Rock, Paper, Scissors

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A/N: This will be a relatively short story. I don't know how many chapters but I just wanted to write an alternate timeline after Shin's route in Amnesia: Memories. Thanks for reading my plot bunnies!

"Hey, I think we should break up."

The words shook you to your core, for some reason. Even in your mind, you hear Orion gasp. And he's been silent ever since he realized that the single memory that would finally sever your ties with him was still just outside of your reach, and now you realize it's likely because you don't want to remember it. Why? You excuse yourself for work-maybe they can talk about it later, he tells you, if you want. It's not the end of things the way it may sound. He's not giving up. He's just giving you time. Still, you excuse yourself away quickly-for work, you tell him. You won't cry in front of him, no matter how much it kind of pains him.

Orion still follows you to work, but everyday he chimes in less and less, and only if it's related to the fact that you have trouble seeing where he is. Your memories are almost there anyway, but something's...still in the way of unlocking the rest. But at least Shin won't abandon you completely. There's hope.

When you finally get to work, Sawa and Toma greet you. You hesitate a little in your reply to Toma's greeting. His eyes are soft and gentle, and everything he says comes with an accentuating touch to your shoulder, hand, or the small of your back. Did anything really change? He's only supposed to be a childhood friend; he keeps saying he thinks of you like a little sister, so why do you get this chill down your spine whenever you lock eyes with him? It's like there's a secret hidden within them. Sawa doesn't notice this though, so you go to change clothes and then immediately dissolve into character.

The day goes by fast this way. You can feel Toma's eyes on you, but you don't respond. You don't know how to. Both Toma and Sawa offer to walk home with you, and you feel happy to have such caring people in your life, but before you can even choose between them Shin shows up.

"My classes are done for today, so I came to get you," Shin is looking down at the floor while he speaks like he's trying to avoid looking directly at you, and it melts your heart. He's the one who broke up with you after all, so why is he the one feeling so guilty, so bad about it? You apologize to both Sawa and Toma, but you don't want to waste Shin's time either. He came all this way-for you. So you accept his offer and walk home with him.

It's awkward at first and neither of you speak while walking side by side. You still don't remember enough about him to make general small talk, and everything you actually want to talk about is too heavy for a chilly September afternoon like this. You let out a shaky sigh, and your eyes draw themselves to his gloved hands, swaying at his side as he strides a few feet ahead of you. You wish you could take his hand but you know that would probably embarrass him. Begrudgingly, you bite your lip in resignation.

For the first time, Shin actually looks back at you, eyes passive. "Your lips and face are all red. What are you thinking about now, idiot?" You flinch, but then smile. It's just in Shin's nature after all. You tell him that you're happy that he still wants to walk you home, even though he ends things with you. Shin snorts at this comment, eyes cast down.

"I said we were breaking up, not that I was giving up on you. I'll win your heart again," Shin challenges you with an intense stare, and his reddish eyes make you blush. The confidence you feel in his ways make you sway uneasily. As you walk up to the front of your apartment building, the urge to ask him to come inside is almost throwing you. Even Orion is whispering in your ear to suggest it; but you don't. Instead, you ask if he's free tomorrow.

"Why?" He has his back turned to you, eyes looking over his right shoulder. You ask him if he's free because tomorrow you don't have to work and if so...maybe you two can go out on a date? Your voice betrays you-you sound way too hopeful.

His eyebrows furrow so you quickly add that you don't mean to pressure him, but since he said they had to date again anyway you figured it could be a good idea-

"Okay." He's blushing now, but he faces you seriously. It makes your heart jump. "I only have morning classes tomorrow. I will call you when I'm outside your house, so be ready around noon."

You nod, and he comes close to you, too close, and you can feel the heat of his fingers as he brushes them across your cheek, twirling a stand of your auburn hair in his hands. He smirks, but his voice is sour. "Just don't decide on dragging me someplace I hate."

You flush immediately and start to pout, all the tension suddenly erased by his abrasiveness. You smile at him anyway though, then he bids you goodnight. As you climb up the stairs to your apartment, Orion rants in your ear about how hard Shin is trying for you and that going out with him tomorrow might spark some more memories of you two together. Maybe it would be with it to go through with things after all? You nod and agree, but don't add anything more. It's already late in the evening and you feel kind of worn out. A shower and a fresh change of clothes will definitely make you feel better. However, right before you head to the bathroom to start the shower, you hear your phone buzz.

"A message?" Orion echoes from your mind. "Who is it?"

You flip your screen open, perplexed. It's Toma, you tell him. Toma writes to you that he has tomorrow off and he wants to know if you have any plans; he'd like to come over to your apartment and make lunch with you. Dessert on him? Your fingers pause at the reply button.

What are you supposed to choose? You already made loose plans with Shin, but you also want to understand more about Toma as well. Orion thinks spending time with him might unlock that last memory to set him free.

You bite your lips again. You don't know what to say, but…?


hi, little small drabble fic - alternating between my two favorite boys. if you liked it, leave it a review!