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smashconTitle: Time Slipped Away
Author: ForgottenFriend
Rating: PG
Prompt: “If you were waiting for the opportune moment, that was it.” - Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean
Fandom/Series: Professor Layton and the Lost Future
Word Count: 1,814 words
Disclaimer: I do not, in any way, profit from the story and all creative rights to the characters belong to their original creator(s).
Summary:
Claire has been granted a night from her past to spend on earth, away from heaven. A time traveller can waste time, and fate likes to be cruel.
Time Slipped Away
Claire had a chance. A chance to have one night, to make up for ten years.
Tick, tock, Claire. Tick, tock...
Silver streams of light kissed the rim of Claire’s wine glass, as she brought it up to her lips the fourth time tonight. Candles were ablaze with orange flames, giving the snowy tablecloth a tinge of colour. She sighed heavily, resting her elbows on the table, propping her chin on her hand.
Tapping on the table to the beat of the double bass that was buzzing against the incomprehensible chattering filling the restaurant, her nose filled with the scent of smoking salmon and overpriced perfume.
Tables and chairs were scattered around the building facing the River Thames, couples gazing out of the spotless window. Claire stared at the unoccupied seat across the table, wondering where her beloved Hershel was. Waiting for quite a few hours, it feels like an eternity has just passed. And Claire doesn’t have much time left.
She has been transported to a night in her past, and she found this as an opportunity to say what she had wanted to for ten years, and after her death. Claire lowered her head, a lock of ginger hair falling over her face. Too bad he won’t remember anything. If he did, events won’t add up and he might go insane.
Not wanting to waste her precious and valuable time, she placed her pale hand on the metal and pushed it down, involuntarily shivering as she stepped out into the bitter cold. The simple, sapphire dress wasn’t enough to fight off the wintery air.
There was no one outside, probably enjoying the warmth of the indoors. Her eyes darted left and right, hoping to glimpse the vermillion cap Hershel hardly ever removes. “He could be near,” she mumbled to herself through chattering teeth. She scanned the cobbled path, only seeing red bricked buildings, every room illuminated with soft, yellow light.
Claire began to roam the bank of the Thames, the sound of clattering plates and utensils gradually fading into the background until there was only the tranquility of the night.
Wondering if he was at home, Claire pictured Hershel’s head resting on the open pages of a text book, his mind taking him to the world where imagination rules. Perhaps his mouth is hanging open, drool escaping onto the pages, washing away the letters from existence. This is how she would always find him in the late hours of the night, and it always made her laugh. If only I still had those nights.
She rubbed her hands together, the friction warming up her icy hands, as she spotted a familiar red cap in the distance. He wasn’t too far away, buttoning his vest. “Hershel!” Claire called, cupping her hands around her mouth to amplify her voice.
Wasting no second, she sprinted towards him, her wispy hair dancing in the air. She wrapped her arms around him, bringing him into a tight embrace, Hershel holding on to the brim of his hat, ensuring that it doesn’t leave his head.
Claire buried her face in his ivory cravat, Hershel lightly stroking her hair. He was unsure why she was hugging him so tightly. They had just seen each other yesterday, haven’t they? To Hershel, they have. To Claire, it was four years ago, and that was only for a goodbye.
Her body was filled with glee, an aura of happiness emitting from the couple. Having his warmth around her melted away her thoughts of leaving once all her seconds are gone.
The aroma of bitter tea on him brought back irreplaceable memories of their shared past. You don’t know how much I’ve missed you. How much I’ve longed to hold you.
Hershel’s cheeks glowed red, causing his girlfriend to giggle. “I’m sorry for my tardiness. I lost track of the time and my car refused to work. I was left with the only option to walk here. I hope it didn’t worry you.”
Claire shook her head, despite the fact that a lady should never lie. On all nights, Hershel’s car had to malfunction. His car hardly ever breaks down, so why on the most important night?
Intertwining her hand with his, she rose up on her toes to give Hershel a peck on the cheek. “I’m so glad to spend the night with you, tonight,” she whispered. Claire took a quick glance at her watch and swallowed down a gasp that was about to escape her lips.
She could have sworn it was only eight o’clock. Had she wasted all those hours? This one night? It seemed impossible, though it was already eleven. Only sixty minutes remaining.
Tick, tock, Claire. Tick, tock.. .
“Should we depart to the restaurant?” Hershel asked, oblivious to Claire’s current predicament.
“Uh, n-no. We shouldn’t,” she stuttered, trying to figure what else they should do. The Thames caught her eye. “Why don’t we take a stroll beside the river?”
Hershel nodded, and they began to wander on the bank of the river aimlessly, their hands still glued together. They gazed at the spectacular scenery before them, their breath condensing into balls of mist as it left their lips. The Thames’ calm waters distorted the reflection of the white orb above, along with the sequins permanently pasted to the indigo sky.
Time was slipping away through her fingers. She wanted something unforgettable to happen. Something to make up for the ten years she spent away from him. A wonderful memory to carry with her to the other side. It should make her heart soar every time it enters her mind, and it’s time to make it happen.
The pair stopped, Hershel turning to her. His beady eyes, usually dark, enchanting voids, were gleaming with the glow of the moon. Unbeknownst to them, they were extremely close to the edge of the river.
Claire rested her hand on his chest, once again rising up on her toes. If she is going to disappear to the other side forever, she is going to steal a kiss from the person who holds her heart.
“You know I love you, right, Hershel?” Claire asked as she shut her eyes, Hershel doing the same, a flush of pink spreading across his face. “Of course I do,” he answered. “Even after time’s end.”
Please remember that forever, Hershel.
Butterflies fluttered in their stomachs, their hearts beating rapidly, as if they ran London’s perimeter twice. She held her breath as their lips gently touched, both hearts taking flight within them. Her lips curved upwards, knowing she has a perfect memory. That she had done what she wanted to for so long.
Though it was too soon to celebrate as a shady man frantically pedaling on a bicycle, accidentally nudged Claire with his elbow, a devilish smirk on his face. She lost her balance on her toes, and shoved Hershel, who, in turn, lost his footing. He stumbled backwards into the jade river, tugging Claire along. Upon impact with the Thames, water leaped around them, rippling as they fell back down.
The couple rose to the surface, spluttering. Hershel, whose hat was surprisingly still sitting on his head, swam towards Claire who was trembling, goosebumps rising on her skin. Strands of hair was stuck to her face, her dress drenched and three hues darker.
Hershel grabbed her hand, his face painted with concern and worry. He was just as soaked as Claire. She stared at her sweetheart and began to giggle noisily. I guess this makes up for all the fun times we never had.
Hershel smiled sheepishly, his face suddenly falling as Claire’s skin started to radiate a yellowish glow like a firefly. Fear pushed her jovial feeling away, as she gaped at her almost transparent hands. Hershel’s eyes were wide, lips parting slightly. “What’s happening, Claire?”
The time traveller knew it was time to go, as it has happened before when her body was molecularly unstable. Hopefully, this farewell won’t be as melancholic. Though her eyes were already flooding with glistening tears.
“It was only for a night, but I’m grateful I was able to spend it with you,” she said in a shaky voice, her mouth turning dry. She didn’t wan’t to leave now. Not today, not ever. Why does fate have to be so cruel?
Hershel looked at her in disbelief, alarm and confusion. “What do you mean?”
“You will understand sometime in the future,” she replied, a single tear escaping down her cheek. “I don’t have enough time to explain, and it is certain that you will forget everything that has happened tonight.”
Tick, tock, Claire. Tick, tock...
“I’m afraid my time is up,” she murmured, sorrow clearly audible. “I...have to...”
There was a short silence as Claire tried to find the right words, Hershel waiting in anticipation.
“I must leave and go back to where I belong. I mustn’t meddle with time anymore.”
She gazed into her parter’s eyes, brushing a lock of mahogany hair off his forehead. “I’m sorry I can’t stay-”
“You can’t go!” Hershel cried, holding both of her lover’s hands tightly. This sparked déjà vu, memories of their heartbreaking goodbye on the day of London’s destruction flooding her mind. Pressing her lips against his, she whispered, “I’m sorry, but I have already gone.”
His eyes widened. It defied logic, but what she said, for some reason, seemed like the truth. Somewhere in his soul knew this was truly goodbye, forever.
Claire wiped away one of her lover’s tears, her body beginning to glow brighter. Hershel was silent, only gazing at her with a somber expression on his face. Pain was visible in Claire’s onyx eyes as she plastered a fake smile, telling him that everything would be fine.
“Goodbye,” she said softly as she gave one last embrace, her warmth enveloping Hershel. Her heart was aching, it was as if someone was crushing it in their hand. She wished she had more time. She wished she didn’t waste it.
Instantly, her body turned into gold dust, her darling gasping as her heat disappeared. The dust was carried away with the winter breeze, mistaken for scintillating stars.
Fate was waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When the night was finally getting started, fate had to end it. Why is it so cruel? Then she remembered, fate had given her another chance to give a proper goodbye.
Hershel’s heart broke into a million irreparable pieces, memories of tonight fading away.
All the pain of the biting cold gathered up in his soul as he gazed up at the moon now hidden behind a cloud. The world seemed to fall silent around him as fate whisked the time traveller away.
In life, and even after death, my time has always run out.
Please, Hershel. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
Don’t let your time slip away.
***
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Please take the time to comment on the fanfic. Thanks.
Author: ForgottenFriend
Rating: PG
Prompt: “If you were waiting for the opportune moment, that was it.” - Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean
Fandom/Series: Professor Layton and the Lost Future
Word Count: 1,814 words
Disclaimer: I do not, in any way, profit from the story and all creative rights to the characters belong to their original creator(s).
Summary:
Claire has been granted a night from her past to spend on earth, away from heaven. A time traveller can waste time, and fate likes to be cruel.
Time Slipped Away
Claire had a chance. A chance to have one night, to make up for ten years.
Tick, tock, Claire. Tick, tock...
Silver streams of light kissed the rim of Claire’s wine glass, as she brought it up to her lips the fourth time tonight. Candles were ablaze with orange flames, giving the snowy tablecloth a tinge of colour. She sighed heavily, resting her elbows on the table, propping her chin on her hand.
Tapping on the table to the beat of the double bass that was buzzing against the incomprehensible chattering filling the restaurant, her nose filled with the scent of smoking salmon and overpriced perfume.
Tables and chairs were scattered around the building facing the River Thames, couples gazing out of the spotless window. Claire stared at the unoccupied seat across the table, wondering where her beloved Hershel was. Waiting for quite a few hours, it feels like an eternity has just passed. And Claire doesn’t have much time left.
She has been transported to a night in her past, and she found this as an opportunity to say what she had wanted to for ten years, and after her death. Claire lowered her head, a lock of ginger hair falling over her face. Too bad he won’t remember anything. If he did, events won’t add up and he might go insane.
Not wanting to waste her precious and valuable time, she placed her pale hand on the metal and pushed it down, involuntarily shivering as she stepped out into the bitter cold. The simple, sapphire dress wasn’t enough to fight off the wintery air.
There was no one outside, probably enjoying the warmth of the indoors. Her eyes darted left and right, hoping to glimpse the vermillion cap Hershel hardly ever removes. “He could be near,” she mumbled to herself through chattering teeth. She scanned the cobbled path, only seeing red bricked buildings, every room illuminated with soft, yellow light.
Claire began to roam the bank of the Thames, the sound of clattering plates and utensils gradually fading into the background until there was only the tranquility of the night.
Wondering if he was at home, Claire pictured Hershel’s head resting on the open pages of a text book, his mind taking him to the world where imagination rules. Perhaps his mouth is hanging open, drool escaping onto the pages, washing away the letters from existence. This is how she would always find him in the late hours of the night, and it always made her laugh. If only I still had those nights.
She rubbed her hands together, the friction warming up her icy hands, as she spotted a familiar red cap in the distance. He wasn’t too far away, buttoning his vest. “Hershel!” Claire called, cupping her hands around her mouth to amplify her voice.
Wasting no second, she sprinted towards him, her wispy hair dancing in the air. She wrapped her arms around him, bringing him into a tight embrace, Hershel holding on to the brim of his hat, ensuring that it doesn’t leave his head.
Claire buried her face in his ivory cravat, Hershel lightly stroking her hair. He was unsure why she was hugging him so tightly. They had just seen each other yesterday, haven’t they? To Hershel, they have. To Claire, it was four years ago, and that was only for a goodbye.
Her body was filled with glee, an aura of happiness emitting from the couple. Having his warmth around her melted away her thoughts of leaving once all her seconds are gone.
The aroma of bitter tea on him brought back irreplaceable memories of their shared past. You don’t know how much I’ve missed you. How much I’ve longed to hold you.
Hershel’s cheeks glowed red, causing his girlfriend to giggle. “I’m sorry for my tardiness. I lost track of the time and my car refused to work. I was left with the only option to walk here. I hope it didn’t worry you.”
Claire shook her head, despite the fact that a lady should never lie. On all nights, Hershel’s car had to malfunction. His car hardly ever breaks down, so why on the most important night?
Intertwining her hand with his, she rose up on her toes to give Hershel a peck on the cheek. “I’m so glad to spend the night with you, tonight,” she whispered. Claire took a quick glance at her watch and swallowed down a gasp that was about to escape her lips.
She could have sworn it was only eight o’clock. Had she wasted all those hours? This one night? It seemed impossible, though it was already eleven. Only sixty minutes remaining.
Tick, tock, Claire. Tick, tock.. .
“Should we depart to the restaurant?” Hershel asked, oblivious to Claire’s current predicament.
“Uh, n-no. We shouldn’t,” she stuttered, trying to figure what else they should do. The Thames caught her eye. “Why don’t we take a stroll beside the river?”
Hershel nodded, and they began to wander on the bank of the river aimlessly, their hands still glued together. They gazed at the spectacular scenery before them, their breath condensing into balls of mist as it left their lips. The Thames’ calm waters distorted the reflection of the white orb above, along with the sequins permanently pasted to the indigo sky.
Time was slipping away through her fingers. She wanted something unforgettable to happen. Something to make up for the ten years she spent away from him. A wonderful memory to carry with her to the other side. It should make her heart soar every time it enters her mind, and it’s time to make it happen.
The pair stopped, Hershel turning to her. His beady eyes, usually dark, enchanting voids, were gleaming with the glow of the moon. Unbeknownst to them, they were extremely close to the edge of the river.
Claire rested her hand on his chest, once again rising up on her toes. If she is going to disappear to the other side forever, she is going to steal a kiss from the person who holds her heart.
“You know I love you, right, Hershel?” Claire asked as she shut her eyes, Hershel doing the same, a flush of pink spreading across his face. “Of course I do,” he answered. “Even after time’s end.”
Please remember that forever, Hershel.
Butterflies fluttered in their stomachs, their hearts beating rapidly, as if they ran London’s perimeter twice. She held her breath as their lips gently touched, both hearts taking flight within them. Her lips curved upwards, knowing she has a perfect memory. That she had done what she wanted to for so long.
Though it was too soon to celebrate as a shady man frantically pedaling on a bicycle, accidentally nudged Claire with his elbow, a devilish smirk on his face. She lost her balance on her toes, and shoved Hershel, who, in turn, lost his footing. He stumbled backwards into the jade river, tugging Claire along. Upon impact with the Thames, water leaped around them, rippling as they fell back down.
The couple rose to the surface, spluttering. Hershel, whose hat was surprisingly still sitting on his head, swam towards Claire who was trembling, goosebumps rising on her skin. Strands of hair was stuck to her face, her dress drenched and three hues darker.
Hershel grabbed her hand, his face painted with concern and worry. He was just as soaked as Claire. She stared at her sweetheart and began to giggle noisily. I guess this makes up for all the fun times we never had.
Hershel smiled sheepishly, his face suddenly falling as Claire’s skin started to radiate a yellowish glow like a firefly. Fear pushed her jovial feeling away, as she gaped at her almost transparent hands. Hershel’s eyes were wide, lips parting slightly. “What’s happening, Claire?”
The time traveller knew it was time to go, as it has happened before when her body was molecularly unstable. Hopefully, this farewell won’t be as melancholic. Though her eyes were already flooding with glistening tears.
“It was only for a night, but I’m grateful I was able to spend it with you,” she said in a shaky voice, her mouth turning dry. She didn’t wan’t to leave now. Not today, not ever. Why does fate have to be so cruel?
Hershel looked at her in disbelief, alarm and confusion. “What do you mean?”
“You will understand sometime in the future,” she replied, a single tear escaping down her cheek. “I don’t have enough time to explain, and it is certain that you will forget everything that has happened tonight.”
Tick, tock, Claire. Tick, tock...
“I’m afraid my time is up,” she murmured, sorrow clearly audible. “I...have to...”
There was a short silence as Claire tried to find the right words, Hershel waiting in anticipation.
“I must leave and go back to where I belong. I mustn’t meddle with time anymore.”
She gazed into her parter’s eyes, brushing a lock of mahogany hair off his forehead. “I’m sorry I can’t stay-”
“You can’t go!” Hershel cried, holding both of her lover’s hands tightly. This sparked déjà vu, memories of their heartbreaking goodbye on the day of London’s destruction flooding her mind. Pressing her lips against his, she whispered, “I’m sorry, but I have already gone.”
His eyes widened. It defied logic, but what she said, for some reason, seemed like the truth. Somewhere in his soul knew this was truly goodbye, forever.
Claire wiped away one of her lover’s tears, her body beginning to glow brighter. Hershel was silent, only gazing at her with a somber expression on his face. Pain was visible in Claire’s onyx eyes as she plastered a fake smile, telling him that everything would be fine.
“Goodbye,” she said softly as she gave one last embrace, her warmth enveloping Hershel. Her heart was aching, it was as if someone was crushing it in their hand. She wished she had more time. She wished she didn’t waste it.
Instantly, her body turned into gold dust, her darling gasping as her heat disappeared. The dust was carried away with the winter breeze, mistaken for scintillating stars.
Fate was waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When the night was finally getting started, fate had to end it. Why is it so cruel? Then she remembered, fate had given her another chance to give a proper goodbye.
Hershel’s heart broke into a million irreparable pieces, memories of tonight fading away.
All the pain of the biting cold gathered up in his soul as he gazed up at the moon now hidden behind a cloud. The world seemed to fall silent around him as fate whisked the time traveller away.
In life, and even after death, my time has always run out.
Please, Hershel. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
Don’t let your time slip away.
***
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Please take the time to comment on the fanfic. Thanks.
