#hanno tauber fanfic

[deadratio]

Morning Delights/Stormy Evenings

Pairing: young Noah x Sylvie LaChance (OC)

In which the day begins warm and loving, but ends in a storm of life-changing events. 

TW: death

Word Count: 4.3k

A/N: Hey y’all! I just wanted to say thank you in advnace for reading this! I know that OC pairings in the Dark fandom are not all that common, but @nikkzwrites and I have talked extensively about our OC’s in Nikkz’s AU Origin world. I personally do not feel comfortable writing young Noah/Hanno with Elisabeth, so that’s why I do nor write for them. If you would be interested in any of the Dark characters in a reader insert type of fic, then please let me know! I’m open to suggestions as well as constructive criticism! 

Also, to clear some things up: Silja does not exist in this AU. Noah is the son of Martha and Bartosz. Regina and Aleksander no longer live in Winden. 

-Katie

A soft breath fluttered its way through her lips as her eyes opened, finding herself wrapped in sun-kissed warmth. Yellow rays mixed with orange danced on the walls, her hands meeting her tired face, the breathing behind her coming from a soft slumber, which she hoped was filled with the sweetest dreams of all. Tanned arms constricted her waist, preventing her escape to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. She turned her body to face the still-bodied boy, his hair falling into his face, and his mouth slightly agape. A giggle filled the air as her fingers gingerly brushed the hair away, pressing her forehead to his. 

Stirring slightly at the touch of the girl next to him, Noah blinked open his eyes, being met with the hazel ones of the girl who he loved most dearly. A smile broke his stoic features, a hand moving to brush against her cheek, his fingers tangling into the edges of her hair. “Good morning, my love.” His voice was slightly hoarse from sleeping, but it’s one of the many things Sylvie loved about him. Instead of a verbal response, Sylvie pressed her lips against his tenderly, quickly pulling away before chuckling at the boy. 

“Bonjour mon amour. Comment vas-tu?” She asked him this every morning. Though he understood very little of the girl's native language, she always greeted him by asking how he was. He found the little things of their morning routine to be some of the most special because Sylvie was usually busy writing her thesis for university. “I’m always my best when I wake up next to you.” He responds, pressing another kiss to her lips. Pulling him to her, Sylvie kissed him back passionately, smiling against his lips before breaking the kiss, running her hand over his face. “I’m glad you’re so well. We should get out of bed, we have to be at your mom’s house by two today.” She stated, a soft glance moving his way. Her smile was still soft, her hands moving to detach his arms from around her. Pouting, Noah leaned back onto the pillows, his arms resting behind his head. Though he loved his family, he did find them to be a bit overbearing when it came to his relationship with Sylvie. That would always ask the most personal questions, when was he going to propose, when were the grandkids going to come, the ones they find the most important. It had been two years since she showed up to his cousin’s birthday party slash aunt and uncle’s wedding anniversary party, and had taken his breath away the minute he laid his eyes on her. 

She had already moved from the bed, her shirt riding up as she stood, arms stretched high into the air and towards the ceiling. Turning to face her beloved boyfriend, Sylvie let out a soft laugh, looking down at him. “If you don’t get out of the bed, I’ll only make my coffee and toast.” Teasing, she moved towards the door of the bedroom, only turning to look back at him as she turned the knob. Groaning playfully, Noah rose from the bed, picking up his discarded shirt from the night before, finding that both the covers of the bed and the body heat of his dearest love to be rather overwhelming. Bare feet padding against the wooden floors, he followed the girl down the hallway and descended the staircase, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he went.

Shuffling into the kitchen, Sylvie began to make the coffee, also grabbing the sourdough loaf off of the microwave along her way. A soft sigh could be heard from the taller of the two as he opened the front door to find the newspaper laying on their front step. Though he didn’t read the paper in full, Noah still found it the easiest way to keep track of what was going on in their small town of Winden. The wafting smell of fresh coffee filled his nostrils as he closed the door, stepping slowly towards the kitchen, leaning against the archway. He watched her movements. This has become a daily routine for them; wake up, eat breakfast, get ready, and do what needs to get done. Though they deferred their decisions sometimes, Sylvie enjoyed having a typical set of activities to do before she had to bear her eyes on the computer monitor for the majority of the day. 

Turning to find him looking at her, Sylvie felt a slight heat rush to the cores of her cheeks, turning back to face the slow-burning coffee pot. Soon after, comforting arms wrapped around her waist, rubbing soft circles into her sides. “I love you.” a tender whisper filled her ears, chills running their way down her spine. In all her years of living, he had been the only person able to make her feel so warm and giddy. Anybody she had dated in the past had been cold-blooded and reckless towards her. Spinning around in his embrace, a wide smile graced her features before she pressed a quick kiss to his lips. 

Just as he went to kiss her back, the coffee pot shrieked with its cruel tone, signifying that it had finally finished brewing the steaming black liquid. Though he preferred his without any additions, Sylvie typically added sugar and cream. Noah blames it on how sweet she is, but she brushes it off unless she’s in a particularly playful mood. Pouring two mugs, Sylvie hands one to Noah, careful not to spill any on his bare feet. She’s done it before, and she surely does not want to go to urgent care early in the morning again. Thanking his girlfriend, Noah takes his seat at the kitchen bar, watching the dark-haired girl as she, what he would say “dumped,” sugar and cream into the steaming ceramic cylinder. Facing Noah, Sylvie let out a chuckle, pulling the chair next to him out as so to sit next to him. Moving her free hand to his, she gripped his hand tightly. Though it felt like a normal weekend morning to her, she also had a haunting feeling in the back of her head. She typically ignored this and brushed it off as anxiety for the upcoming day, but this time it felt different, eternal, almost. 

_________

A few hours had passed since the two young adults had finished their coffee and started to unpack the day ahead. Noah’s grandmother and grandfather, Regina and Aleksander, were visiting from America for the next couple of weeks. Sylvie had only been introduced to them over a video call, which was nice, but she was excited to meet them in person. Regina and Aleksander adored Noah and therefore were very adoring of Sylvie, who had brought light into his life. Black strands of hair flew amongst her face as she brushed her hair, attempting to style it more neatly than she normally would. Through her excitement, Sylvie was rather nervous to meet the two elders. Though she had already met the rest of the Tiedemann’s long ago, she still valued Noah’s love for his grandparents and did not want to disappoint the two on their return to their hometown. 

Spending another fifteen minutes on her hair, Sylvie was finally satisfied with the simple braid she had put it in. Noah moved in the doorway, pressing a kiss to her temple while preparing to take a shower himself. A gentle smile sat upon the girl's features as she closed the bathroom door, stepping into the closet to decide on an outfit for the occasion. Though she wouldn’t consider her wardrobe to be all that special, she still valued her appearance and kept certain items for times such as these. Sticking out to her particularly was a deep forest green top, tiny polka dots freckled throughout the pattern. The sleeves were wide and almost whimsical, the bottom cinched at the waist and flaring out again. Setting the blouse on the tousled blankets of the bed, she moved to the dresser to select a pair of pants. She knew jeans would likely be okay with the Tiedemann’s, but her desire to please the two in-person won her over as she selected a pair of cropped black trousers. She knew she had a pair of flat, suede sandals that would go perfectly with the two items. 

In the process of changing clothes, Noah stepped out of the bathroom, a towel wrangling with his sopping wet hair. Having changed into clean clothes right out of the shower, he was more ready than Sylvie was. He hadn’t hugged his grandmother in years and missed the long, thoughtful conversations he shared with his grandfather. Sylvie looked up at him from her position on the corner of the bed, one shoe strapped, the other sitting next to her feet. A wide grin exposed itself to the boy, who returned his own. Slipping on the other shoe, Sylvie stood from the bed, straightening out her shirt. “Are you ready?” The question was filled with both concern and excitement. Walking over to stand next to her, he grabbed her hand, intertwining their fingers together. “I’m always ready with you by my side, my love,” A playful laugh ended the sentence as he leaned to place a kiss upon her lips once more. “I must fix my hair though, my grandmother would have a fit if I showed up to the house without at least combing my hair.” He chuckled, moving towards the dresser. He thought back to when he was just a young boy and his grandmother would come over to fix lunch occasionally, her fingers parting through his hair just as the heat of the day reached its peak. He missed her tender touch and her gentle words of reassurance. 

_______________________

Standing at the kitchen sink, Bartosz peered through the window. The sun bore down on the trees surrounding the Tiedemann household, the leaves dancing in the light breeze. Today his mother and father would return from America to visit the family for two weeks, the first time in nearly five years. With both of the kids out of the house, it had become alarmingly quiet as Martha had been busy with the school and preparing for the coming months. The scruff along his chin had not bothered him for what seemed like decades at this point, but he knew his mother and decidedly made his way towards his and Martha’s shared bedroom to make himself more presentable. He feared the tension between his mother and his wife. Ever since Agnes had been born, admittedly out of wedlock, Regina had been rather brash towards the former Nielsen girl. He hoped that the day would go on without issue, though lingering in the back of his consciousness was a deep dark shadow. It was eerily detached from him, leaving a lingering trail in the distance. He shrugged it off as his nerves had got to him as he prepared himself for the day.

______________________

  The time had finally come for the two young adults to make their way to the Tiedemann home. Sylvie pressed a kiss to Noah’s cheek before running to the front door of the house, a playful smile breaking through her lips as she looked back at him. Their shared coupe sat in the yard, sleek and toned. Noah, amused by his girlfriend’s antics, closed the locked door behind him, running just past her to open the car door for her, laughing. Closing the door behind her, he headed to the driver’s side, sliding in next to Sylvie. Her green-toned eyes were lit with excitement, but he knew that behind them, the feeling of butterflies and anxiety were mixing into it. The engine revved up as he started the car, a soft musical tone filling the cabin from the previous drive. Putting the car into drive, Noah and Sylvie made their way to the other side of Winden. _______________________

Pulling up to the curb, Sylvie could see multiple cars in the Tiedemann’s driveway. She knew that Annalise and Jonas would also be there, maybe even Jonah and Michelle. Taking a deep breath, she watched as Noah walked around the front of the car to open her door, his veined hand gently encompassing her own. Twisting her legs, she stepped out of the car, smiling at Noah. His fingers tangled themselves with her own as they made their way to the front door together. His lips pressed against her hair before he knocked on the door. Appearing almost immediately in the doorway was Martha, a pleasant smile adorning her features. She first moved to hug her son, a kiss landing upon his cheek before she turned to Sylvie. Sylvie returned an eager smile to the woman she had come to admire dearly, her arms wrapping around her shoulders tightly. “Come in! Annalise brought us some hors d'oeuvres to enjoy while we all visit!” She exclaimed, moving back into the house. Noah let Sylvie step in first, following closely behind her. Martha, looking back at her son, smirked while following the couple, soon taking her place next to Bartosz. 

 The first person Sylvie saw in the large gathering space was Annalise, who joyfully waved at the two. Jonas acknowledged them with a smile and a nod. Standing next to Bartosz, Sylvie was able to recognize the red-haired woman as Regina. Attached to her shoulder was a man who she immediately assumed was Aleksander. His grey hair and slight scruff was a signature Tiedemann look amongst the older men. Bartosz was not quite there, with strands of grey peeking through the brown locks atop his head. A wide smile was set on Sylvie’s face as Martha announced their presence, both of the oldest Tiedemann’s turning to greet their grandson and his girlfriend. Regina, overwhelmed with excitement, rushed over to the two, embracing her youngest grandchild into a near bone-crushing hug. A giggle was heard from Sylvie, Aleksander approaching her in greeting, his hand jutting out to shake hers. “It’s lovely to finally meet you, Miss. Sylvie.” He said, his mellow voice welcoming to the girl. Her hand molded with his, a firm shake swinging their arms in sync. “It’s such a pleasure, Aleksander. I have been looking forward to this for so long!” The excitement was evident, in her voice. Before Aleksander could reply, Regina had already made her way to Sylvie. One would think that the woman’s cheek would break from the big smile on her face. 

“Sylvie! My darling! I am overjoyed to finally meet you in person!” A laugh erupted from Sylvie’s throat, Noah leaning slightly closer to her. Regina squeezed her shoulders, Sylvie’s arms gently grasping her back. Pulling away, the two moved back towards their respective partners. Noah and Sylvie joined the others in the lounge, sitting directly next to Annalise and Jonas. Annalise, eager to see the two again even though she had seen them mere days prior, hugged Sylvie from the side. Sylvie leaned into her, watching Bartosz set the hors d'oeuvres onto the coffee table in the middle of the room. Thus began the afternoon and evening of many laughs, stories, and embarrassing moments between the eight of them. 

The day turned into evening seemingly quickly, the whole family chattering away. Sylvie, having enjoyed herself so far, excused herself to the bathroom. Noah squeezed her hand lightly as she stood, her gaze meeting his, a gentle smile etching its way into her face. Moving through the legs of the others, she made her way down the hall, pulling her phone from her back pocket. She had put it on “Do Not Disturb,’ having found it disrespectful to not only Noah’s parents but also his grandparents had she pulled it out in front of them. Clicking on the screen, she found multiple missed calls from her family, as well as nearly thirty text messages mostly from her aunt. This was immediately a red flag for Sylvie. The darkness that had encompassed her being early this morning returned to claim it’s stake. Moving further towards the back of the house, Sylvie changed her settings and found her mother’s contact, pressing the call button. Anxiety gnawed at her stomach and chest. Her aunt never called or texted her. Her mother had cut her off a few years ago due to a disagreement regarding a family matter. 

The phone was pressed to her ear now, her fingers on her free hand clenching and unclenching. The phone went to voicemail, which she found more outrageously weird than her aunt texting her. Her mother always picked up the phone. Hands shaking now, Sylvie leaned her head back, taking a few deep breaths before calling her mother again. Waiting, it rang three times before being picked up, the voice on the end was not the one that belonged to her mother. “Sylvie! Oh, thank god! Why haven’t you been picking up your phone?” The question was full of concern, anger, and subsequently, unrecognizable sorrow. Swallowing her fear, Sylvie pressed, “Who is this? Why are you answering my mother’s phone?” 

“Sylvie, it’s your aunt Odette…” There was a silence on her end, Sylvie was gritting her teeth now. “Odette, why do you have my mother's phone? She hasn’t spoken to you since Papa passed away.” Sylvie wanted to interrogate the woman, but she was more concerned with the extremely odd situation at hand. 

“Dear, I do hate to be the one to inform you, but your mother was in an accident this afternoon.” Sylvie’s stomach dropped to her feet hearing these words, her heart beginning to race. She didn’t know what to say. How to ask “Is my mom okay?” Or worse. “Sylvie?” Odette’s voice shook the girl from her numb state of mind. “Odette. Tell me everything you know. I need to know immediately.” She ordered the woman on the other end of the phone. Her body was becoming hotter with each passing second, a rush of emotions overwhelmed the girl. 

“Sylvie...she didn’t make it…” Sylvie’s jaw was agape, pure terror filling the veins in her body with a stiff coldness like no other. She could not fathom the thought, or even the existence, that her mother was dead. A muttered “I will be there soon” was all she could muster before hanging up the phone. Heavy tears began their journey through her tear ducts, spilling over onto her pale cheeks. She didn’t want to go back out to Noah and his family this way, but she had no choice but to do so. She had to get to France as soon as she could. A sob wracked its way through her body, her throat caught in the pain of the loss. Her hand cupped her face, her eyes twisted shut. Her jaw shuddered with another sob, her breathing ragged. Before she could fully reason with herself to take herself back to Noah, her anchor, she heard footsteps down the hallway. Her face had become blush-toned, her hands still shaking. Looking up through the flood of tears, she saw Noah. 

Noah, concerned that Sylvie hasn't returned from the bathroom, made his way towards the back of the house. Martha also asked him to bring fresh water to the table on his way back. He had placed the pitcher on the kitchen counter, making Sylvie a priority since she had been gone for longer than ten minutes. Turning the corner towards the dining room, Noah was shocked to find the love of his life sobbing, tears dripping from her chin onto the wooden floors. Panicked, he rushed over to her, his arms embracing her immediately. He could feel her body shake with each sob, his shoulder becoming wet with her tears. Tangling his fingers in her dark locks, he whispered to her, “What’s happened, my love? Why are you so upset?” His voice was soft in her ear, only a slight comfort. 

Shaking her head almost violently, Sylvie stuttered her words, barely willing, or able, to say the words out loud. Her fingers grasped the chambray fabric of his shirt as if her life depended on it, her forehead buried deep into his shoulder. Noah hadn’t met her mother, but he knew how close her and Sylvie’s bond was. She had grown up with her alone for nearly the entirety of her life until she met her father several years ago. Noah, concerned for his love and her wellbeing, proceeded to maneuver her towards the scarred dining chair, much like he expected her heart to be at this moment. Pulling out the chair, he gently placed her upon it, his hand moving to caress her cheek. He brought another chair in front of her, taking a seat in front of her. Knee to knee, he pulled her closer to him, his hands rubbing soft circles into her shoulders. Her sobs were quieter now, the tears continuing to streak their way onto her skin.  Her breathing was more rhythmic now than when he had first found her, though he knew on the inside she was torn into pieces. Though she saw Martha as a mother figure, you cannot replace the love a biological mother and daughter have. 

Martha had also excused herself from the gathering, stepping into the kitchen to find the water pitcher on the counter, unfilled. Finding this rather odd, she filled it herself and took it back to the others. Annalise, looking up from her spot, asked the woman, “Where are those two? Surely they cannot be canoodling at a family gathering? The only people I’ve known to do that are you and Bartosz!” Martha, taken slightly aback by this, stifled a laugh and shook her head. “Annalise, they are more respectable than that. I’ll go to find them. Also, it was only once!” She stated, turning back to walk towards the other end of the house. She shook her head at her dearest friend, a wide smile pinching the corners of her lips.

Noah whispered soft affirmations into Sylvie’s ear, promising that they would immediately pack and leave for France the moment they arrived home. The girl had moved to be sitting in his lap now, her legs scrunched up atop his thighs. He had begun to rub circles on her hips as he held her close to him, becoming silent. The only sound was their breath leaving their bodies until scuffled footsteps could be heard. Opening his eyes to find his mother standing in the entryway, a sad look glazed itself throughout his features. Martha, confused and concerned, approached the two slowly. Noah, whispering to Sylvie, set her feet back onto the ground, moving her to sit in the chair he had previously occupied. “I’ll be just a moment, love.” He whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. Nodding, Sylvie looked up at him before glancing over to Martha. Seeing her made her chest tighten, threatening to spill more tears. 

Grasping his mother’s hand tenderly, Noah guided her to the pantry next to the dining room, closing the door behind them. Turning the light on, Noah faced his mother. “Noah, what’s happened? Why is Sylvie crying so?” She questioned, a frown replacing the smile she had worn on her way to find the two. Noah, sighing deeply ran his hand down his jaw, biting his bottom lip.

“I believe that her aunt has just called her,” He started, the tears beginning to well in his eyes as well. “Her mother was in an accident back in France. She didn’t make it,” He looked at his mother, his chin trembling. Martha gasped, her hand reaching for her son’s shoulder. He leaned into her touch, the tears making their trek down his face. “We must leave at once for France. I hate to cut our visit with grandma and grandpa short, but Sylvie means the world to me. Not being there with her in her time of need would be negligent of me.” Nodding, Martha understood his reasons for needing to leave. Pulling him into a tight hug, she kissed his cheek. 

“Well, don’t keep her waiting. We will be here for you both when you get back, Please send our condolences to her and her family. She’s like a daughter to me, you know that. I love you both dearly.” Noah cracked a small smile at his mother’s words, squeezing her shoulders before turning to open the pantry door. Walking back to Sylvie, he crouched down, his hand gently taking hers in his. 

“Mama said we could go. I’ll carry you to the car.” Sylvie nodded, her arms already moving to secure her reach around his neck. Slipping his arms under her knees, Noah lifted the girl from the chair, his mother watching them from the doorway of the pantry. A sad smile made its way through her features, following close behind them. Slowly stepping into the living area of the house, Noah glanced over at his family, the same sad smile of Martha’s etched over his face. Annalise, shocked at the situation, stood almost immediately. The rest of the family followed suit, Martha walking towards them. Before Annalise could move to ask the young couple what the matter was, Martha gently grasped her wrist, shaking her head. Together, the six of them watched the two exit the house and make their way towards their car.

Looking at Martha, Annalise began, “Martha! What happened to the poor girl?!” Martha’s eyes could have told the whole story, but she obliged the woman, as well as the others in the room. “Her mother passed away. They are going to France immediately.” Martha’s lip began to tremble as Bartosz gripped his wife’s shoulder. Annalise, shocked, grabbed onto Jonas’ shirt, looking up at him. The three couples moved to the window to watch the two slip away into the car, pulling from the curb. She leaned into Bartosz, fear for her son’s love digging its way through her chest and stomach. She couldn’t imagine or even fathom the pain Sylvie was going through. Though things were changing for her son, and undoubtedly Sylvie, Martha could only hope that the two of them would make it through this, and come back with a new lease on life. 

[darkcastellxn]

Love only left me alone

Sic Mundus Creatus Est needs to take your picture. And for Bartosz Tiedemann, that would mean reunions he never imagined.

[lokigoddess]

Where are the Max Schimmelpfennig fanfics?

[youaremysoulmate1330]

Hello!

Idk how many responses this will even get but I’m hoping it’s enough.

I reaaally want to read some Noah x Elisabeth fics (Dark Netflix) Amd was hoping I’d get some recommendations?

Anything would help. Thanks! x

[bubulona]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Dark (TV 2017) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Elisabeth Doppler/Noah | Hanno Tauber Characters: Noah | Hanno Tauber, Elisabeth Doppler, baby Charlotte - Character, Jonas Kahnwald (mentioned), Agnes Nielsen (mentioned), Franziska Doppler (mentioned) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Series Spoilers, Season 2 spoilers, Season 3 Spoilers, because they grew on me, I promise a happy ending, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, a little bit of angst (but not really), domestic life, Paradise is real, Paradise, Mentions of Time Travel, Alternate universe where this couple has a happy ending, adult Hanno/Noah, adult Elisabeth, They're Married and Happy, Charlotte is under a year old, she's happy too Summary:

"But all that pain and suffering is now forgotten and forgiven. We’re together and we’re happy."

or,

Hanno found himself in paradise.

[deadratio]

The Middle of the Beginning

Series: Dark (Netflix)

Pairing: Hanno Tauber X OC (Sylvie LaChance)

Prompt #488: Quotes (61)

“You kissed me.”

“You kissed me back.”

“And I’m not here to apologize.”

Word Count: 1.4k

Although he had not even begun to absorb the idea that he had killed Bartosz, who was unknowingly his own father, Hanno had to continue Adam’s work. The tunnel was not going to build itself, and he knew that even though it was going to take another 32 years to be completed, he had a prophecy to fulfill and complete.

Erna was stationed at the house that same evening, cleaning glasses to be used later. The creaky wooden door slowly opened, a wave of black, taught hair being the eye-catcher. A young girl, no older than 16 stood in the doorway, staring at her surroundings. A small bag sat snug on her hip as Erna welcomed her into the room. Looking up, she was taken aback by the familiarity she saw in the girl. She seemed to be new, but Erna felt something was off about the girl. She definitely knew the girl somehow.  Even though she was rather stoical, Erna could not help but make a face of confusion.

Sauntering up to the counter, the girl smiled softly at Erna. “Bonjour, madame. My name is Sylvie LaChance. I’ve come to board a room for a short while.” Her voice was gentle and heavenly, embroidered with a French accent.. Erna nodded and called for Agnes to prepare a room for the girl, still bewildered by the stranger.

Sylvie, having been here many times before, smirked in thought as she watched a small girl, Agnes she presumed, totter up the stairs. Moving towards a seat at the tables, she checked the small watch on her arm. It was exactly 6:33 pm. She was right on time.

Within seconds, a dirty, sweat-stained Hanno entered through the same door that she had just come in herself. Keeping her head down, she watched as he greeted Erna with a respectful nod and walked up the stairs. Sylvie knew this boy like no other, yet he did not know her.

Ticking away was the time that brought Sylvie to this place. Her grandfather spoke eloquently about it when she was merely a child, how it was damned but magical at the same time. Though she was French, Sylvie liked to consider herself a local. These people did not know a single thing about her, but she knew about all of them, all the things they would do and who they would become in the future. The future was a funny thing, especially when you treated it as a plaything. The small bag next to her held the key to what Hanno was aiming towards, yet Adam had “forgotten” to mention this important role to him. Noah himself left it out purposefully as well, leaving Hanno hanging by the seemingly simple thread of time that existed here. Her plan was fully in place. Act compliant, speak lightly and only when spoken to. She knew exactly where she needed to be, and when. ___________________

Three days breathed life and exhausted themselves before she made her presence known to the other teenager. Her stay was almost over with, and Hanno had still not noticed her. She was gone before the sun rose, and asleep by the time he made himself known in the house once more.

Stepping through the brush of the forest, the same one her soul birthed and flourished upon, she watched Hanno from a distance. Smells of metal and a thinning fire filled the pointed nose of the dark-haired girl. These were smells she had always associated with him, and ones she loved dearly. A deep sigh breathed its way out of her nostrils and her lips. She found herself content with this position of hers, but she knew better than to play with time the way she had seen others do countlessly before her. With his back turned to her, she began the short trek towards him. The cloth hanging from her shoulders was rather light and airy, compared to the ones she had been wearing back in France. The rayon fabric was one she had sewn herself when living in the future. It was practical, and made the summer heat more bearable.

Mindfully taking her steps she neared the cave, and the boy. She noted that he was still turned away from her, sharpening the pickaxe he was using to dig the tunnel. Resting upon the rocks to the right of the cave, she watched him for a short moment. He seemed the same, but different from the last time she had seen him. Clearing her throat, Hanno turned quickly, wielding his sharpening tool to defend himself. A smirk played on Sylvie’s lips, a prompt chuckle whistling through her teeth. Facing the girl, Hanno put the weapon down, a frown dancing upon his features. He looked rather upset to have been distrubed.

“You weren’t expecting company?” The question almost sounded like she knew the answer, but she asked anyway. The upset emotions faded from his face and quickly turned into those of anger. He was alone, and this girl showed up unannounced.

“Who are you? What do you want?” He interrogated her, bearing his eyes at her. He studied her internally, noting that she looked similar to a man he had met as a child. He couldn’t remember his name, but the resemblance was uncanny. She was also strikingly beautiful, and he felt a pull towards her as if their souls had been bonded together. “My name does not concern you. Yet,” she started, standing from her position on the rocks. “I have come here to give you a message. It is extremely important that you do not tell another soul. Not even Adam.” She began walking towards him, pulling out a small envelope from the pocket she had sewn into the dress.

Hanno turned towards her fully now, not completely understanding the purpose of this girl’s presence. “How do you know Adam?” His voice expelled a shocked expression, not believing this girl knew the Adam that he knew. Finally standing directly in front of him, Sylvie grasped the boy’s hand, pressing the envelope into his palm. A playful smile toyed upon her lips. “That does not concern you either.” The statement was made pointedly. Hanno looked down at the paper in his hand then back to the girl.

“You will need this information to continue your journey to Paradise. There you will find eternal peace. Paradise is free of pain and suffering. Everything we’ve ever done is forgotten there. Any pain we’ve ever felt is erased. And all the dead live. This is Adam’s promise to you. Never forget it.” Her French accent made the phrase sound so joyful, though she herself knew the only Paradise was death itself. She knew she would experience this freedom.

“You will love to bring everything back to where it belongs and make it new. Though I am a piece of the puzzle, your piece is much larger.” Looking down, she still smiled, mostly to herself. She knew she would feel this attachment to him, no matter the fact that she knew what would come of the future. Bringing her hands up to caress his cheek, she brought her hazel eyes to his own. Hanno stared back, feeling as though gravity had brought him to this moment.

Tilting his forehead against her own, she whispered, “Im going to kiss you now, is that okay?” Her French accent cooed, lulling him towards her. With a nod of his head, Sylvie gently pressed her lips to his. This moment was like no other for Hanno; it was as if the world were finally pieced together for him. Her lips were soft, like soft skin after a fresh shower. The scent of floral notes from her black hair wafting through his nostrils as they shared the moment, he could not describe the feeling within himself.

Pulling away from the boy, her smile was careful and gentle. “You kissed me.” Hanno stated, a soft smile adorning his face. Sylvie giggled at the statement, pulling her hand away from his face, turning to walk away from him. “ You kissed me back, Hanno. I could not be happier to have shared this still moment in time with you. I must go, though. I’m not here to apologize, yet. This all connects to something bigger than ourselves, even if we are only a short frame of the picture. I will see you again.” She had turned away from him completely now, daring herself not to turn back and watch the boy as she made her steps quick.

“Wait! What does this all mean?” A shout boomed through his voice. The girl had made hurried steps away, and turned back only briefly to smile at him before picking up her pace. Standing there, in front of the caves, Hanno looked upon the letter she had placed into his hands and looked at the inscribed name: Noah.