"instructions for return" - an erasure - PG?

[be_themoon]

instructions for return
an erasure of the poker game, awakenings, and coping. pg?
original fic by
gallifreycalls, erasure by
be_themoon

he believes he believes
"I believe."
too cold
too hot
"I can turn lead into gold."
time can stand still

The first time he
spends hours staring
"what went wrong"
the first words on his lips
even before conversation is broken

He asks and
He asks

"see for yourself."
smiles at her

Kingdoms rise and fall
there are never the same faces
The only constancies stories
of births, deaths, wars,
differ only in the names
falling asleep
lingering on

he asks
there is work to do

he feels

a catch in his breath
something wrong
the air numb
just another fact

stares, murmurs
feels tongue and lips
as if unknown.

as if When he catches up
he gives in.

he remembers.

before
fingers
turned to catch
the tips of fingers
They entwined.

before
Life was simpler.
possession
protection, loyalty, destiny;
completion.

He is tracing circles,
circles in now

if he could find the strength to break

he mourns the loss of hope
starts to list instructions
for returns.

1. No more dying.