anything!" Roy ended on a defiant shout.

Dick studied him. His cheeks were red, but his eyes were determined. Dick knew just how stubborn Roy could be when he set his mind to something, and it seemed like the full force of his protection now rested on Jay.

Dick took another sip. "I'm happy for you," he said when he could open his mouth without laughing.

"I don't care--what?" Roy looked dumbfounded. "You what?"

"You're one of my oldest friends," Dick finally gave into the chuckle. "I'm thrilled that you're happy, and that Jason is too. And Kori." Roy narrowed his eyes. "I don't know why you thought this was a shovel talk."

Roy squinted suspiciously. "Because you Bats are the most overprotective fuckers on the planet."

Dick widened his eyes in his best approximation of an innocent look. Roy, after years on the Titans, was unfortunately immune.

"I know you're up to something," he growled.

"I'm just enjoying a coffee with an old friend, who I recently discovered is dating my little brother," Dick said serenely. "I have no ulterior motives here."

Roy hmphed.

Dick hid his smile again and leaned across the table, dropping his voice to a whisper. "Because when Batman finds out you've been working in his city and defiling his favorite, precious, innocent child..."

Roy went gray, face washing out underneath his freckles.

"...well, it was good to catch up while we could," Dick finishes his coffee and stands up. "Best of luck, Arsenal."

[jessicas-pi]

Ben has kind of been having the worst day of his life, what with the dying and all.

It’s a marked improvement when he’s tramping through the forests of Takodana and a familiar voice demands, “Would you believe me if I told you Palpatine was my grandfather?”

He turns around.

Stares.

Rey stands ten feet away, her blaster pointed at him, a challenge in her eyes.

“Would you believe me if I told you Han Solo was my father?” he says, answering the question with a question.

“Yes,” she says, lowering the blaster.

“Well, that answers that,” he replies, turning off his lightsaber.

The silence stretches on.

Takodana is unpleasantly hot.

Why did he ever think wearing all-black was a suitable fashion choice?

Rey falters, apparently not having planned what to say if she got this far. “I suppose this is where we save the galaxy.”

“I suppose so,” he agrees. “To Exogol, then?”

“Have you got the Wayfinder already?” she asks, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

“Picked it up on the way here.”

“Ah. That simplifies things.” She holsters her blaster and sets off at a brisk pace, adding as she brushes past him: “And try not to die this time. It was so inconvenient.”

“You died first,” he mutters.

[impasta-wall]

“The ocean doesn’t change though right?”

His eyes were like the ocean, deep blue, broken in places by white froth, “just like the snow or the forests or the sun or the clouds and mostly the stars.” He raised his hands up motioning to the vast array of them in the sky, twinkling in the distance, blinking in and out of existence; the world so wide and for their taking even from the back yard they both shared now—a sense of awe washing over them both as they looked beyond.

He couldn’t help it but whisper, nearly seventy years late;

“The snow changed me.”

Steve looked back at him, same eyes, same hair. His hand comes up and gives Bucky’s shoulder a squeeze. Infinite understanding and a deep, deep longing.

“But we’re still here. That hasn’t changed right?”

I think a lot about how traumatic Bucky’s life has been so far, same with Cap, and I can’t help but shed a tear. In parts they are their own hope, it’s a little bit of codependency but it’s hard when there’s only one other person out there that understands you so carnally. It’s the shared experience of hope and loss and grief and love, romantic or platonic.

[savingsallow]

— 'They say sunrise is supposed to make me feel brand new; a reset, a chance to try again, and be better from who I was yesterday.

Yet somehow, my shadows linger around my ears. As these voices enveloped me into its perfectly tailored fear for me to succumb.

Oh dear Sun, I wonder if I'll ever wake up and feel your warmth again?' —

[fistfuloflightning]

Tajime ran a fond hand through his son’s wild hair. “There are things that you will only learn when the weight of leadership lies on your shoulders.”

“But I’ll still have you to learn from,” Madara protested, looking so painfully young in Tajime’s eyes.

A wry, sad smile twisted his thin lips. “… Not always.”

[bumblingbabooshka]

Hey. There's something here to me about how Tuvok had not one but two traumatic memories which were repressed for years [one is not technically a "real" memory but his reactions to it WERE real and his body/mind treated it as real and thus I'm counting it as two traumatic memories], we're told that Vulcans react incredibly poorly to repressed memories or in fact any discrepancies between the conscious vs unconscious mind, and then later Tuvok is revealed to have an emerging condition which causes neurological degeneration. + The fact that it's repeatedly stated that for Vulcans, contact with trusted people's minds are crucial, actually medically necessary, to deal with all manner of things from traumatic events to medical disorders and how Tuvok has no one he can go to for that kind of support or treatment except for Janeway and in the end not even she can help him with certain things since it has to be a Vulcan.

[bardic-inspo]

Snippet Sunday

Tagged by the lovely @honeybee-bard and @nyx-knox and @elinorbard tysm my friends 💜

A bit more from my untitled modify memory fic in which a happily evil ever after with A!A and his vampire bride is interrupted when someone sets her memory back to pre-tadpole.

Tagging in turn @pinkberrytea , @astarionancuntnin, @calico-heart, @nomamonster, @locallegume,

@grenanigans, @amoremagnificentbastard, @busy-baker, @khywren @kalmiaphlox

@coreene

[cpt-winters]

Amnesia - Whump Snippet

Caretaker's pulse quickened as a quiet groan slipped through Whumpee’s lips. They kept their eyes glued to Whumpee's battered form, lying ghostly still in the bed, until the heart monitor's calm, steady beeps morphed into something loud and erratic.

Their team leader's face bore a wary glance as Caretaker rushed over the second their friend's eyes cracked open.

"Whumpee, you gave us quite a scare." Caretaker tried to ignore how their heart sank a little as they went to lay their hand atop Whumpee's, only for him to squirm under the touch, recoiling his arm.

Leader noted Whumpee's free hand instinctively reaching for his sidearm, his eyes shooting open when his fingers found nothing.

Sensing their second-in-command's rising alarm, Leader took a cautious step forward. "Hey, take it easy Whumpee. You took a big hit today.”

Caretaker's eyes sank at the memory before flickering back to meet Whumpee's own anxious gaze.

“But you’ll be alright. You're in the medbay,” Leader assured. “You can thank Medic for patching you up later.”

Whumpee stared blankly for several moments, absorbing the information. “Medic?” he repeated, the question coming out as more of a hoarse croak than anything else.

Leader gave a hesitant nod, brows furrowing as Whumpee's darting eyes finally settled on Caretaker.

“Who...are you?”

[gwynbleiddyn]

→ Kerros 'Rook' Severan-Laidir

"Varric, you're asking me if you can take my son on a wild goose chase for Solas, of all fucking people..."

"Look, I've tried talking to Kerros, you know I have -- I was there in Skyhold when he was all scraped knees and fairytales, you think I want to see him on the trail of the most dangerous man in Thedas? Shit, even I'm not sure I want to be on this trail right now. Point is, he's a grown man... grown, Rion. And he lives in this world too. I'm not asking you, Scars, your son is telling you. "

The nickname is pointed. A callback to a better time, when both of them had no idea where the Inquisition would lead. The snarl drops from Rion's lips, his face softening.

"I know."

And then Rion is silent for a moment longer than Varric would like. He can do nothing but watch and take note of the man he once called Inquisitor, and more importantly, the man he now calls an old friend. The carefully constructed fingers of Rion's left hand clamp tightly around the head of his walking stick, his weight growing too heavy for his own legs to bear. It's punctuated by the strain at the corner of his eyes, the tightness of his mouth. Pain seeps from him with every breath, shuddering, as though he was stood on the icy banks of the Emprise du Lion ten years ago, and not drowning in the evening sun on the shores of Rialto Bay.

"Can you keep him safe?" comes the inevitable question any reasonable father would ask.

"No." Varric shakes his head. Not a promise anybody can make, these days, least of all him. But he lifts his heavy hands, hesitating for a moment over Rion's own before they envelop the gloved construct over the top of his walking stick. It's jarringly cold and devoid of a pulse. Varric briefly recalls the feeling of the anchor pulling at reality, and his stomach begins to twist and churn in memory of something that no longer exists. "But I can promise I will try, with everything I have. You gotta let him fly, Rion, sooner or later."

Another pause, but this one seems less... reluctant. More considerate. Rion's gaze shifts downwards to Varric's hands, and a slow, sad smile crosses his face.

"What was it you always called him? For stealing your rings when you weren't looking..."

Varric smiles, eyes stinging. They both pretend it is the sunlight. "Rook."

[muzzlemouths]

MUZZ

I am

VHS eclipse is making me

IM LOVE HEEEEE

you and me both, bloos. you and me both 🤝

Here's a crumb from the next LiT chapter of them being particularly soft