#also yes i did yoink the last lines from his finally game scene/character file short story

[selfshipping-gremlin]

🤗 with your fave pink boi >:3c -💚

Gawd this was a struggle to write fjhfhjg also feel a lil awkward about how it's written but oh well

Atlas helps fight marluxia, something he says makes them mutter, "you can be so infuriating sometimes.."

"So you remember me from those times?"

A puzzled look crossing their face with their reply, still on guard in a fight stance. "....hard to say, after reawakening, some of my memories have been.... vague."

"Does that not bother you?" He inquires, already knowing the answer, a slight teasing tone. "Knowing you've gained a loss, and loss what you've gained from then?"

It was like he was trying to provoke them.

"Gah!- that dumb, cryptic-ness, is so irritating with you-" they huff, eye twitching, "why cant you ever just be straightforward with what you're saying?!" They lunge forward, keyblade clashing with scythe.

"Funny, i believe you said something similar back then as well." He says, poking at them again, though, the look in his eyes is softer compared to the knowing one from the question moments ago. A bit of inner confusion in him, over this temporary and fleeting foreign feeling.

Taking a step back, Atlas rubs their face, hand(s) running through their hair in frustration. "That-! That too! You keep talking like you know me so well, but i can hardly seem to remember a damn thing about you-! It's so- frustrating!" Their voice starts to crack towards the end, fighting back tears that threaten them with heat. Memories trying to replay, without much clarity.

Larxene makes a noise of disgust before chiming in. "Ugh, feeling nostalgic all of sudden are we, marly? Dont forget hearts are just an inconvenience-" She's cut off by Sora trying to get her attention, annoyance coming from her before turning her focus back on him.

"Yknow, for once i think i agree with her. I cant focus on stopping you, if i keep being manipulated by feelings..." they mutter solemnly, taking a stance again.

Marluxia sighs, a small part of him was hoping, another brief foreign feeling, he wouldnt have to keep fighting them. Readying his scythe, he makes the first move, starting their battle once more.

"I dont think you truely believe that sentiment. You were so intent on learning how to feel when you shadowed me-" He closes in on them, grabbing their blade wielding wrist, leaning in close, "enough so to ignore her comments."

Atlas' heart was pounding now, the sudden close proximity making them feel flustered. He notices their pulse. "It'd been strange not having you around-"

He's cut short as he shoves them away, blocking sora's attack, the two facing off as Atlas tries to recover from the shock. However, it's only a few minutes until sora lands the final blow.

“Oh… So, now it all comes back to me.” He chuckles self-derisively, after falling to his knees.

“Hey. Is that a real laugh?” The hero asks.

“Yes… My heart is remembering how to feel,” He replies, touching his chest. "Thanks to you" he adds, though he's starting at Atlas when he says it.

He starts to close his eyes, only looking forward when Atlas speaks up, much closer than he realized they were, and kneeling next to him.

"For as much as you're cryptic tendencies annoyed me, i did- do, care about you...." There's a pause as the quiet words were said. "We'll find each other again then...okay..?" They meekly croak out, teary eyed.

Marluxia gives them a soft look and smile as they stand there watching as he finally fades from sight.