Chapter Text
Rosa stood from the chair and did another lap around the hospital room. Her nerves simply would not settle. Dr. Yishmir had urged her to get some sleep, but how could she when Luke was laying there, motionless? With a deep sigh, she slumped back into the chair and watched his chest rise and fall. He was alive. And that was all that mattered, right? Just that morning, everything had been fine. They'd been cleaning up after breakfast when Luke collapsed in pain. In a blurry haze, Rosa had rushed him to the hospital where Dr. Yishmir took him in. Recently, Luke had been trying a new experimental medication to deal with his illness and Rosa knew that something like this had the chance of happening. But to have it actually happen.. She buried her face in her hands. Should she have convinced him not to try it? What if it only got worse? She hated seeing him in any pain with no way of helping him. A low sound of pain came from the bed and Rosa quickly took his hand, waiting for it to pass.
"Luke..." She whispered. Dropping her jacket on the ground, she knelt and rested her head on her arm. "Please, wake up. Let's go home together.."
~~~
Rosa woke to someone brushing her hair slightly. Blinking slowly, she was greeted by a welcome sight. Luke allowed his hand to drop and she sat up.
"Luke! You're awake! I-" Her words caught in her throat. The look on Luke's face.. She'd never seen it before. At least, not directed at her. The polite smile was that of one you give someone you were unsure of. "Luke?"
"I.." The smile faltered. "I'm sorry. Do I.. do I know you?" For a moment, her mind blanked. Did he know her?
"That- That's not very funny. I- It's.. It's me, Luke." Rosa brushed her bangs out of her eyes. "Rosa. I- I know I look like a mess right now. But for you to say you don't know me is.. is just.." Unimaginable. Impossible. Right? And yet... He nibbled his lip, but didn't respond right away.
"Ro...sa?" She nodded and he shook his head. "I'm sorry. I.. don't think I know anyone named Rosa." At the moment, Dr. Yishmir arrived.
"Luke! Good to..." He trailed off as Rosa turned to face him. There was no point in trying to hide her anguish.
"Aaron.." She croaked. "He doesn't remember me." He frowned slightly.
"Is that so?" Choking back a sob, she nodded. "I.. see.. If you'll give me a moment, Rosa?" With another nod, she gathered up her things and headed out.
"I- I'm sorry, Miss!" Luke's words cut straight to her heart. Not trusting herself to speak, she didn't respond. Not willing to go too far, she stayed just outside the room.
"Good evening, Luke. Can you tell me who you are?"
"Luke Pearce." His answer was immediate. Rosa buried her face in her jacket.
"Good. Very good. Can you tell me how you got here?" There was a bit of 'hm'ing as a response. She could imagine his thinking expression crossing his face. The furrow over his brow. His eyes narrowing. His lips pressing together. After a moment, Dr. Yishmir continued. "That's alright. We can come back to that. Can you tell me if you have any family?" The questions continued and Rosa slowly succumbed to her exhaustion.
~~~
When Rosa woke next, she was in a familiar office. Popping up from her sleeping position, the blanket that had been placed over her slid down. Surrounded by paperwork, she carefully stood up and stretched. Dr. Yishmir smiled at her from his desk.
"Apologies about the mess. I.. uh.. need to clean a bit." Rosa's return smile was pained.
"That's alright. Luke could stand to do the same." Swallowing hard, she asked carefully. "How.. How is he doing?" His response wasn't immediate. Dr. Yishmir placed his hands on the desk and rested his head on them.
"All things considered, he's doing well. He remembers who he is, which is very good. He remembers that he's a detective as well as a secret agent. He can tell me his age, but not his birthday. He knows he has no family left, but can faintly remember there being someone around when he was growing up." Drumming his fingers on the desk, the doctor's murmurs became more like thinking out loud than speaking to her. "He was able to solve complex equations and even describe to me how he did it, but was unable to tell me what kind it was or why he needed to do what he did. He knows what Stellis is, but couldn't pinpoint his home on a map of it." Turning back to her, he seemed to come back from his private thoughts. "I think recollection is hard for him. Recognition is easier for most people anyways."
"And.. and what about.." Rosa's lips trembled. me? Dr. Yishmir's smile was sad.
"If it's any consolation, Rosa, he doesn't remember me either." Was it terrible of her to feel that it was? In some way.. He gave her shoulder a gentle, but firm squeeze. "Don't fret. Luke is still Luke. And the mind is a strange, but powerful thing. It could be he just needs some time to recover. The memories may return in some deja vu moments. Or in bits and pieces. It's still too early to tell. But if may help to let him rest at home. If you're able.."
"I'll bring him back." Rosa didn't hesitate and he nodded.
"Very good. Do you.. um.. need a place as well?" Rosa did hesitate this time. If she was a stranger to Luke, it was probably for the best that she not.. well, live with him. It may make him awkward. But she couldn't live with the doctor. He had a family of his own after all. She shook her head.
"No. I'll be alright. I still have my parents' place, after all." Dr. Yishmir nodded slightly.
"Alright.. Well, call if you need anything."
~~~
Luke looked around curiously. A small black figure came speeding towards them, chirping loudly. He laughed and held up a hand. Peanut settled on it and nuzzled it happily.
"Hello there, little fella." He brushed his thumb over Peanut's head gently. Rosa smiled, her heart tightening. "Is this yours?" She shook her head.
"No. Peanut.. Peanut is yours, Luke."
"Mine?" His coral eyes studied the myna bird carefully. "Mine.." He murmured. "What a funny name. Peanut." Rosa smiled awkwardly. In truth, she didn't know why Luke named Peanut that. Changing the subject, she led the way up the stairs. Carefully, she pointed out the leftovers in the fridge. He could at least remember how to work a microwave.
"Well, I'll let you get situated and head home."
"Oh. Thank.. thank you, Rosa." Luke gave her that polite smile again and her heart ached. At least his eyes seemed softer.
"Of course. Any time. If there's anything you can't quite remember, feel free to call me. Or, you know, look it up online." Pausing outside, Rosa glanced up and saw the second story light turn on. She wondered if going over his papers and notes would help him at all.
Feeling her eyes start to grow wet, she quickly wiped the corners of them and pulled out her phone.
"Dr. Richter? Yes. He's settled now. I'm heading over."