Archive of Our Own

It wasn’t supposed to go this way.

The avalanche of lasers and bullets storming at Timothy and his team in a non-stop manner. The pleads of Felicity, begging them all to stop, to leave her alone and not delete her mere existence. But it was too late for this. Jack made his decision and they all were supposed to comply. Everything within Timothy told him that he should follow his lead, act his part just like Jack would. Yet, he couldn’t. Each of her words broke his heart over and over again.

They all could’ve seen this coming a mile away. Felicity kept saying just how much she hated any of this and she did offer them a good alternative. It was just Jack and his man-child way of being. If he wanted a toy, he would get it immediately. No questions asked.

So here they were, Timothy and five of his teammates, unprepared and weak, forced towards a combat they could barely win. Of course, for Nisha and Wilhelm it didn’t exactly make a difference. They thrived off the battle, Nisha, nailing each of her shots and Wilhelm, screaming something unintelligible. Claptrap didn’t exactly care – he just followed his programming, mindlessly obedient to Jack. And though, Aurelia didn’t seem that enthusiastic about this, she shot her ice shards, trying to keep Felicity in place.

Timothy too, not particularly happy about this battle, simply wanted to get this over with. But the truth was that he really let his two Digi-Jacks handle most of the job. He himself couldn’t focus on shooting, as his eyes kept going back to Athena.

The almighty gladiator, the actual leader of their group of odd-ones seemed to have way too much trouble focusing. Missing her shots, never landing her Aspis shield throws or forgetting to take out Aspis altogether. It startled him a good amount. Athena was always all battle and no small talk. Seeing her this disoriented was… Strange.

Goddamn, if it wasn’t for Jack he probably would’ve already taken the spot beside her and simply ask what’s wrong. But Jack was pissed already. He couldn’t bare to listen to any of his whining anymore just because he wanted to help his teammate. Instead, Timothy shot his Hyperion sniper, once in a while side-eyeing Athena to check if she needed any assistance.

Then it happened.

Another scream from Felicity triggered a heavy round of her missiles firing full force at them. Aurelia managed to deflect a good portion of them, still it felt like not enough. Instinctively, Timothy’s eyes went to Athena. She had turned around, trying to back off another loader bot charging at her. Without enough reaction time to draw out her Aspis and let it absorb the shots.

“Athena!!” Timothy screamed at the top of his lungs.

Ah hell. Jack could whine all he’d want, Timothy couldn’t leave her behind like this.

With the sharpest of motions, Timothy jumped in front of her. But it was too late. One of the rockets hit her full speed, letting her fall backwards with a pained scream. The only thing neutralizing the attack was Aspis – even if Athena was able to hold it only for a split second before it hit her.

Timothy’s mind raced in all directions. The shout Athena let out was enough for Aurelia to notice. She nodded at Timothy and started the heavier assault, backing him up. He then turned around and said to his…Jack’s digital copies, “Just shoot! Don’t think, hit ‘er with everything you have!!”

“Handsomeness – impending!” the Digi-Jacks agreed and started shooting all the lasers they had.

Right. Now the harder part.

He could truly tell that Felicity was at her last straw, just several more shots and she’ll be done for. Taking a deep breath, Timothy slid across the floor, running towards Athena. She tried to fight back, holding her shield and shooting one of her SMGs. Still, he could notice every movement made her yelp in pain. So he shoot his sniper, trying to help her in the last bits.

Full force, Athena threw her shield right back at Felicity, knowing the damage absorbed would be enough for the final blow. With a loud thunk to it, Aspis broke through her last defenses. Yet right next, the room was filled with Athena’s anguished screams.

Aspis didn’t return in time, as the loader still by her side shot her right in her side. As Timothy saw her blood spilling onto the ground, he felt himself freezing. But the impulse was stronger than his fear. He looked directly through the scope, shooting the exact weak spot of the loader bot. Running even closer, he punched the machine (he still was a little surprised with his newfound strength) and put it down with the last precise bullet.

His breath run shallow, as he looked down, “Shit. Shitshitshit, Athena? Are you with me?”

“…Jack?” she muttered, confusion within her voice.

“Not quite,” Timothy weighed the words in his head.

“Well. That explains it.”

With her next cough, Timothy crouched and took her into his arms, “Oooh shit, Athena, hold on together. Lemme… I-I’ll just… Oh, this sucks, this really suucks, I hope someone could he-”

Timothy was ready to complain some more, until his mind realized his advantage. Though he couldn’t make it to his team as fast as he could, dragging Athena around, he did manage to see Jack digistructing the newest form of Hyperion robots. In the ugliest yellow he could have possibly chosen. He rolled his eyes and tried his hardest not to comment that they all looked like they were covered in piss.

“Alright, that’s all taken care of, head back to Moxxi, team. The faster we can leave this floating piece of trash, the better,” Jack commented and as he was about to disconnect, Timothy managed to get him to stay for a second more.

“Wait! Ehm, Jack, sir, me, can we get a medic here like ASAP? Athena got shot,” he said in a hurry.

“Can she stand?” asked Jack, impatience growing.

“Uh, when I prop her?”

“Then she can wait a second. But I can’t so chop chop, we don’t have all frickin’ day,”

“She is literally your top soldier and she’s bleeding,” well, it was about time Timothy’s impatience grew too. “Can’t you at least have someone waiting to patch her up on Concordia?”

“Oh my god, quit whining! I dunno just,” there was a pause with Jack. Timothy’s whole team looked at him puzzled, as he gripped closer to Athena and awaited Jack’s words. They all knew he couldn’t afford losing someone like this… But getting his hands dirty seemed like the least of his priorities. “Oh my goood, you’re me, right? Think of something and the next time I see Athena she’s better all healed up.”

“Fucking fantastic,” Timothy rolled his eyes. “Can we at least get some more time before the launch to Helios?”

“What! No way, we’re so close, I–“

“Hey, hot stuff,” suddenly, Nisha seemed to take matters into her own hands. “You sure, you don’t want us to take a breather? The night is young and Elpis is full of people who deserve to get their justice. Amongst other things to do.”

Timothy looked at her with confusion. All Nisha did in return was to smirk back at him, waiting for Jack’s response. But his silence was probably more than telling.

“Fffine, but just one night, alright? I don’t wanna spend too much time away from Helios,” Jack scoffed in return. “And hey, me, I wasn’t kidding about Athena.”

“Neither was I,” Timothy said underneath his breath. Just so he couldn’t hear him.

“Knew I could count on ya, cowboy,” replied Nisha, ignoring Timothy’s words.

And as the call ended, Timothy turned away to her, “Ehm, thanks? I guess?”

“Don’t take it too much to yourself,” raising her eyebrow, Nisha returned to a demeanor more like hers. “Team is a team and Athena is a top skilled fighter. Would be a shame.”

He exhaled loudly. It was good to know she cared. In her own Nisha way of doing things, she could still help him out. And feeling how desperately Athena was clinging to him, he knew it was more than needed. He didn’t know, he’d probably just give her a nice gun as a “thanks”.

“A-Athena?” he called out, seeing her face became paler with a second.

“Just… Get me out of here…” she managed to say, before another cough.

“Duly noted. Just- Em…”

His mind was running throughout all the places he could take her. Sure, there was Nurse Nina but there was no way in hell, he’d take Athena anywhere near her. Gladstone was far away too and he probably wouldn’t know what he was doing. Places around Elpis all seemed so hostile and so out of touch. Now Athena needed someone closer, someone she could rely on and who could definitely have a spare of bandages or med hypos around…

Timothy’s shoulders tensed. He knew just the person.

When Athena opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was an angel.

An angel with her blonde hair a little messier than usual and a lot more worry in her dark grey eyes. But just as beautiful as Athena remembered, in all of the little details of hers. She also could’ve sworn that she had an additional bandage at her forehead, addition to the two on her nose and cheek. Athena didn’t think of them as weaknesses. They showed just how much she’s been through and how she always prevailed. They made her more beautiful.

“How’s my little fighter doing?” was the first thing Athena had heard.

Only then, Athena truly realized what was going on. She was currently tucked away with a blanket, her head resting on a particularly fluffy pillow. She didn’t recognize this place, though it felt more than familiar. Maybe it was because of the presence of Janey Springs, right by her side.

“Good?” said Athena. As propped herself up, she felt a little tug within her stomach. She made a small pained sound. Getting the blanket off of her a little, she could see her hip all bandaged.

“You’re askin’ or you’re certain?” backhanded Janey. Though, there was no mockery in her voice – simply all the care.

Athena’s eyes haven’t left the hip yet. She caught just how fresh it was, with a bit of blood leaking through it already. Though, her memory failed to remind her what was the cause.

“I’m not sure,” her voice was distant. “What the hell even happened?”

“You and your friends got to another big fight with some fancy AI. You got shot and were all bruised, so I took you in. Hope you don’t mind that I put you back together.”

Oh. Right. Now Athena could recall. She remembered how Felicity AI decided to break free from Jack’s rule. Within her own pain, destroy everything in order to regain her own humanity. And how Jack demanded to put her down just so he could get what he wanted. In a second, Athena’s heart stung in her chest.

Still, she tried to make the best out of it, “Not at all. I really appreciate it. And I’m good now.”

The look Janey gave her, made her realize just how much she in fact didn’t look good. Her brows drew together in worry and her eyes dropped low. Eyeing Athena’s hand, she asked in the softest of tones, “May I?”

Athena blinked several times, “Sure.”

With the most gentleness she could muster, Janey took her hand in hers. They were a little hard and calloused but Athena didn’t mind it. All she could think of was just with how much care she touched it. Looking at her without a hint of anger or discouragement but with the true feeling shining through. Once more, Athena’s heart trembled. This time in a much different tone.

“I know you hate saying all that but… Your team said you weren’t looking good back there,” Janey whispered, still focused on her hand. “So if there’s anything you wanna get off your chest then. ‘ve heard I’m a good person to be that soundproof wall.”

Athena exhaled a little louder than she intended. There really was something in this encounter, something she tried to bury deep within her, ever since she started this job. Yes, it was important for her. But with the fate of the whole planet’s future laid on her shoulder, all her personal problems seemed horrifyingly insignificant. Yet, there was a reason why she was there and needed help. One she didn’t like in the slightest.

“That… AI,” she started, hating the words she had to use. “It reminded me of someone close. I let my guards down for too long.”

Once more, Janey kept quiet for a second. Simply letting Athena be the one to judge within the touch and show her what she allowed. There was just something tense within her, Athena could’ve sworn she was trying to construct the best thing to say to her. When she did, she once more spoke with an understanding tone.

“I know how it is… When you go by with your life and every single thing reminds you of them…” whispered Janey. It was probably the first time Athena could hear her this somber and distant. She then shook her head a little and added with a somewhat pained smile, “Hurts like hell, doesn’t it?”

“It does… It really does.”

It was somewhat staggering for Athena. To see Janey this detached and well, to see her still grieve. Janey, the woman who was constantly happy and smiling, always ready to help others. Still under the influence of the scars of her own past, still struggling to keep a good face to a bad game.

“But you know… I guess that’s just life? Things come and go, they stay or disappear. It’s hard to let go but it’s necessary. I always think that if I were in her place I’d want her to be happy – that’s why I try to accept it. Even if it hasn’t scarred up yet,” though, she was still a little distant, the cheerfulness that kept her company all this time shyly started returning. “New things come too. And they might be just better – you just gotta have an open mind about it.”

Athena hummed quietly, “I… I really am not sure if I’m ready yet…” This time she was the one to initiate the touch. Even if she wasn’t exactly sure or aware of what she was doing, the touch of Janey’s skin brought her more than enough comfort.

“That’s okay too. Everyone needs a different amount of time,” Athena hasn’t noticed just how flushed Janey’s cheeks had become. “Just stay open minded – okay?”

“Easier to say than to do…”

“Aww, Athena. You’re a one tough gal. No wound can hold you down for too long. None of any kind.”

Then Janey smiled at her. With a smile so genuine and so sweet, a smile Athena has never seen anyone else made in her entire life. Not to mention the one that was entirely for her. Like a gift or just a little thing more to give her more health. Something that worked better than any bandage has ever did. The only thing Athena could think about now was that she wanted to make sure this smile would never fade. So Janey could stay this happy and she could see it forever.

There was just one more thing that occupied her mind. One she couldn’t shake off this easily.

“Why do you do this?” Athena leaned closer, trying not to feel too much pressure onto her wounded side. “Why would you keep me around?”

She looked down, mostly to avoid her stare. In the corner of Athena’s eyes, she could see her playing with her second hand, a little more anxious than before. Just this one movement made Athena want to take away her words and say that she doesn’t have to answer. Not that she ever did it with anyone else. She just couldn’t bear to see Janey like this.

Instead, Janey spoke sooner with that light laugh by her side, “Helping out machines is easy. I’ve been doing it my whole life. But helping out people has always been a challenge, you know, to get it right. It’s just… I guess I try to stay open minded. I’ve learnt to know when the person is worth it.”

“And what if they’re not really worth it?” she asked faintly, barely getting her words spoken out.

“What makes you think that way?”

“Well… Years of experience. Own feelings. Too many factors to count, honestly.”

Atlas higher ups. General Knoxx. All other Atlas generals, maintaining the Crimson Lance. Every interaction she had had failed. Everyone told her that she’s either heartless or that she’s only there to do a job. Over and over again, people had proved Athena that she was in fact not worth the hassle to keep around. And with each person telling her she is nothing more than a tool, she had no reason not to believe it.

“Have you ever thought that maybe they were all wrong to assume so about them? And make them feel this way, for that matter?”

But for some odd reason the bottled up emotions and anger seemed to lose around Janey. How and in what matter, Athena wasn’t able to say. 

Even if she still couldn’t communicate so, “I don’t know that they would believe it, if every person told them otherwise.”

“But if just one person came through and said that they’re worth it… Don’t you think it would make them think?” Janey tightened her grip on Athena’s hand, looking deeply into her eyes.

“I… I’m not sure…” 

“Athena,” Janey’s voice was more than certain, more than grounded in the reality they were both facing. It was clear cut, said straight to her. With her eyes focused on nothing else. “You are the bravest, kindest and frankly, wisest people I’ve gotten to know. You’re a hidden gem, waiting for a chance to shine. And I… I want you to shine in any way possible and see yourself in the way I- Everyone who cares sees you. You’re more than worth it.”

Their fingers intertwined. Athena couldn’t say anything, not believing everything that had happened just in several moments before. Focusing on Janey’s eyes, Janey’s words, Janey’s touch, simply on Janey. Who in all of her wonderfulness spoke right from her heart, never doubting what she meant. Suddenly the world felt just a little less heavier than before.

Athena herself finally mustered a smile. Even if her thoughts were tangled, her heart started to get these words just a little bit more, “Thank you, Janey.”

“You deserve it, Athena.”

And they stayed in this silence just for a bit more. Athena once more focused on that grey of Janey’s eyes, so dark and so enticing. Even if Janey herself was just like the brightest sun, her dark eyes gave away all that she could’ve left behind. For Athena, they suited her more than anything, giving her more depth than anyone gave for on the first glance. 

She had no idea how to name what she felt while looking into Janey’s eyes.

“I mean it… Thank you,” brushing it off, Athena spoke again. “If it wasn’t for you bringing me from the battle, I wouldn’t have survived. I really appreciate it.”

Janey made a confused face, “Me? Oh no, not really. I did patch you up but it was the doppelganger who brought you ‘ere in the first place. Was really frantic too, that poor fella.”

“The… Doppelganger?”

Athena could expect anyone. Any person from her team, really. But the doppelganger? Most of the time, he felt too scared to be there and definitely not cut for the job. Trying his hardest to both shoot a gun and to imitate Jack. She really didn’t see him as the type to do so and yet… Janey wouldn’t lie to her about this. It had to be him.

“Yep. He brought you to me all bloodied and unconscious, said he needed me to help you. ‘No’ was never an option here,” she explained further. “Think you might wanna see him now… He really worries.”

Another moment just to let herself think. Since they were still in Concordia, there probably wasn’t much time left before their launch off to Helios. And she deserved an explanation, right?

“You’re right. I’ll head to him in a second,” she nodded.

“You sure you don’t want me to just bring him ‘ere?” asked Janey. “I know you might be in a hurry but with this sorta talk you probably need a safer space, than with the rest. ‘Specially the loudmouth robot.”

“I’m not gonna kill him.”

“Oh, I know,” she laughed in response. “Still, a little precaution never killed anyone back, ‘ey?”

Pressing her lips together and raising it a little, Athena finally agreed, “Okay, true. He can come.”

“Beauty! Give me just a sec.”

Then she left, presumably to give the body double an ECHOcall. Huh. Maybe Athena started to slowly customize to Janey’s peculiar words.

In the meantime, she decided to get herself more dressed up. On the other chair, Athena saw both her whole outfit neatly put together and cleaned (she really had to thank Janey again later), along with her trusty Aspis by it. Even after such a battle, it didn’t break or even scratch. Now that was something always loyal to her.

On one of the walls, there was a long mirror. Quickly, Athena took a step towards it, just to see herself in the full view. She looked a little more rested, that was a nice change. But the thing that caught the most of her attention was the big bandage. Spread all across her side, tightly put together. She probably needed to change it – thankfully Janey left her a first aid kit.

As she peeled off the first bandage, she could still notice her wound was fresher than anticipated. Wiping off all the excess blood running, Athena tried her hardest not to focus on the pain. And probably not to soak any of Janey’s blankets. As she managed to keep it clean, she took a bigger gauze and carefully pressed it onto herself. It surprised her just how much of the wound was intact. If the doppelganger truly took her to Janey, he must’ve worked fast.

Trying not to dwell onto him too much, Athena changed herself up. The fresh smell of her clothes already made her head feel a little clearer. It felt good to get herself together and just had that starting point. She took one last look of herself in the mirror. Whatever was going to happen, she had to be ready. The curiosity though, took the best of her, as the anticipation within grew.

Then she heard a knock on the door.

“Come in,” Athena spoke carefully, even if her second hand was already gripping her gun. Just in case.

A small creak of the door ensued, as the doppelganger peeked shyly inside. “He-llo?” but as soon as he saw her, he put himself in place. With his shoulders tensed and his somewhat uneasy step.

“I said ‘come in’,” she clarified, though immediately she realized she might’ve come off too strong. So quickly she added with a softer tone, “Don’t worry. Nothing to be afraid of.”

“Sure, ehm. Totally,” he replied. She wasn’t exactly sure if he was being sarcastic or not.

The doppelganger finally walked in and sat down on the opposite chair. Though still anxious, Athena knew he tried his hardest to keep his cool. He looked around the room, seemingly looking for a way out. If he ever met Athena’s stare then it was only out of an accident.

Right. Just how to approach someone this obviously scared of her. That was probably the worst moment for Athena to realize she hadn’t exactly planned anything to say to him in the first place. She could tell her expression became just as awkward as the doppelganger’s.

“I’ve… Wanted to say thank you,” started Athena, trying to get her point across. “Springs has told me you were the one to take me out from battle. I really appreciate your help.”

“Oh,” replied the body double. “Ooh, ehm, sure, anytime.”

Another beat of silence. Both of them looked awkwardly onto each other, having something just at the tip of their tongues but not really able to say what. At least that’s what Athena felt all this time sitting by his side. And what she could judge by seeing his runny, yet careful stare.

“Listen, I-“

They both said at the same time.

The doppelganger laughed nervously, “Ah shit, nono, go on.”

Well. That made Athena sure she wasn’t dealing with Jack. She curled up her lip. There really was only one way to find out further, wasn’t there?

“Why did you do this,” she cut right to the chase.

Honestly, she had no idea what reaction she had been expecting from him. His eyes lit up in that weird flare she couldn’t exactly describe. His lips formed a line. He wanted to speak up and say something but wasn’t sure what, so he quickly stopped. Maybe, that was only her guess. For someone hired to play a role, he was a terribly bad actor.

“You were hurting and I took you there? Didn’t want you to be at Nurse Nina’s mercy, haha,” he finally spoke up. The insincerity of his words was way too striking for her to give it a pass.

“Nobody else did so. Springs said you were alone. Not to mention, you knew exactly to bring me to Springs and not anyone else.”

“Who else would be there?” the body double shrugged. “I-I mean it’s not like there was anyone else to bring you to. You and Springs seem to be on good terms, I dunno.”

“That’s none of your business,” said Athena, raising her eyebrow. She just hoped she didn’t look any flustered by him noticing. “I just… I can’t wrap my head around it… What was the point of you saving me.”

She stood up and took several steps away from the bed she’s been sitting on. Any conversation like this frankly terrified her to the core. So not looking into the doppelganger’s big cat eyes was one way to get some relief.

“Athena, you are my teammate,” though his words persisted. “There was no goddamn way I’d leave you there hurting! Look, you looked like you could barely stand on your own during the mission anyway soo. You really needed help. Trust me.”

Alright. Now she was sure that this wasn’t Jack. Cause hearing all these words in this voice and from this face felt… Jarring. To say the least.  

Yet for some reason, Athena could only feel defensive about it, “And how long have you been observing me? I could stand on my own and you- You could’ve gotten even more hurt!”

“Yeah, that’s the thing – you couldn’t,” the body double finally followed her suit and stood up to approach her. “You’ve been asking me all this time why, so lemme just pause for a second and ask you – why did this happen? What happened back there?”

With each of the doppelganger’s words, Athena felt her own mask slipping away. She looked onto his mismatched eyes once more, the ones that now just pleaded for any kind of explanation. And she hated herself for thinking so afterwards, she really did. But all Athena could think looking into the doppelganger’s eyes was her own sister Jess, just a second before the blade of her sword cut right against her. Suddenly her throat felt drier than ever.

“Why do you care?”

The doppelganger took a step backwards, all in shock, “Why would I- Athena, I swear. This whole thing has been a one big ol’ shitshow. Of, you know, walking around, shooting in-innocent people and acting like that jerk dressed in radioactive sludge. So if I meet just one person as nice as you then I have no reason not to help them out.”

Athena’s eyes seemed to burn with tears pricking her eyes. But no, she wouldn’t cry, she couldn’t do that in front of him.

“I mean it, you know? The legendary gladiator on our team,” the way he spoke her title, filled her with pride she hadn’t heard in a while. “You’ve always been helping me and guiding how to do things. I just… I don’t know how I wouldn’t save you from that one step from robot mayhem. Especially since you. Looked like you have something on your chest.”

This was probably what broke Athena. The doppelganger’s words, his looks and general unnerved attitude. But most importantly the fact that he really looked as if he cared about her. That he noticed when something was wrong and he cared enough to sort things out. Even if it meant trusting someone else who might do the job better. He was damn right too. Athena did have something heavy on her chest Something which felt even worse when she had heard him say it out.

She looked right into the body double’s eyes and understood why she had kept everyone away from herself.

“You could’ve gotten hurt,” she repeated sharply. “You wanted to save me but at no point you thought about what could’ve happened if you were too late. Do you think I could afford anything bad to happen to you? Not in a million times! Not after I had to… I… Not after I got duped into killing my own sister…”

He blinked several times, getting his hand away. Athena’s breath got shallow.

“Every goddamn day of my life, I think about this. That she is dead and only because of me,” she snarled, looking at the doppelganger stepping a bit away. “Atlas took the best out of me, tricked me into doing this. I really had no control over myself. You can now guess that seeing Felicity lose herself in the same way, didn’t really feel thrilling. To know that we had been the cause… I felt disgusting. Like the past just caught up to me in the worst possible way.”

Then there was silence. Just this obvious silence suffocating both of them. Maybe Athena shouldn’t have said so. Maybe it was too much for the doppelganger to take in this moment. But something inside her just screamed for someone, anyone to hear her out. If it was the guy who got her out of this bloody battle, then so be it.

In return, the body double thought to himself. More distant than ever, not his usual loud self. Or was it really just another façade he put on to be more like Jack? Only in this moment Athena noticed one thing he had but she never saw in Jack – the faint patches of freckles still appearing on his tan skin.

He spoke, voice never this serious, “Can I tell you a story?”

Athena nodded.

He sat down again. Ah, so it was going to be a long one after all, thought Athena sitting down beside him.

“Soo. Imagine a kid, like-like a little boy. Throughout all of his life, he never really feels good with himself. Either he’s being bullied at school or his mom always seems to be screaming at him. All he really wants to do is to write his stories and survive to the next day. There are many times in this boy’s life when he thinks that it’s not really… Worth it,” though a little melancholic all the way through, that was the point in which he truly let his guard down. “There is a point in this boy’s life when one thing he loves doing makes him go into terrible, horrible debt, he wants to save himself from doing anything. If a huge corporation knocks, you don’t really say no, you just. Follow through. That’s what the boy did. Changing himself for good, just to escape that world he was forced to live in. Only to be thrown into another shit stained reality.”

Well. The point seemed clearer than he probably wanted it to be. He was playing with his hands all throughout the tale.

From his hands, Athena looked sadly into his face, “What does the boy do then?”

“Survive, I guess,” the bitterness in the doppelganger’s voice was unmistakable. “What else he has, right? His mom laughed when they faked his death. He didn’t have anyone close. Only afterwards he’s realized what a huge mistake he’s made. All he can really do now is keep up the act and either… Wait for the sweet release or pffsh, wait for the sweet release. If you know what I mean.”

The breath got stuck in her throat, “Jack…”

“We both know I’m not,” he answers clearer than anything else.

Sighing heavily, his back hit the mattress underneath him. The bed was big enough for Athena to lay down next to him. That’s why she approached the bed from the different side and laid down in the same way. Maybe there really was something staring at the ceiling in silence.

“Every good story has a moral at the end,” she spoke. “What’s this one’s?”

“Don’t sell your soul to the devil,” the doppelganger said with a laugh.

Now that one made Athena smile, “That’s a good one.”

Another tense moment between them. Being so close, yet so far looking at the ceiling in silence. It went on for so long, Athena started wondering if Janey didn’t start getting worried. However, she didn’t want this to end just yet. For some reason it brought her… More comfort than necessary. Just being silent with that doppelganger. What a strange world she was living in.

“I guess, my point was… Agh, do you think it’s weird when you meet someone and you sorta feel like even if your experiences were different, they’re… Too damn similar?”  the body double spoke carefully.

“What’s your point?”

“The point is that…” he thought about this for a longer while. So much, she almost wanted to ask if it was alright. Soon enough, he came around, “The… The point is that the more I think about it, there really isn’t much of a difference between being duped into killing your sister and being duped into killing your own self.”

“I’m still not sure how desperate you have to be to go through a surgery like this,” Athena’s voice sounded firmer than she intended.

“And how desperate do you have to be to kill all existing Atlas employees?” he backhanded.

“Pretty damn desperate.”

“Hah. Then you just proved my point.”

A small laugh escaped his mouth. Not the Jack kind of one but a one so sincere, it made her chuckle along. So they both laughed at the life they’ve been living and what had brought them to this point exactly. For their pained pasts and the uncertain futures but most importantly at their shared present.

Athena looked at the doppelganger from the side. Even if the things were bad, he still had that smile on his face. And at this point, she really felt like they were both one and the same. Stripped of their mere being, because of what corporates and power hungry people wanted from them. A wave of guilt came over her then. Especially since, the more she thought about it, the more she realized that she had something they even took from him – a name.

She really took the double for granted, didn’t she?

So Athena looked at him again and said, “I’m sorry. I know now what you meant and I shouldn’t distrust you. I’m just… Sorry for everything that’s happened.”

The look on the doppelganger’s face softened. There was that melancholy once more present within his stare, “And I’m sorry too. For… You know, lashing out and stuff. You had your reasons.”

They laid on the bed in silence just for several more seconds. Painfully aware that in a moment it’s all gonna be gone and they will have to go see Jack again to mindlessly obey his orders. To get by, to get the money to survive. What a cruel fate it’s been. Still, Athena felt like she didn’t want this to end. For the two souls in this entire universe who seemed to understand her, one way or the other. When they will go out, she once more will be the fearless gladiator, ready for a fight. But it was nice to truly be simply Athena sometimes.

“Athena!” and so she was called, by none other than Janey herself. “Uhh, Jack? That other Jack called, are you guys ready?”

“Sure, we’ll be there in a minute!” the doppelganger shouted back, getting up from the bed. Athena did just the same and while preparing herself, she’s heard him say, “You should contact her once it’s all done.”

Her cheeks suddenly felt like burning. How did he… “I’m sorry?”

“Oh, don’t act all that, I saw how you two were lookin’ at each other,” he said with a smile a little too knowing. Shit. “Besides, well… You will be a free person. You deserve her in your life, don’t think that you don’t.”

Maybe that’s why he brought her to Janey in the first place, that damn bastard. It wasn’t as if Athena wasn’t interested but her feelings were still tangled and awkward. She didn’t know exactly what to do with them. Yet Janey made her feel… So good. And so serene, like no one else did. She made her head spin in the best way. Not that she would admit it all to the doppelganger.

“You better mind your own business,” she raised her eyebrows, though her face remained unamused and gave him that little friendly punch on the arm. To keep him in place.

It felt surreal. Everything about the doppelganger felt this surreal, yet familiar. Even the smile he was giving her just this moment. It reminded her of someone close, who she didn’t even remember. Suddenly, Athena felt like she didn’t want to let him go.

“Again, I’m sorry. I wish I could help you and… I hope we’ll meet again one day. Even if I don’t really know who you are,” she said, trying to find the best way to get her point across.

Suddenly, something changed in the doppelganger. He wanted to say something before, yes, but now another idea came into his head. Taking a step away, he saw some papers and pens laying around Springs’ place. He tore off a piece of it and scribbled something in a neat handwriting.

“In the next 20 years, when all of this is over,” the doppelganger turned around to face her once more. “Maybe give this guy a call. Hopefully, he’ll have the best apartment on the planet, stacks of money and some hottie by his side,” he made a face and finally put a piece of paper right in her palm. “And maybe, by then he’ll be happy.”

She unwrapped the paper. There was just one small thing written on it – a name and a surname. Athena put it in the inner pocket of her jacket, never to forget about it.

Another sweep of the cotton pad against his forearm made Timothy bite another pained hiss.

“Stop squirming,” said Rhys in a tone both calming and indicating he was about to laugh. “I’m almost done.”

“I don’t have to like it,” Timothy raised an eyebrow at him.

“I know. But I’m not gonna let you go around Atlas with a wound right on your arm. There’s enough red at the HQ already,” explained Rhys as he focused on cleaning the deeper cut.

“Yeah. It’s really pretty,” he smiled at him. “Okay, I’ll give you this. It just feels like ass, just wanted to let you know that.”

“Duly noted,” wiping off the excess blood off of his arm, Rhys quickly pulled another plaster he had nearby him. It covered all of Timothy's wounds in no time, leaving to trace of it. “Here, done. Unless you want me to kiss it better?”

Suddenly, Timothy’s eyes shined with that knowing spark, “Pretty please?”

Rhys scoffed in return, shaking his head. Though, the smile on his face told Timothy just about everything. Putting away all the medical equipment, Rhys bowed his head a little. His lips kissed right at the edge where the bandage met his skin. The sweet sensation made Timothy’s heart flutter right against his chest. 

“Here, you big baby,” right after, he returned to his level, scrunching up his nose. Then, he drew closer, placing another kiss right against Timothy’s lips. Taken aback, Timothy let out a surprised noise, immediately kissing back. “And this one is on the house.”

“Mmmf, oh, your lips taste like heaven,” said Timothy, still immersed in the feeling. Soon enough, he came back on the ground, “I MEAN, haha, you suure know how to. Kiss.”

“I could say the same for you,” replied Rhys, his cheeks even deeper shade of red. “I mean, that we- I mean… Uhm- Wow, we both are so bad at this.”

“Yeaah.”

Then they both laughed. Timothy felt Rhys’ hand gripping his own, so firmly yet in such a familiar matter. Anchoring him right in reality. What they both felt for each other was still a fairly new thing. Even if it had been obvious for months, only some time ago they brought up the courage to be honest about this. But ever since, Timothy felt at the most ease he’s remembered in what felt like forever. Even if he still felt awkward and unsure in how to speak his feelings out, it was alright. He had someone by his side, just as bad at this.

Afterwards, Rhys already put himself back to the business mode. Ah, how typical of him, “Okay, now that you’re all patched up, what did you find there?”

“Just some Maliwan leftovers, still trying to persist that they had won the war. Amongst other things,” Timothy explained shortly with a bitter tone. “I seriously have no idea how we are still finding them.”

It was supposed to be a fairly normal day. Timothy had come to work in his usual time, after his morning coffee and hearing all three of his cats begging for food. He had been greeted with the usual kiss from Rhys and a quick introduction to his today’s changed schedule. Outside of his usual guarding shift, Timothy was supposed to go on a special mission. Apparently, there had been some weird activity in downtown Meridian. Reports saying there had been some mysterious figure running all across the area. Not really destroying anything but their demeanor had been somewhat puzzling.

Confused at first, Timothy of course had taken the job. He was sent with a backup of several of his Lancemen colleagues. Though Rhys had said that he knew Tim could handle it alone and they had all been there for special security. And he had said it with a wink. So how could he even begin to doubt him.

The area of  Meridian they had been sent to was one people rarely went to. Of course, Timothy was familiar with it, since he probably now knew Meridian like the back of his cybernetic hand. Still, it had seemed almost abandoned, like a reminder of days gone by. This was where Timothy had seen not one but several people in the dark.

First point of attack from them was to… Well, attack. One of them sensing the danger by the single glance of Timothy’s, had taken out one of their pocket knives and sliced against his forearm. Timothy had wailed in sudden pain but as all other Lancemen had prepared their assault rifles, he had noticed the Maliwan patches on the figures’ outfit. Now that explained a lot.

Timothy had taken a different approach. Still, clinging onto his pistol, he had come closer and asked why they still occupied this area since the war had been long over. Though there had been some discussion that they weren’t gonna talk with a “Handsome Jack wannabe”, after several warning shots, they had put it off. Especially, seeing that they had been outnumbered, they had surrendered immediately. It had always been this way with Maliwans, Timothy thought. All bark, no bite. Or a small bite. And a bark that stung in his chest.

After that intervention and a short but angry talk with Rhys over the ECHOs, they had all been sent to the head Maliwan planet, never to speak of this again. With Rhys’ mercy too, saying that if he had heard any of them ever compare Timothy to Jack he’d shoot their heads off. But Timothy had persisted they were mostly harmless.

Though… He really couldn’t stop thinking about it. Usually, ex-Maliwans were full of themselves and wanted a fight. These ones had been simply scared, unnerved. He couldn’t have shaken off the feeling that there had been something else going on. Still, he couldn’t have brought himself to give them any sympathy after their comments.

Just as he returned to the HQ, Rhys had already been waiting for him with the top quality med kid, ready to patch him up. Even if Timothy had felt that embarrassment creeping in, he couldn’t not smile on how caring his boyfriend was. So he just had let him do the work.

“Did they say anything else? You know, after I hung up,” Rhys kept on asking, as he leaned closer to the keyboard and started searching through files on the digital screens appearing from his desk. The way that he freely accessed things like these in front of Tim never ceased to amuse him.

“Nooo sir, nothing much. They all looked super creeped out and probably too scared after the Atlas CEO told them to fuck off,” explained Timothy, cracking a smile at him. “If I were to guess, I don’t think they were really the figure, heh. Think they saw this weirdo.”

As Rhys was still furiously searching something in his drives, he finally brightened up seeing the files, “Aha, found it! Look here.”

To this particular ECHOmail there had been attachment of a series of pictures. Most of them too blurred for their own good, though there was still a person distinguishable within the lines. All dressed in dark colors, wielding something almost in the shape of a sword. Now that just confused Timothy further.

“I’ve been sent these in the morning but I guess nobody really knows who that is,” continued Rhys. “You haven’t… Seen them, right?”

“Naah, I don’t think so. I would’ve noticed that. I guess.”

The more Timothy focused on these pictures, the more he found the figure to look somewhat familiar. Like he’s seen them before, unsure where exactly. He had no idea what was about this and a part of him was relieved he hadn't seen them. Everything about them looked like they meant business.

Suddenly, the look on Rhys’ face changed. Firstly, focused on getting to the bottom of this problem, now distant and worried. All startled, Timothy reached his hand to his arm and stroked it a little. “Honey?” he asked in a tone full of worry.

“Oh? It’s, ehm…” Rhys bit his lip and looked around to face Timothy again. “You sure you’re all alright? I could call someone to give you a professional look, it’s not a problem. I can even call right away, I swear, it’s just a click awa-“

“Rhys,” this time he made sure his voice sounded focused and to the point. “I swear, I am all okay. Just a scratch, nothing else. You don’t have to worry.”

“And you know I will worry no matter what,” he leaned over to the armrests of the chair Timothy was sitting in. “Look, after what they’ve been saying about you, I just… I’ve realized that what if they were after you and I just put you in danger? I know you can defend yourself but I just. I really wish there was nothing you needed to defend yourself from.”

“You just said it – I can handle it,” Timothy made a face but leaned closer to him. “But… Thanks. Hearing this and you being all ready to patch me up and… Feels good to have someone who cares for you. ‘Specially when it’s you.”

Throughout most of his life, Timothy was told he was a loudmouth. Talking about anything and everything, basically everything his eye caught. Even with that being true about his feelings still came across as a challenge. Something still hard to grapple on. But his heart spoke louder than his mind was ready to. The thought of Rhys, being there for him throughout all the times, made him feel the best kinds of lightheaded.

And Rhys looked at him, with so much sweetness and love behind his stare. His right hand went forward to grip the curve of his face. Fingers flicking the little strands of hair from his cheek, then his thumb brushed all against it. Especially making sure to go on the edges of his scar. Timothy almost forgot to breathe, losing himself in the action.

“I know it’s impossible to get to all these assholes stuck in the past,” Rhys whispered against him, his fingers still moving soothingly. “But, well. I can always try.”

Timothy let out a muffled laugh, “Babe, c’mon.”

“I mean seriously – you’ve moved on. You’re living your present and they keep on coming and reminding you of the past. It’s infuriating, I just… Wish they’d move on.”

“Well, ehm… I’m just not entirely sure it’s possible. But I guess I’ve learnt how to live with it, hah,” the quick look around, almost as if Rhys’ stare was getting a bit too overwhelming. “You don’t have to worry. You know, you’ve really done more than enough for me.”

It really felt like this for Timothy. Every day Rhys had proved to him that he truly didn’t care about any of the masks – only of his wellbeing and happiness. Making sure he feels safe on Promethea, shutting off everyone who tried to say otherwise. And loving him, like he thought nobody ever would. It truly was more than enough. Simply seeing his true self, not a role he was forced to play.

Step by step, Timothy truly was starting to look at himself past all the masks he had on. Even if it was a rocky process to begin with. But also a one definitely worth it.

“Then just know that youu,” Rhys started in a joking tone but brushed it off. When their stares met once again, his ECHOeye shined in that electrifying way. His human eye however reflecting the light turned into the sweetest shade of brown. “Timothy Lawrence. I want you to know that your past doesn’t define you in any way. And I never had a reason to look at you and think so.”

“Never?”

“Never, I swear.”

The sun was just at it’s first peak of Promethean day, shining softly through the windows behind them. Casting soft shadows against Rhys, drowning him in the warmest of tones. Nothing could be as warm as his smile or as beautiful as the way he looked at him. Or in actuality, Timothy had never seen someone as beautiful as him.

“Iiii… I think I much better prefer the future,” he mustered, feeling the warmth on his features.

Then Rhys leaned closer. Moving his palm away, making way for planting a kiss, against his both freckled and scarred cheek. His mustache tingled on Timothy’s skin, a feeling he both loved and still didn’t quite get used to.

“That’s the spirit, baby,” said Rhys, once more stealing a kiss from his lips. Lingering for a moment, Timothy smelt his perfume in the air and got a better peak at the blue tattoo spread across his chest. But the softness of his lips probably beat any other sensation.

“Or y’know, the present. You could do this again,” Timothy raised an eyebrow at him.

“I wish. But nope, sorry, gotta get back to work. And you too, if I’m correct it’s your guarding shift now. Head to the archives.”

Ah yes, there it was. His darling Rhys in the corporate space he was so familiar with. The sudden shift wasn’t anything foreign for him, though it still amazed him how quickly it could ensue.

“Really? I was starting to like that CEO chair,” leaning deeper, Timothy closed his eyes comfortably. He also maybe took a quick peek to see Rhys’ reaction.

So he smiled knowingly, “Heey, back off. I can buy you your own, but this one? Strictly mine.”

“Suure, sure.”

As he stood up and moved away from Rhys’ place, he was stopped by one more call out from him, “Tim?”

“Yeah?”

“And don’t feel down about this – I’ll gladly continue these after hours,” Rhys said with a lopsided smile.

“Ooh, I’ll surely remember this.”

One more time, Timothy turned around and sent Rhys a kiss. He saw him catch it, as he shook his head with a laugh. The way Rhys made him feel all head over heels made him both laugh. But also happier than he could’ve been. Trying to focus, he walked back to the archive space, head still full of thoughts of his boyfriend.

The archive room, though not that far from Rhys’ office, still required him to take the ride of the world's slowest elevator (yes, he did communicate so to Rhys. Unsuccessfully). Not a long one, since it was located mere two floors below it. Walking through the corridors, Timothy passed several other offices and made it to the small locker room right next to the archive. There he promptly changed to his Lanceman armor, greeted several of his coworkers and took his position. 

Though it was almost weird for him to admit it out loud, Timothy truly loved his job. He loved the hours spent to himself, guarding the most important parts of the facility. He also loved the other more risqué jobs he was sent on with the top priority. There really was something to it. The feeling that what he did was important, helped so many civilians while putting his skills to the best use. After a while, Timothy truly felt good to wear crimson.

Humming some song Rhys put on in the background (damn catchy electro swing), Timothy made his way from one corner of the room to the other. Gripping harshly to his assault rifle, he tried to stay alerted at any possible attack. Even if his mind kept going back to that mysterious figure allegedly running around Meridian. Trying to reach his mind to why he seemed to recognize something about them.

Then he’s heard a sound. Precise strikes at his fellow Lancemen and their grunts. And them falling over to the ground, one after the other. The sound of sword unsheathing made his whole posture tense.

They were there. Timothy didn’t have to turn around, he knew if he did he’ll just see the figure. The sudden coldness made him realize they were probably standing on the window now.

Wait, so did they climb all the way to one of the top floors of the HQ–

Before Tim could question it, the sound of metal hitting the ground overwhelmed him. Shit. Shit, they weren’t kidding. Or in fact, Rhys wasn’t kidding when he was this worried someone was hunting Timothy down. 

His blood froze in his veins as he turned around to face them. And then they were, in all of their deadly glory. With their face all covered up and the posture though petite very much so signalizing danger.

Next thing Timothy knew, he was running through the corridors as fast as he could.

His legs felt lighter than anything, barely breaking a sweat while running. Shit. So some crazy guy really wanted to get him and kill him just because of his face. The looming and booming steps made Timothy even more aware of this. Especially since they already took out all of his colleagues. Yes, he was going to die, he will leave so many people without a notice, especially his poor boyfriend and his poor friends. What a fate he had.

“Help! HELP! Some asshole is trying to kill me!!!” Timothy wailed in fear, trying as far away and get more backup. He also got his ECHOcommunicator, dialing Rhys’ number but failing to say anything as the figure shot a warning bullet into the air.

In his last ditch effort, Timothy decided to take a shot at that figure currently chasing him. He put his AR at the tracker dart setting and then fired an actual shot. Only for the figure to bring out a shield that absorbed the bullet as soon as it hit it. If there was already something familiar about the figure, their shield was almost a dead giveaway. The intricate design, the colors… Timothy was sure it wasn’t the first time he saw it.

Wait a minute. Hell. Maybe he wasn’t a dead man walking after all.

Taking a sharper turn, Timothy entered one of the empty office spaces. It gave the figure an opportunity to catch up to him. Unfortunately too since with one push of their, Timothy fell onto the floor with a yelp.

As he put his hands up to distance himself, the figure drew out their sword, pointing directly on his still masked by a Crimson Lance helmet face.

“Timothy Lawrence?” they spoke in a voice slightly too modulated to be someone’s real voice.

“Y-Yeah?”

The figure breathed out. Their sword firstly upright and upfront, now was taken away. Their shoulders relaxed, they put a foot away from Timothy’s chest. And when they took off that scarf from their face, everything was more than clear.

Following their suit, he took off the helmet. He placed it next to him and ruffled his hair a little, just to look more like himself. Timothy then took a better look at them, currently battling the full blown reaction.

“It really is you,” spoke Athena, in that stoic voice of hers, now trying to hold back her surprise.

Though so many years older, there was so much familiarity within her. She had the same indigo blue-ish tinted hair, now with several strands of grey added to the mix and tied in a low bun. Her eyes were still that icy blue shade. Her features were a little more worn out with more wrinkles and several more scars. Still wearing that scarf her sister gave her all these years ago, now as an addition to her turtle neck and pants with more pockets than a normal person needed. Having her trusty Aspis shield and sword by her side.

Timothy blinked several times. Feeling that sting in his chest once more and propping himself upwards. After so many years, it was still Athena, as he remembered her. The tears started prickling his right eye, as he let out a shaky laugh.

“Athena… Oh my god, where have you been?” he finally mustered any voice to say it.

“Around,” ah. A woman of few words as always. “I could ask you the same question, you know. You disappeared on us.”

“Ooh, you know,” Timothy grimaced a little but he knew she could tell he was just joking. “’ve been busy getting stranded at a killer casino, cutting my hand aand stuff.”

“Oh. Yes, I’ve heard rumors, I just… I had no idea they were true…” she admitted, shame creeping to her sentences. “But I finally had to see it for myself. What happened to your face?”

Instinctively, Timothy took his gloved hand and traced it by his cheek. Rough edges of the bright blue scar spread all across his face. Right. He didn’t exactly have the last time they saw each other, did he.

“Ehm. It’s a really long story.”

“I sensed that,” Athena nodded, changing the weight of her body from one foot to the other. “But it’s. Really good to see you.”

Timothy smiled widely, “Good to see you too.”

They would probably talk more on the spot, if it wasn’t for the sound of certain boots sliding through the floor. And several pants. And a “goddammit” spoken underneath someone’s voice.

“What did I miss??” Rhys shouted, out of breath. He eyed them both, though he immediately focused on Timothy laying on the ground. “Tim!!” he sprinted towards him, carefully kneeling down and cradling him in his arms. “Baby, are you okay? Athena, I swear if you did anything to him, I will-“

“WOAH!” Timothy cut through him, holding his arm. “Woah-woah, I’m all fine! No need for this, we’re just- Catching up is the right term, yes.”

Athena furrowed her brows. This time she was the one to eye both of them down, “Baby?”

“Well, hah, if it’s all a misunderstanding then, hii Athena,” said Rhys with a way too awkward smile. “Guess you met my good pal Tim.”

“Hello, Rhys,” she crossed her arms right against her chest, then turned around to Timothy. “You didn’t tell him we already know each other?”

Standing up, Timothy brushed himself, “Oh, I did, don’t worry.”

“Well, you haven’t met him as my good pal Tim yet,” to which Rhys grinned knowingly.

“What–”

“Oh, we have a lot and I mean a lot catching up to do,” he laughed it all off, a blush forming on his cheeks. One thing at a time it was. “Yeah I guess, ehm. Best to start with a reintroduction, right? The name’s Timothy Lawrence.”

He exchanged his cybernetic hand in her direction. Athena eyed it for a moment. Not out of suspicion but out of surprise, not knowing about that change in him. But she didn’t hesitate, even for a bit. Instead, she shook it with a strong grip.

“Athena Springs.”

To which, Tim smiled brighter than he thought it was possible.

With a childlike wonder on his face, Timothy examined the smallest details of the photo.

Said photo showed two women in wedding dresses, taller woman kissing the shorter one on the cheek. The taller one, of course being Janey had her hair slicked back, so unlike her usual bangs. Her dress was satin smooth with a very low V-neck cut and an A-line figure. Next to her was Athena with a much more put-together bun than she had nowadays, in a more lacey mermaid figure dress. Her cheeks were in a deeper shade of red, her eyes full of love. Athena also smiled at the picture. Definitely the happiest she could’ve ever been.

After that ambush she’d done back at the HQ, Timothy had suggested he’d show her more of the Meridian. More than she caught while running around and looking for him, that is. Rhys had suggested they would catch up on their own and they would talk together later. Which had been all fine by Athena, seeing his a bit scared face. Though, she had been happy to see him too – she had never thought she’d miss that corporate boy this much.

But first things first. Timothy Lawrence had been her “mission’s” priority, after all.

Sightseeing on Promethea hadn’t exactly been her top concern, so she had asked Timothy if there had been any places where they could talk freely. About anything and everything. To which, he had immediately taken her to his (and apparently Rhys’ too) favorite froyo shop and then to a nearby park. Where on one of the top benches, they had observed the people going by and several trees swaying. Purely idyllic.

She had especially taken this photo with her, as a trinket of what she’s been up to all these years. Athena had remembered vividly him saying she should contact her more. So lo and behold, she truly did. But everything about this photo and seeing his reaction, made her think of one thing only. A thing that mindlessly slipped through her.

“I wish you were there.”

Timothy looked away from the photo,  putting his brows together. He smiled, though the sadness within him was unmistakable, “Yeah… Me too.” Taking one last look at the photo, he asked, “How long has it been?”

“6 years now.”

“Shit… Damn, that’s insanely long…” he said with the biggest disbelief in his voice.

“It’s been some time. We really couldn’t have it modest, especially after opening the Vault of the Traveler. It’s been the first time Janey went on a vault hunting escapade and I think she kinda loved it,” Athena explained. When she and Janey were invited on the hunt, there really was no way she could’ve turned this down. It also proved to be a perfect opportunity to show Janey a bit more of her world. Successfully too.

“So I’ve heard. I mean, I couldn’t imagine you not going all the way on your wedding day,” he nudged her and winked back.

“Sure,” she brushed it off. “I had no idea but you know… After I proposed to Janey, I was scared. I never knew I’d be cut to this. But seeing her in that wedding dress, I… I knew exactly that I wanted to spend my whole life with her.”

And that feeling hadn’t changed, no matter the day and time. Every time she looked at Janey, she felt the exact same thing. As if it was the only truth in her life.

“Athena… You have no idea how happy I am for you two…” biting off tears, Timothy handed her the photo.

She took that one last look at the picture, filled with the best memories of her life. Then she put it back to her pocket, always to be with her. “You know Rhys was invited, right? He cried like a baby too, if you wanted to know.”

“Heh. Yeah, that’s my Rhys,” he sighed, laughing slightly.

But his reaction never ceased to amuse her, “Wow. You two got pretty close, didn’t you.”

“Iii’ll tell you all about it. Hah, but c’mon tell me what you’ve been up to first. I’m dying to know.”

Athena side-eyed him, taking her eyes off of her blueberry froyo, “Me?”

He nodded encouragingly.

“If you want it so bad…”

There was just so much to say. The more she thought, the more she realized that saying everything that went down in 3 sentences or less was harder than she could give it credit for. But she decided to start right from the beginning. Or in this case, also the ending.

“Right after we finished that business back in Claptrap’s mind, I was still wandering around, catching every job imaginable,” Athena started, recollecting more than troublesome moments of her life. “I think you know which job I finished first.”

Timothy sighed, “You really took out all of ‘em.”

In return she grimaced. The time gave her much needed perspective. And she was less than thrilled to really admit to what she’s done.

“Yes. Well, almost but I’ll get to that. Janey and I moved “down” to Pandora, to Hollow Point. We both agreed that Elpis was nothing but trouble and she just got a job opportunity from that Scooter guy. Not sure if you’ve met him.”

“Hmm… Nah, I can’t recall.”

“I didn’t know him too well either. But I did just wander around Pandora, trying to get enough money to survive. When Jack’s new Vault Hunters survived, I was actually on a private job on Hephaestus. I’ve learnt about many things long after they happened. I’ve… Learned about Wilhelm and Nisha too. If you were wondering,” Athena bit her bottom lip.

“Yeah… I knew first hand. All the doubles had an excess to a livestream of this whole happening,” he nodded sadly.

Two of their friends were killed like it was nothing. Like there was nothing they both could truly do. Both Athena and Timothy knew they weren’t the best people around. But if the world was a little different maybe they would’ve turned around from Jack. They decided to just let the silence sit. They truly would never know.

“I was really happy when they all put a bullet in Jack’s head. I wished I could be there too,” Athena hit the bottom of her plastic cup in a repeating pattern. “But afterwards I felt… Stupidly alone, if I’m being honest. The only person who was with me was Janey. And I honestly can’t thank her enough for sticking by for all these years.”

The time gone by really did a number on her. Even if she knew her friends from Elpis weren’t the best, they still came closer to her than anyone else did in all these years. Then two of them were dead, one of them was god knows where and one was missing for years now. But no matter, Janey was always there. Holding her through bad times, promising only the best. Athena believed her each and every time.

“I continued my work though, going around from a planet to planet, hunting down bad guys and all. Some man named Felix wanted me to train his two daughters Fiona and Sasha. Now, these two have a character, I tell you this. Have you met them?” smiling Athena recollected another memory. Ah, she would always remember these two fondly, no matter the hardships.

“Noo, not yet. Rhys told me about them though,” Timothy said, spoonful of froyo in his mouth.

“I think now they’re travelling through planets, sometimes together, sometimes alone. Once in a while, Fiona sends a postcard,” Athena laughed. “That’s where I met Rhys too. I have to say, he really didn’t change much. I had a hard time trusting a Hyperion but then I realized he’s pretty much harmless,” before Timothy could tell her anything, she continued. “Though, no, I have to correct myself – I had seen him in fight and I have to give him kudos for that.”

Timothy smiled, “Damn right.”

“I haven’t seen him much afterwards with him being busy rebuilding all of this from the ground up. I paid him a visit, long time ago… I trust him with Atlas.”

“Wai- Waitwaitwait, did you really–“

“I know what I’ve said, Timothy,” once more she looked in front of her, rather than facing him. She probably would feel too overwhelmed to do so, yet. “And I mean it. He has a knack to this and so far, he’s been maintaining it in a way I can trust. I don’t think he’d ruin people the way the old Atlas did. His Atlas is… A fairly different place. I prefer it vastly.”

This time she really had a feeling she needed to look at him. When she did, the bright spark in Timothy’s eyes illuminated even brighter with all the Promethean neons he was surrounded by. There really was this unspoken relief and true happiness in his reaction.

“You… You mean it? Like mean it-mean it?”

Athena smiled faintly, “Yes. Besides, I wouldn’t leave you with just anyone, right? If I didn’t trust him, I would probably throw Aspis at him from very very far, so he wouldn’t get to you.”

Laughing nervously, Timothy tried to say something but Athena stopped him, putting one of her fingers forward.

“I’m not joking.”

“Then, I, uh… Am glad that you trust him cause I wouldn’t. Want that. Yes.”

“I am kind of joking,” she nudged him, as all in surprise he almost dropped his froyo cup.

“Oh! Haha, that’s great,” he once more laughed but with a louder cough, he changed the tone of his voice to a more serious one. “What happened next?”

“Well, apparently during my quest I did leave one remaining Atlas employee live,” Athena nodded sadly. “I… I wanted to kill him. But Fiona stepped up and tried to reason with me. Guess I owe her a lot.”

“So… Ehm…”

“No. I didn’t. Yet I’ve heard he died several years ago. The least I could do was to give him that time…” she closed her eyes and let that sink for a while. “I think that was the time when it truly felt meaningless to me. The whole quest, the killing… It made me think a lot.”

“I’m so sorry about him,” said Timothy. “Still think you made the right call with him. I’m proud of you, eeeven if it turned out the way it did. You’ve learnt a lot.”

“More than I realized at the time…” reminisced Athena, now looking with contempt at her past. “Afterwards, I was captured by Lilith. She wanted to tell her all the truth about our mission for Jack… And before you ask, yes, I did tell her everything.”

“Why would she want to know this?” he asked, furrowing his brows.

“The only explanation I found was that she was probably looking for some sort of catharsis after Roland’s death. She even wanted to kill me too but I was saved… By some guardian. I still don’t know what that was about. I did get some apology from her and I don’t really wanna hold grudges against her now.”

Timothy’s hand instinctively touched the edge of his scar. Almost in the same manner when she first mentioned it, “Huh… Lilith. Glad that she said so. And that you’re cool.”

“Cool is probably an overstatement. She did want me to join Crimson Raiders but I kindly declined,” Athena continued, the memories appearing almost vividly in her head. The two weeks spent in Sanctuary were truly a bizarre time for her.

“Then Rhys called up with an opportunity. Opening a Vault let me and Janey both afford a wedding and move to a different planet. We’ve had some… Serious talks regarding my jobs. Janey was very scared of me getting hurt or worse. But with that Vault Hunter job, she realized why I do this. For the adrenaline. Of course, the loot too,” she too laughed to herself. There really were some perks to this. “I’ve grown to be more open about this with her. She knows where I’m going and when I need backup. That’s the best way it could’ve gone, honestly.”

“I’m… So happy for you two,” every word about her and Janey made Timothy increasingly more enthusiastic. Relieved too. “Hah, kinda glad that you stuck to your old guns. So how’s the good old Vault Hunter job paying nowadays?”

“It’s more of a side-gig if anything. When someone calls I go but I have more things to do,” Athena shrugged.

“Which are…?”

“Always this impatient?”

Timothy grinned, “You should’ve known by now.”

“Then, after Scooter’s death, Ellie wanted Janey to have her share in the Catch-A-Ride business too. We’ve moved to Eden-4, where she opened a big mechanic shop and has been working with Ellie ever since. I like her too, she’s a one tough lady.”

“And you? You’re helping her?”

“From time to time, I’ve learnt some things about the machines from Janey. I really wanted us to spend more time together and… Machines don’t exactly tire you like people do,” that really was her main reason. Suddenly, she understood Janey’s need to simply be with quietly purring machines more than with clientele. “I’ve grown to like it.”

“But that’s not all, isn’t it?”

“No. I, uh…” she hesitated for a moment but Timothy’s eager expression told her, it made him even more curious to know. “I’m hosting lessons for children to… Learn how to fight. Several times a week, they come by to learn from me. I’ve got some pretty good fighters, I tell you.”

Now that seemed to satisfy Timothy’s curiosity. The smile he gave her was so bright, Athena herself was surprised. Like this one answer made him more content than anything else, “You’re a teacher now, huh? I knew you had it in you.”

“If I’m being honest…” Athena started, one more sighing and putting herself in place. “I needed to figure out who I am and where I stand. One of my main conclusions was that I never wanted any child to suffer the way I’ve suffered. And I know how to fight. So I help them learn how to defend themselves and grow to be stronger. Compassionate too. I want to give them what I didn’t have.”

Timothy’s right eye once more shined with tears forming up. His eyes even if one being blind were just as big and cat-like as she remembered then to be. Oh, she didn’t know he’d get so emotional, she almost wanted to go on and comfort him.

“I’m… So proud of you, Athena. For just… Everything, damn…” he finally decided to muster. “I know they’ll all grow out to be the best fighters they could be. Aaand in the meantime less of them can get in danger.”

“True… I’m very proud of them,” now Athena was just sad she didn’t get a picture of her and her class with her. Janey came by to help often and one time she just knew she needed to see them all together. Nowadays it sat framed upon one of the walls in their house. “I think I just did some self searching throughout the years… And they all lead me there.”

“Self searching? Did you sculpt some pots too?” Timothy joked.

But the silence from Athena’s side was more than telling. He turned around within a moment, all startled.

“You so diiid,” he then cracked a bigger smile.

“Yes. They’re all in my house, if you wanted to see them,” Athena replied, her cheeks feeling a bit hotter.

“Oh, now I have no excuse not to visit you!” he beamed once more. “Wow. Guessin’ we both really needed to take time to… Y’know. Figure shit out. It’s my time, isn’t it?”

The gentle sway of Promethean wind rustled both of their hair. Timothy laughed and Athena clanged to her scarf but mostly looked at the movement of sparse Promethean trees. She really needed to know how he found himself in this beautiful place.

Though a bit too concrete for her taste.

“Yes and yes, please, tell me. From the start too.”

Well, that really was the main point of hers. To finally track down the man of the name she wasn’t supposed to speak up, all until this moment. Then to hear his story of what happened in these 13 years they haven’t seen each other. The thought of how long it’s really been made Athena even more distant than she wanted to admit. So now all she wanted to do was to listen to his tale.

“So! It wasn’t really long between us finding a Vault and me going to the ugh, Handsome Jackpot. In the meantime, I wandered on Helios, keeping my guard. Or y’know… Healing. After Jack, uh. After Jack branded me,” he added in a more distant tone than before.

That really was one of the biggest surprises seeing him. The blue scar all across his face, exactly the same as she was Jack got. In Athena’s heart she really pleaded and asked for him not to share the same fate. Now, she realized it’s always been too late.

“I’m… So Sorry, Timothy…”

“It’s old news… But I appreciate it,” his words were genuine, she knew right from the start. “It did hurt like all shit, I’ll let you know that.”

“I can only imagine…”

“Yeah… Well, Jack said that he’s gonna reward me with a spot at the casino. I was basically just gonna be a mascot for his lovely theme park. And I ate it aaall up, just to be as far away from his as possible,” then the bitterness returned to his voice. His features seemed much more tired too, “Theen Jack died. And guess that paradise resort turned to hell quicker than he got shot. Heh.”

Athena didn’t say a thing. Simply gave him a sad stare and let him continue.

“7 goddamn years from my life… Constantly on the run or being shot at, or whatever. Even had a bounty on my head! I’ve… Seen things I’d rather forget. Though, gotta say… I’ve followed lots of your survival techniques. Without them I’d be long dead.”

“You did?” when Timothy nodded, she said, “I’m proud of my student, then.”

“When I thought that it’ll all end badly, the Vault Hunters came in and rescued me. But in the process I diiid… Kinda sorta had to cut off my own hand, haha.”

Saying so, Timothy raised his right hand. Athena did see it later but she withdrew any comments. Truly wanting Timothy to be the one to tell her the origins of this whole story. But yes, in place of his hand there was a black and red cybernetic with Atlas logo on it. When Athena took a better look at this, the whole story now seemed to fall into place. Once more though, her heart fell. How much he had to suffer through, all while her own life was sorting itself out.

“That’s how you ended up on Promethea, right?” she said looking from his cybernetic to his face again.

“Wo-ah, give me a sec and I’ll tell you all about it. ‘s not the end,” he made a motion with his cybernetic and got back to his story. “First, I lived a bit in Sanctuary. Even dated Moxxi for a hot moment buuut we both realized we had different needs. Don’t worry, we’re still friends! Hah, but yeah, people around there didn’t really like me too much, soo. Moxxi contacted and this is how she put it before “a guy who owes her one”. Think you know who that was.”

Only one name could slip through her mind, “Rhys.”

“Yyep. Him exactly. I guess that when I arrived on Promethea, I knew exactly I wanna live here. This place is amazing!” he said with such wonder in his voice, gesturing to the all before them. “Rhys helped me out with a cybernetic, helped me find a job, apartment and all… I really thought that my start would be eehh rocky to say the least? But- But with his help it’s been better than ever.”

“So that’s how you ended up here… But did you have any… Problems?” she tried to put it in the easiest to digest way possible.

To which Timothy put his lips together, “With a face like this, troubles seem to follow me all of the time. I still have ‘em, but they’re much less frequent. I found people who accept me, I have friends and a stable job in the Crimson Lance. Have you met Zer0 and Lorelei?”

Athena thought for a second, “Zer0… You mean that Vault Hunter?”

“Yeah, them! And maybe you’ve seen Lorelei, that Lance soldier with teal hair. They’re both just really cool and I’ve never… Never thought that I’d get along this well with them. I mean, c’mon, Zer0 was there when Jack was killed and Lorelei has been living on Promethea since they were born… Still, they just welcomed me here in the best way.”

“It’s what you’ve always deserved, Timothy,” she said quietly, her heart full knowing he’s found the place to call home. 

“It’s just… Zer0 doesn’t talk much about themself and doesn’t expect others to say anything. They’re a good listener too. And Lorelei lives so much in the moment, they never judge others’ by their pasts,” Timothy smiled at the thought of his friends. “And they’re a barista, they can make a mean cup of coffee, if you ask me.”

“You should introduce me to them then.”

Though besides all her remarks, Athena could never be happier to hear so. That Timothy at the end found exactly what he was looking for – people who didn’t see his past but him. Ones who didn’t ask excess questions or anything. Timothy… Truly deserved to be himself. As simple as it was, she was happy he got to it.

“Oh definitely,” he nodded, though the look on his face changed. Athena could tell the next part of his story would be something else. “With time Rhys and I also got… Closer.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Which means… Very close.”

“Right.”

“I mean it… Veeerrry close to each other,” his grin started getting wider and wider.

Athena raised her eyebrows, “Oh god, please stop right now.”

Snickering along, Timothy said, “Okay, okay! Well, uh… Yeah, all- All things aside, I… I guess I found something in Rhys I’ve been looking for my whole life. Guess no one else looked at me the same way he did… Nor understand me on the same level… Think you know this feeling.”

Oh, she knew it alright. The feeling that Athena tried to incorporate to her life more and more with each day. How in the past she was a lone traveler, trying to get by doing things her way. Only to discover that whenever Janey was near her she felt stronger than ever. Maybe the universe was right to send out the groups to fight off the biggest obstacles. But the feeling was completely different when it was someone who loved you. Completely, unconditionally loved you.

That’s why she was glad Timothy found someone like Rhys. And in that instance she realized something much different.

“Yes. Very much so…” at first, her voice sounded soft and almost wistful. But of course, she couldn’t really pass it without even the simplest jab at him, “By the way, since you weren’t at my wedding, I hope I’ll be invited to yours.”

“Oh! Ehm, you know, this is all too early to think of this. Haha,” he brushed her off, his cheeks being even more red than before.

“I’m just stating this for the future. I wish you all well in life, you know.”

“Yes. And I do too. Yes.”

They sat once more in complete silence. Their shoulders brushed against each other, as they looked far into the Promethean sky. Silently counting stars appearing in the sky, searching for any planets that could’ve been visible in the dim sky. Probably both looking for a way to see Elpis back there.

“Okay, okay,” Timothy started anew. “Since it’s all been said, ’d say we bury our past here and now. Any last words?”

Athena thought, “Go fuck yourself.”

The laughter coming from Timothy couldn’t have been louder, “That’s what I’ve wanted to hear!”

And just like all these years before, Athena joined him, laughing along. It was almost remarkable. To know that even if so much had changed, he still managed to make her laugh more than anyone else. A feeling she truly didn’t think she’d experience again.

With that, she couldn’t shake off just one more thing, “Can I bring up past for one more time?”

“Go for it,” agreed Timothy. “Better kick this bitch to the curb, am I right?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Huh?”

Her lips formed a straight line and her eyes closed. Athena sighed deeply, mustering the courage to say it, “I’m sorry I didn’t come to save you. And I’m sorry it took me this long to find you.”

“Heey, it’s not your–“

“I know what you want to say,” Athena said sharply. “But I mean this. I didn’t save you, I didn’t save Aurelia, I didn’t save… My sister, Jess… No matter what, I’ll always think of it.”

“Don’t be sorry. You-You did what you could and see? I turned out alright,” he tried to joke but soon enough, he seemed to realize she needed something entirely different. In an instant, his expression softened. “It’s easy to just think you could prevent everything. But life is a cruel mistress – you can’t really predict what’s gonna happen.”

“I know, I know… Still the “what if” has been killing me…”

“I get it, totally. I’ve had my what ifs too,” Timothy’s answer was solemn to the core. “What if I didn’t take the doppelganger job? What if I just say “fuck it” after the Vault opened? What if I was still on Jackpot, what if I never got to Promethea? Yadda, yadda. It’s… Haunting, to be honest.”

Athena glanced sadly onto him, “Any idea how to handle it?”

“None.”

“Hmm.”

“Really, none. I’ve accepted it this way,” his voice changed immediately, still trying to put himself in this perspective. “Athena, are you… Happy now? Besides the you-know-what?”

After a second, she said with the most conviction in herself, “Yes.”

“Then you should know what I mean. Look… I’ll always hold people I’ve lost dear but. I’m so tired of living in the past. Since life’s just… Getting better all around.”

Before she said anything else, Timothy continued, “You know… I guess my life really turned around after a while. I can still remember us talking and how hopeless it felt but ever since I got to Promethea… Guess I started loving living again. I-It’s the little things that make it. Like the way that lady in the local cat shelter greets me by saying “hi, Tim!” whenever I walk in. O-Or that one little girl who thanked me when I helped to get her stuck toy car, when I was on my patrol.”

“You’re changing the world as you know it,” she summed it up. “And the world changes with your kindness.”

“Ahh, em… I dunno. Feels right to do something good when you have this ugly mug,” Timothy sighed, putting away his empty froyo cup. “It also feels good to hear your own name again.”

“I also feel great saying your name,” Athena nodded. “I had this paper with me all this time but never really said it before today. It feels good to know you’re really that Timothy.”

“You kept it?”

“Yes. It was always with me,” with a swift motion, Athena took out another thing right from her pocket. A very old and bent in all directions paper. The faded words said “Timothy Lawrence”, a name that stuck to her mind, all these years. “I never really forgot about you. That… One time after Felicity when we’ve talked. I thought about this a lot. I figured that if you said such things when we barely knew each other, you didn’t take me for granted. When you disappeared, I knew I had to find you one day.”

Timothy took the paper to his hand. Observing the words he wrote so many years ago, a true time capsule in his own hands. “You didn’t just… Think I was dead? No offense, I guess I thought the same about myself.”

“I know what others have said,” Athena’s voice got firmer, more to the point. “But I wanted to believe myself. I really couldn’t believe that someone who saved me couldn’t have defended himself in a way.”

After that day, Athena had never once thought of Timothy as weak or insignificant. She thought of him as that person who always prevailed and would prevail what the world threw at him. Ever since he had been out there disregarding what Jack had said just to save her, Timothy Lawrence in her eyes was a survivor to the core. Never to be taken for granted. And definitely someone who’d survive what the world threw at him.

“Guess you were right… Since after all that bullshit, I somehow ended up here,” he scoffed slightly. Not in a mocking manner or anything. More to distance himself from it. “Is it crazy that I’ve been thinking about this day a lot too?”

“Guess not. Unless we’re both crazy.”

“Yeaahh, I’d believe the latter more,” he gave her a little nudge. “But I did… You know, all these years in the Jackpot, your words kept me going. You were probably the closest person to a best friend in my whole life.”

That was probably what cut through Athena the most. The truth she held close to her heart, just as close as the “You too. I… Can’t wait to get to know you better.”

The way Timothy looked at her, once more holding back his tears. And honestly Athena felt like she was back to this one fateful day. When they shared stories of their pasts on Janey’s bed. It felt exactly the same. Seeing him again, learning more about him under the Meridian skyscrapers. Once more, she felt like she understood him more than she ever did.

At that moment, Timothy couldn’t bear it. He took her into his arms, hugging her close. He was much stronger than she remembered before, probably taking even better care of himself. His strong arms embraced her, as her face got stuck on his shoulder. The sound of his silent weeps echoing into her head. Embracing him as much as possible, she stroked his back in a familiar matter. To soothe any worries he could’ve had.

“Is this why you hunted me down?” Timothy asked, his voice much more tearful than he intended.

“Yes. Sorry about chasing you. Old habits do die hard,” she admitted, the shame creeping into her words.

“Hah, ehm… I guess? But… I just didn’t realize that you cared this much.”

“I did. I was so scared that you’d be dead or that Jack took everything from you… I’m so proud of you, Timothy. Despite everything you kept going and trying. What you’re doing for the galaxy is remarkable. But what you’ve done for yourself is even more amazing.”

“’Thena…”

“The name’s Athena,” she quirked her eyebrow.

Suddenly his shoulders shook with laughter, “I know… ‘s just a nickname… Okay, Athena, I’m damn proud of you too. You grew stronger and better and just… Never thought I’d see you this happy.”

She closed her eyes, “Thank you, Timothy.”

“Thank you, ‘Thena.”

Her hands gripped even closer to him. Shaking a little, trying to get a better grasp at his back. Her face buried deeply into his shoulder, she felt tears running through. She probably would have to apologize to Timothy for soaking up his sweater. But for now, she felt like it was better to simply be quiet. Only the sound of Promethean wind swaying.

Another thing came to her mind. One that made her smile through the tears, “Do you remember what you’ve told me when you gave me this paper?”

“Uhh, no?”

“You said that maybe one day that Timothy Lawrence guy will have the best apartment on the planet, stacks of money and some hottie by his side. Your words, by the way.”

She could already see his weighting these words in his head, “Yeaahh, I can see myself. Saying that. Heh, what do you mean?”

“Well. That it actually came true faster than you expected.”

“Wow… Can’t believe you just admitted that Rhys is hot,” oh, she could tell he was snickering under his breath.

“No, I was just quoting you. Don’t twist my words like this or you’ll regret it.”

“Suure, sure.”

But when we drew back he took another look at Athena. She could clearly see this cheeks now damp with his tears. Hell, she probably looked just the same. Yet she couldn’t bring herself to care. Not when she felt this happy to see him.

“All this time, I never thought that I’d live to have a future like this,” she started again. “Not after my sister… After I killed her. But life is full of surprises. I think you’re right, it’s finally time to put the past behind me. And look towards the future.”

“Damn right. And I think we both deserve that good ole future,” he cracked another smile, so familiar to the ones he’s been giving others. So entirely his. “I’m just… So glad that you’ll be a part of mine.”

“And same to you, Timothy. Timothy Lawrence,” she said his name again. How good it felt to do so. 

When Timothy smiled at her, everything seemed more than clear. Once again, she thought of that day, when he rescued her. She remembered looking at him and seeing the despairs put on him, scared just as her sister Jess was that one fateful day. But now when she saw Timothy’s smile, she also thought of Jess. Of that one picture of her smiling from eye to eye, the one that kept her going in the Lance days.

Athena’s heart trembled at their resemblance. As if the world wanted to give her that second chance. Maybe for her to truly start anew.

She probably would’ve said more if it wasn’t for her ECHOcommunicator setting off. “Huh. There’s someone else who wants to see you again.”

“Oh yes?”

“You’ll see.”

By the cryptic nature of her words, Athena knew that at least some part of the surprise would be left for Timothy. As they finished off their froyo (Timothy wasn’t kidding, this stuff was top tier), they hopped off the bench and walked towards the entrance of the park. Just one glance towards and they both caught her standing, waiting anxiously for them.

In front of them was Janey. Her beloved Janey, searching for both of them. Judging by Timothy’s expression he really was trying to see what has changed in her. So much so, that Athena took that second look. Noticing her much shorter bangs and hair now tied in a tight short ponytail. Her loose top still showing all the scars and tattoos she had. Just as beautiful as she first saw her.

Though at first Janey was happier than ever seeing them, the moment her eyes laid on Timothy, she lost her breath. Blinking several times, she took a step towards him.

“Timothy Lawrence?” she asked, accenting his name in a way so new to her.

He nodded, “One and only.”

Janey exhaled louder. Her hands went towards her face, before she embraced him with the biggest force. “Timmy! It’s been too long! My goodness, you’ve changed a lot. An improvement though, red is definitely your color. Wait, are you okay with being called Timmy?”

“Yes,” Timothy said, squished by her strong arms. “Glad you think so, red’s my favorite color.”

“Of course it is!! Never for once believed that ugly yellow varkid vomit was ever your style!” her embrace got even tighter, though he could tell by now she was struggling. “Wait, did you start working out more over the years? Don’t remember you being this buff.”

“Hehe, glad you noticed,” the grin on his face grew bigger. “Oh my god, Janey, I’ve missed you so much, you have no idea.”

“Me too! Ah, me and Athena have talked tons about you but... I’m so glad that you’re here, I have so much to tell you,” when she finally put Timothy in place, she still decided to grip harshly onto him. “Has Athena told you I’ve been talkin’ with my publishing branch on Promethea?”

All surprised, Athena could tell Timothy was more than ecstatic to learn about this, “She did not. How could you!”

“I wanted you to learn from the source,” Athena put her hands up in defense. “There’s a lot more what we’ve been up to.”

“I gotta hear it all,” Timothy looked from Athena to Janey. “Let’s just go head to Rhys’, theen you’ll also learn from me.”

Janey made a face, “Rhys’? Wait, you know him?”

“Better than you,” he winked right at her.

“Youu did not!”

“Oh, I did.”

“Tim, you heartbreaker!” hearing so, Janey laughed harder. “Now I’m even more curious to see what you’ve been up to!”

“There are tons of things I wanna tell you,” he took a lead towards the entrance, showing them a way through Promethea. “Shit, you gotta meet my cats! There’s Loader Bot and Felicity, and Jimbo, I love them all soo so much.”

One name in particular caught Athena’s attention, “Felicity?”

“Yes. You know… For old times’ sake.”

“But that’s all you’re keeping from old times, right?”

“Yeah… With few people too,” this time Timothy was completely certain. “Okay, c’mon, I bet Rhys is waiting for us. I’ll tell you all about it.”

And Athena knew they had more than enough time to hear it all.

The song playing was not of her choice but of Rhys’. Anyone could tell.

Even if almost everything else planned for the occasion was by Athena’s choice, the music she left for him. Not that she couldn’t pick it herself but she knew that he felt the so-called vibe better. Still, this ceremony was her own personal achievement, something she did mostly by herself. Well, if Timothy gave her such responsibility, she couldn’t disappoint. And she wanted to think, she really didn’t.

After everything was said and done, Athena took a break from all the guests and the splendor of the evening. Quietly, she took a glass of champagne and decided not to dwell too much on the almost sugary words of the song. Not that it didn’t fit them, though.

That was when Janey approached her, leaning closer to steal a kiss. Her lips also tasted of champagne, though a little more muted. But definitely they felt like home.

“How’s the best maid of honor doing?” purred Janey, pulling her close to herself.

“Shouldn’t it be Timothy calling me this?” Athena raised her eyebrow.

“He’s probably too busy gawking at Rhys or enjoying the evening. Not that I can blame him, though, you did an amazing job, love.”

“Thank you,” she quickly agreed, even if her eyes wanted to close on themselves. “But I am tired as all hell. I’m not taking any jobs as a wedding planner ever again.”

Janey laughed softly, “But you did a killer job! It was… Honestly beautiful.”

“True… But did you have fun?”

“’f course I did! I was just chatting with that girl Ember, now she has a spark to her,” that made Athena more confident in the guest list. Though that was one thing beyond her control. “And that chocolate-strawberry cake was top notch.”

“I really appreciate it,” Athena cuddled closer, resting her head against Janey’s shoulder. “I think they’re happy too.”

“I’d be surprised if they didn’t. Ah… I’m so proud of them. They really came a long way. Kinda wanted to cry when they said their vows, these goofballs.”

“You definitely cried,” pointed out Athena but she had nothing for her defense – she cried too.

“Just a little,” then Janey took a step away, still giving her that last kiss right on the forehead. “Alright, hun, tell me when you’ll be ready to go. I think the grooms want a moment for themselves now.”

“You’re right. But give me a second.”

Janey nodded and left to talk with more guests on the side. Taking a longer breath, Athena thought to herself.

And out of all the different places, she was drawn back to that one day when she and Timothy talked about their pasts. Two days actually, two days which changed their lives. She remembered the despair, the sadness and then the hopefulness and need for a better future. The vow to make it their best future.

Athena saw Timothy hugged to Rhys, as they danced slowly to the song. The silver wedding band on his finger reflected by the dim lighting all around them. Even if they were far apart, she saw him take a look at her. With that one smile.

The one smile she always thought was identical to Jess’ smile. The one full of happiness and content, one which soothed all the worries of the world. That smile which at first startled and confused Athena, more than anything. Only now to be a reminder of the best people in her life.

She never really knew her. Jess was only an idea, a concept in her head, barely several pieces of information put together. She loved her, of course. But she was in her past. Something she decided to put behind her, in favor of the future.

As she was looking at Timothy, she saw a person. A man who suffered so much, yet who always kept going and always made it his own. A man who was her best of friends, who she loved with all her heart.

Maybe years ago she did lose a sister. But instead, she gained the best little brother she could’ve ever asked for.

Said little brother, growing to be the best person he was. Surprising her each time, inspiring her to do better. Now marrying the love of his life to lead the happiest life by his side.

She felt that. She felt it all, right to her heart. That finally she and Timothy were free. Of all the suffering from the past, of the worst experiences. All they had now was the healthiest futures they built. Looking brightly into them, cutting themselves from everything that broke their hearts in the past. To now mend them in their own ways. Together, as best friends, being a part of the family she’s always wanted.

Athena took her glass of champagne and with the brightest smile, tipped it in Timothy’s direction.