Present

“Huh,” Ethan’s jaw slacks. “I do remember that… Now.”

“Hmmm,” Alex clucks her tongue. “After remembering I lived by the pond, I was surprised your memory wasn't jogged.”

Closing his mouth, Ethan frowns. The interaction was like a minute long, two at best. Plus it came after the end of a long day. Out of all the things that slipped his mind, this one seems the most understandable. Is this what he was forgetting? The important thing? Ethan isn't so sure. Turning to Alex, he tries to think again, but instead, a realization hits him when he regards her nearly ass-length hair.

“Your hair…”

Alex tilts her head towards him, brow raised, lips curled. “Hm?”

“It’s long…”

“Yes, it is.” Alex bats her lashes, her smile widening. “Thank you for noticing.”

Ethan feels something inside of him spark. Suddenly, he both feels like a massive piece of shit and like an equally big winner. He doesn't know what to ‘do’ with that right now, but he’s definitely going to need to think about it.

Stopping, Alex turns towards him, forcing Ethan to stagger to a halt. “Welp,” Alex starts, not reacting at all if she even noticed him stagger, “This is me.”

Looking over, Ethan notices they are standing right in front of a very familiar house. “Already?”

“Ethan, we’ve been walking for like twenty minutes.”

“We have?” Ethan blinks, actually not knowing where the time went.

“Jesus, Ethan…” Alex shakes her head, laughing softly. “Well, they do say time flies when you're having fun.”

“Must be it.” Ethan shrugs, silently lamenting he didn't have more time.

“So you agree?”

“What?”

“That it was fun.”

“Ah,” Ethan rocks back on his heels. “Well, yeah. Of course it was.”

“Hm.” Alex nods, bushing a lock of black hair off her porcelain face. “We’ll have to do it again then…” She purses her lips, a small look of concern furrowing her brow. “You don’t remember anything else?”

A very skeptical part of Ethan stirs. What is she talking about? It’s got to be whatever is nagging him, but he just can’t seem to remember. “I-I’m sorry… I just can’t seem to…”

A black flash closes the distance, a pale hand finding the back of Ethan’s neck. He barely even registers what's happening before something soft and supple meets his lips.

Alex kisses him, her gloss coated edge pressing firmly, standing on her tip-toes to reach. Quivering, taken by complete surprise, Ethan doesn't know how to respond.

But his body does.

His lips move on their own, returning the kiss in kind. Gently, he reaches for Alex’s waist, not firm enough to hold her against him, but enough to simply hold her.

Her lips taste like strawberries, something Ethan feels particularly fond of. But… Why?

Quick as it started, Alex breaks the kiss, releasing his neck and taking a half step back. Ethan’s hand is still on her waist, but she doesn't seem to mind, instead focusing and locking eyes with him.

“Wha-,” Ethan smacks his lips, still tasting strawberry. “What was that?”

Alex giggles, slipping backward and out of Ethan’s hold. “A hint. Now say thank you.”

“T-Thank you?” He didn't say it to say it, more questioning what she said.

“You’re welcome. See ya!”

And she’s off, turning towards the house and skipping up the walkway.

Ethan stands there for a long time, very confused.

“The fuck was that about?”