Title: Forget Me Not

Author: [redacted]

Rating: PG

“Class, be quiet! Listen to Donghae.”  Miss Lee, Donghae’s favourite teacher scolded, her kind eyes transforming to that commanding glare that instantly silenced the class.  Sitting down on her chair, she smiled kindly as Donghae gulped at the front of the class, feeling his hands quiver with nervousness.  He kind of hated show and tell, there was something about standing in front of the class and blurting out some sort of story that made him nervous, made him trip over his words aas he zoomed through his ideas so fast that everyone ended up laughing at him.  Today was no different, if not worse, because today’s topic was something that made him insanely embarrassed.  At the age of nine, Donghae had quickly learnt his place in the world, a world that was meant to be filled with petals of all the shades of the rainbow.  He was but a simple, tiny blue flower.  A flower, that was determined to show that he deserved to be remembered, for the right reasons. So, with anxiety flickering around him and a shy glance around the class he looked at his notes that he had neatly written on the piece of paper before him.

“My, my flower, the symbol I was born under, well I guess they are a bunch of flowers because they are so small, is called Forget me nots. The, scientific name is Mya- I mean Moysotis genus. ” Feeling the small semblance of confidence he had fade away momentarily he took a deep breath, instantly looking at his best friend, Hyukjae, for comfort, he wasn’t let down, as he was greeted with an encouraging toothy smile and a thumbs up from the back of the class.

“More like Forget me all.” One of those cool kids in the class said under his breath, causing the class to burst out in a fit of laughter.  Donghae couldn’t say a word though, it was true.  

He had a memory of what everyone called a goldfish, forgetting tiny little things, ever so easily.  It meant he at school, was forever forgetting other people's names and was always leaving things lying around.  Since he was forever looking for things he lost, he soon became famous for it.  He hated it, he wanted to be strong, confident and smart just like his best friend.

“Shut up Mark.”  Hyukjae shot under his breath, Donghae realising that one of his friend’s tiny fists were already curled up in a balls, ready to fight.  Not wanting him to get in trouble again Donghae took a deep breath and continued.

“Forget me nots, are meant to symbolise remembrance.  There is a story, a German myth, that says that two lovers were walking down a river.  The Knight, was picking the Forget Me Not flowers, and he tripped and fell in the river. As he was drowning, he held the flower up in the air and shouted forget me not. That is what gave my flower it’s meaning.  That- that is all I got for today, thank you for listening.”  There was a small pause, before there was an applause that started from the back of the class before eventually echoing around the room.

“That was great Donghae, thank you for telling me the meaning behind your flower.  And how do you feel you flower has manifested within yourself?” The teacher smiled helpfully as Donghae felt himself twitch at the front of the class.

“I am forgetful.”  He said quietly.  “It is my curse.”

“I’m sure it gives you some strengths as well?”

“It gave me blue eyes?” Donghae said, a little unsure.

“It gave you more than just that Donghae, you have many good qualities.  Have a seat I think this is an important lesson for the class.”  She smiled softly.   “Now class, as you know everyone is born in this world with a symbol, the flower, this flower gives you gifts, it might seem like a curse at first,”  She smiled kindly, taking a quick meaningful glance at Donghae.  “But one day, when you grow up you’ll realise that even those curses are gifts.”

“Donghae! Donghae!”  Donghae shook his head pulling himself up from the desk. He was sent startled, spiraling back from his vivid flashback to reality, thankfully to the soothing smell of the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

“God man, you are zoning out again.  Dreaming about your fiance?”  His secretary, Siwon smiled as he paced a cup of coffee in front of him.  They both had a pretty good relationship, with Donghae not really caring about things like the office hierarchy and Siwon whose symbol was a Daffodil, the type of person that was overly helpful all the time, and despite being chivalrous to the core felt comfortable talking informally to his boss.

“Something like that, was having flashback again.”  Donghae sighed rubbing his temples.

“Well, as soon as you finish off the Yoon file, and confer with the defense attorney about a possible plea bargain, you should probably knock off, you are off for one of your date weekends soon, right? You work too hard.  Your soon to be hubby to be will get lonely.” Siwon said wriggling his eyebrows.

“Well, you know gotta work hard to make up for my forgetfulness.  Plus he is always off saving the city, I’ve got to do my bit.”  None of what he said was a lie, Donghae sighed, he always felt so anxious that his fiance was such a public figure, known for saving lives yet he, could do nothing but slave away in the office ensuring that his boyfriend's good work in the city mean that criminals ended up in prison.  

“You are too harsh on yourself bossman. You are like a kick arse prosecutor with a super good long term memory and this work is just as important as the superhero work you boyfriend does.  So, don’t worry about that memory of yours, it is my job to remind you of things like, to eat.”  Siwon shoved across the table a muffin along with the coffee.

“Best Legal Secretary ever, don’t know what I’d do without you.” He smiled up at his friend.

“Well, you are the ace of the Department.  You know, you make me want to stay a law student for the rest of my life so I can, you know be your sidekick.” He winked, “Now, c’mon, your fiance will yell at me again if you work too long.”  Donghae smiled picking up the Yoon file, to glance through it to ensure he had his case theory well in his mind before calling the Defence Attorney, only to catch something out of the corner of his eye.  It was a vibrant flash of red that was appearing just through the tinted glass.

“Hyukjae!” He exclaimed happily.

Appearing through the door, like almost a dream, still in his black super tight superhero uniform, stood the kid, now a man of course, that was the star of his flash back moments before hand.  He stood in the doorway, posing dramatically, his antiques causing a blush to flush through Donghae’s cheeks.

“I’m here to collect him.  Citizen Siwon you are discharged from your duty.” Hyukjae said winningly, placing a bouquet of chocolate flowers on the office table.

“I’m not one to argue with the city's number one crime fighting superhero.”  Siwon laughed.  “Have him, work can wait till Monday.  I’ll take care of the rest of this, bossman enjoy the weekend.”  

“Wait, wait, wait! Siwon said I had to do something, I’ve forgotten but until I have done that thing, you can sit in the corner there.” Donghae said, firmly not wanting to neglect his job early, even though he wanted nothing more than to run into his fiance’s arms.

“Feisty, I love it when you get all bad arse lawyer on me.” Hyukjae winked and Donghae, despite himself couldn’t help but be a little .  But, he needed to set his priorities straight otherwise he’d quickly lose his hard earned respect with the senior prosecutors.  

“Language Hyukjae, this is my work place remember.”  Donghae narrowed his eyes.  “Siwon what were you telling me before someone walked in unannounced?”

“The Yoon file boss.”

“Got it.”  Donghae cracked his knuckles, trying not to think abou the pair of eyes gazing at him from the corner of the office.

“I love watching you work, you get this little crinkle on your forehead, that is right here.” Hyukjae smiled, poking him playfully as they walked through the park, hands swinging from side to side.  “Plus damn you are so hot in those suspenders and suit and tie. I’m kinda jealous of those criminals you get to cross examine.”  Donghae sighed, his boyfriend was always the jealous type.

“You know, it is really distracting for me when you just stare at me.  I nearly forgot what I was meant to say to the defence attorney thanks to you, good thing I wrote it all down beforehand!”

“Well what can I say, each time I look away from your face I keep forgetting just how perfect you are.”

“Damn you are so corny.”  Donghae grumbled.

“But you still love me.”  Hyukjae sang in almost a sing song sort of voice, giving him a peck on the cheek.

“That I do.”  Donghae smiled, glancing off into the distance.  “Where are we going though? You’ve been secretive all night about it?”

“Well, today, I was you know doing my thing, capturing bad guys and the like.  I realised, we haven’t had a proper talk, in a while.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well we haven’t had time to talk about anything, you know meaningful.  All are time we have free we spend planning the wedding or ranting about how bad our day was.  I just, wanna go to that top of the hill over there, gaze up at the stars and just talk you know.”

“Wow.  You are super corny.”  Donghae deadpanned.

“C’mon, you are super corny too that is why this works.” Hyukjae whined. “We kick during the day and by night we are corny, soft pieces of .”

“Seriously Hyuk-”

“I’ll race you to the top of the hill!” His boyfriend said, zooming off.  Donghae sighed looking as his boyfriend zoomed off, knowing that he was no match for someone that was naturally gifted with super strength.

Out of breath by the time he reached the top of the hill.  Hyukjae was already had yet up a picnic rug, with various food and nibblies, his agenda now clear for running off ahead of him.  He didn’t even look in his direction though, as he gazed up at the stars, leaning against a large oak tree.  The air seemed still, almost detached from reality, and Donghae, felt it was almost a pity to intrude of his fiance’s thoughts.  But he was out of breath and kind of frustrated, so he slumped down against the tree.

“You worked so hard to get here and get recognised.  I’m so proud of you.”  Hyukjae said, the compliment coming out of seemingly nowhere.  “Sometimes I just wish, you know you’d rely on me a bit more, you always seem so busy and struggling and I just feel so helpless.”

“I want to work hard though Hyuk.  You were always destined for greatness, I didn’t want to be a pathetic tiny pretty thing by your side.  I wanted to make something with my life too.”  

“But, you know, I am a Gladiolus, a flower that is given natural superhuman strength and resilience.  I had a path paved for me from birth.”

“What are you saying I am not strong?”  Donghae narrowed his eyes.

“No you have made your own strength and I swear, every day I look out to the sky and I’m so thankful you are by my side.  You made your own strength, mine was just, predetermined.  Like, you know today, I had someone that was born with a symbol of poison ivy break down in front of me screaming that she didn’t have a choice but to be evil.  It got me thinking.”

“So that what brought around this existential crisis of yours,”  Donghae smiled, leaning his head against Hyukjae’s shoulder.

“Fine.  I’m having one of my the world isn’t fair moments again.”  Hyukjae grumbled, leaning his head against Donghae’s. “It’s just that we live in a world where a singular flower dictates what we are at birth.  You know, when you think about it, it is kind of unfair, sometimes I just wish we lived in a world without all of that, where a freaking flower that appears above your head when you are born doesn’t dictate your life.  You know I had it so easy. I was just born with strength, you made your own, I feel like, maybe I haven’t tried hard enough.” Hyukjae sighed.

“No you didn’t.”  Donghae smiled nudging Hyukjae with his head, “You had to always be strong, resilient.  People expected that of you and it was hard.  Like, I wish I could show you how I remember you as a kid, like, I can picture you almost in front of me right now.  With always some sort of gash on your cheek from a fist fight.”  Donghae smiled as he remembered how tiny Hyukjae used to be, how outspoken he was.  “You’ve come just as far as I have.”  Donghae leaned into Hyukjae’s shoulder. Savouring the memory of a younger Hyukjae, a transfer student that was suspended from his previous school for fighting all the time.  His fists, always clenched, waiting for the next person to challenge his pride, yet always standing strong, and never backing down from what he truly believed in.  Him beside Hyukjae nervously fidgeting, struggling to get a full sentence out, always in awe of his best friend.

Suddenly, he felt a strange buzz.  It was like the air, setting it fizzling with are strange sort of energy.  It was almost static, as he felt goosebumps run against his arm and he immediately leaned even more into Hyukjae’s chest.

“What, what is going on, I feel weird.”  His fiance stammered.  Strangely, just as shaken as he was.  Donghae felt a shiver down his spine as the air, seemingly began to shimmer before them.  

What manifested, taken, almost like a page from Donghae’s memory stood, the child versions of themselves, both looking extremely bewildered.  

“What the fuc-”His fiance exclaimed jumping two feet in the air.  

“Language.” Donghae found himself almost robotically saying, still in shock.

”-- fudge then Captain America.”  Hyukjae finished off.

“Hyukjae- what, what is going on.”  Little Donghae said, looking anxiously up at the pair in bewilderment.  “I- where am I.”  Donghae smiled, noting the terrified expression on his younger selves face, he must of been around seven or eight years old.  

“I don’t know Hae. But I’ll beat the hell out of them.”  Tiny Hyukjae said, immediately puffing up his chest stepping out and stepping in front of Donghae.  The image was so adorable Donghae couldn’t help but giggle a little.

“Hey shut up! Don’t laugh at me! I don’t care if you are an adult I’ll beat you up!”  And that only cause Donghae to burst out in laughter even more.

“Can you stop laughing, you are confusing the poor kid.”  Hyukjae groaned, facepalming.  

“But, he is tying so hard to be tsundere, it is so cute.  I’m so glad you got out of that phase, I forgot how hilarious it was.”

“What do you mean brave? Tiny me is being so brave and is trying to protect tiny you!”

“Sure sure.” Donghae admitted, before whispering under his breath “at least I admit tiny me is probably peeing his pants in fear right now.”

“Who are you two! Where are we!” Demanded child Hyukjae.  Donghae shifted to the side, as he watched Hyukjae stand up, and cautiously approach the two young boys, as if he were approaching a terrified puppies.

“We are the older version of you.” Hyukjae explained warmly as he leaned down on one knee in front of the children so he was eye height. “Sorry, it appears that somehow we summoned you here.” Hyukjae took off his jacket, placing it around tiny Donghae, who looked up at him curiously.

“Don’t believe you.  And don’t you dare touch my best friend at all.”  Tiny Hyukjae grumbled.

“Well I look like you don’t I?”

“I refuse to believe I grew up to be that ugly.” Tiny Hyukjae grumbled causing Donghae to burst out in fits of laughter.  

“Donghae, can you stop laughing and get your over here.”

“Sure, sure.” Donghae sighed, standing up straightening up his suit.  He looked at the tiny version of himself.

“I, you are me.”  He said, looking up in almost admiration.  Donghae smiled, he always had liked kids and he guessed, seeing this little version of himself made him feel all warm and nostalgic.  

“Wow Donghae can’t believe you grew up to be that short.”

“Hey shrimp.” Hyukjae grumbled the younger version of himself. “You can insult me all you want but remember that you are insulting Donghae. And I won’t forgive you.”

“So mature Hyukjae.”  Donghae rolled his eyes.  “C’mon you guys want some food, we have plenty.  He ushered the kids to sit down as Hyukjae set out the sushi he had bought and they sat in silence, munching on food, each person, Donghae assumed lost in there own thoughts, it was such a surreal situation.  It wasn’t uncommon for phenomena such as these to happen, but this had never happened for either of them before.  It made him wonder whose flower exactly had granted them the power to do this.

“So , like idiot, what are you doing with your life.” Little Hyukjae said, around a mouthful of sashimi.  “Like if you turned out as a loser it is your fault not mine.”

“Not saying, spoilers.”  Hyukjae mumbled.

“Again, Hyukjae totally mature.”

“At least Donghae turned out super cool and good looking.  Judging by that suit he is the one bringing in the money.”  Child Hyukjae teased, shoving another piece of sashimi in his mouth.

“He’s right, you are so cool.” Younger Donghae clapped.  “I’m glad I grow up to be cool.”

“Well growing up cool is a lot of work.” Donghae smiled, ruffling the younger self’s hair.  Thoughts, swirling in his brain, just how many times had he wisshed for the opportunity to talk to his younger self, to give him advice over things he regretted.  But now, watching him here, he couldn’t bring himself to.  All he could do is watch with a weird sort of curiosity, gazing at where he came from.  

“Do…” His younger self said, gazing at the ground, “do you have any tips on how to be more , you know to not forget stuff.”

“Well, you are always going to forget stuff, but, focus, and you’ll realise the stuff you really remember is the important things.”  

“I don’t understand.” Little Donghae said his head tilted slightly to one side. However he had no time to explain because, Hyukjae had immediately glomped Donghae’s tiny self and was cooing over how adorable he was. He watched as little Hyukjae looked on from his spot on the mat, looking out at the two.

“How come I’m so shameless, like isn’t it kind of girly to do stuff like that.  I don’t get it, I know Donghae is you, but, that man, it’s not me.”  Little Hyukjae grumbled.  The elder wasn’t sure what to say, not actually sure when Hyukjae had learnt to just be himself and not worry about other’s expectations of him.  It had just happened and he felt a little guilty himself for never actually noticing as a kid.  

“You should just be comfortable doing what you want to do Hyukjae.  I’m not the centre of your world I’m sure but, see if you are like you are now, or in the future, we’ll both be together, so just do you and I’m sure I’ll stick by you and help when I can.”

“Erk you are cheesey.”  Young Hyukjae said, pretending to gag.

“I’m not as bad as your future self. Trust me, even I feel sick in my stomach”

“I disgust myself.”  

Donghae smiled as he opened the door to gaze in on their younger selves sleeping.

“Thank god they are asleep. My younger self needs to take a chill pill, it was not cool for him to be hiding in flipping pine trees and bungee jumping down on top of me.  I’m going to get back problems.”

“I think it was even more funny that he called his older self ugly.”

“I’m not ugly.”  Hyukjae gave a rare pout.  “I thought puberty treated me well!”  

“It did, Hyukjae you are the most handsome man alive.” Donghae said, in a half serious half joking manner.

“Well, enough with destroying my self esteem. What are we gonna do? Like when do they disappear, we can’t afford them on our crappy government salary and what if that is not a manifestation of us, but actually us.  Our parents will be worried, who knows if we disturbed the time space continuum.”

“Well, I personally think they are manifestations of ourselves, so they should fade when we go to sleep ourselves.”

“You always were the smart one, explain.  But put on these glasses so I can live out my sci fi scientist Donghae .”  Donghae facepalmed, wondering just where Hyukjae had pulled those nerdy glasses from and why he had them on his person.

“I’m not doing that with our younger selves around Hyuk.”

“It’s education.”  Hyukjae said, holding out the black rimmed glasses.

“You’ll find out soon enough from your stack of dojinshi I know you still keep under your bed.  Back on topic though, I think somehow, our two symbols created that phenomena.  Like the two of us together wishing for the same thing. Gladious flowers, even though they gift the user with natural strength and courage also symbolises honor and remembrance.  So I think somehow your flower gave you the power to give my memories life.  I was really concentrating on the you from the past then.  Somehow the two of us together managed to create an additional power the two of us alone couldn’t.”

“Really?”

“It is the most logical explanation.  It isn’t unheard of, you should know Mr Super Hero.”

“But it only really occurs when the people have a really close bond you know.”

“We are getting married, if you haven’t forgotten, and don’t think you’ve gotten out of planning the seating arrangements just because you took me on such a nice lovely date tonight.”

“Why can’t you just say you love me.”  Hyukjae said picking Donghae up bridal style, causing him to squeal a little.  He knew Hyukjae wouldn’t drop him, with his super strength and all, but he did it with such ease, it just wasn’t fair.

“Yeah, it might be because of that.” And as Donghae felt his eyes flutter shut as overwhelmed by emotions.  It was weird.  It was weird at how they had lived their lives, fighting, struggling to find what they truly wanted. He spent everyday worrying about achieving his goals, proving himself, he forgot how far he had come. He forgot how far they had both come, together.

“For s sakes! Get a room you two, oh god, I get it already we grow up and we end up married big deal.  Let a kids eyes not bleed!”

“Language!” Came another cry from the bedroom.

They had come far, but even then, some things never changed.