(A/N) Hey guys, time for our second one-shot! Just a quick not to let you all know that we're currently looking for applications for Agent Texas, and those interested can submit an application form on our forum! Another quick note, from Mina, that the song in this one-shot is "Let Me Go" by Avril Lavigne!

Enjoy!

Anniversary

Agent Colorado

Written by Minaethiel

"In sorrow we must go, but not in despair. Behold! we are not bound for ever to the circles of the world, and beyond them is more than memory." – J.R.R. Tolkein

"It's Blake… he's… he's dead."

I stared down with wide eyes at the picture of my younger brother. His blonde hair was tousled in the sunlight, and his green eyes – exactly like mine – were sparkling in laughter of a joke that had long since passed. The picture had been taken when he had turned thirteen. I knew that much at least. However Blake's picture was not the only one that I held gingerly in my hands. My own face stared back at me, a smirk I often wore painting my expression. Next to me, and smiling broadly, was Aaron. His mousy brown hair was in disarray, and his hazel eyes were just as warm as I remembered them.

Love that once hung on the wall

Used to mean something, but now it means nothing

The echoes are gone in the hall

But I still remember, the pain of December

I breathed out, clutching the dog tags around my neck. The anniversary of Blake's death had passed. However today… today marked one year since Aaron's death. In the solitude of my room, I felt secure enough to release the tightly-held control I had over my feelings, and I knew that a profound look of sadness had descended on my face. How had it been a year? Time had passed so fast; it almost didn't seem real to me. Still, I had never once mistaken any of this for a dream. No matter how many times I woke up, Aaron would be gone.

"Hey," I said hoarsely. "I'm sorry I haven't talked to you in a while. Been busy around here lately, hunting the Crimson Sun down. You remember what I told you about them. You'd be proud of me, Aaron – I'm trying to tone it down."

I didn't start until Neb suggested it though! I realized with a pang that caused me to shake slightly. Still, looking at the pictures of Aaron and Blake, I clenched my free fist, closing my eyes in pain. For so long everything had been about Blake and Aaron. All of my choices, all of my kills… it had all been for them. And now… now I realized that I was living more for them than for me.

I'm breaking free from these memories

Gotta let it go, just let it go

I've said goodbye

Set it all on fire

Gotta let it go, just let it go

Stifling back a choked sob, I pocketed both of their pictures, and slipped my helmet on. No one needed to know what I was going to do.

WhatI had to do.

Immediately I made sure replace the façade that I had been so careful to maintain. I was arrogant. I was strong. I was the peak of what a Freelancer could be. I was invincible. I passed several Freelancers in the hall, but none stopped me. A couple called out a greeting, though I returned them with nothing more than a nod. A soldier passed by me with a lighter on his belt, and I easily lifted it, ignoring the protest behind me as I continued to the observation room I knew so well. My secondary safe haven from the madness of the ship.

Luckily, it was empty. I expected Cal to be by later – he seemed to spend a lot of time here as well… but I'd be gone by then. I sighed, removing the pictures and holding them in my hand. Finally, I allowed a soft sob to escape, and I fell to my knees.

"I'm sorry," I cried softly to the pictures. "I'll never forget either of you, but I need to live for me."

Without hesitation, I flicked the lighter on, holding both pictures so that the flame would devour them. There was no need to keep them in my hands – I'd remember their faces. I would remember everything about them. They'd always stay with me.

I've broken free from those memories

I've let it go, I've let it go

And two goodbyes led to this new life

Don't let me go, don't let me go

The pictures finally were nothing but bits of ash and crinkled paper. And for what I hoped was the last time, I cried for Blake, and I cried for Aaron. Two people that I would never forget, whether or not the pain ever truly left.