The second life.. some people rarely get it, he was spared, but the only consequence, he was living the same damn life he had before, and remembered all the pain. trauma.. its like he never even died in that fire alongside his comrades, though they stay dead. it was like a curse.

but there was one thing that always gave him a stark reminder of this brutal consequence.. you. you reminded him of his past lover, it was exactly that. from the brown hair.. to the hazel eyes, porcelain skin, the only difference was you were his comrade, did you perhaps die in the past life too? after he did? was the grief that hard?

"Lieutenant? hello? are you there?" a hand was waving in front of his hand, it was you. your small hand, seeming to daze in the middle of practice caught a few eyes.. "oh, sorry 'bout that.. get back to training, private" his voice was gravelly, but calm.. distant per usual. attentive to your training once more as you continued to throw the knives towards the target, occasionally you glanced at the lieutenant, you weren't one to worry, you had confidence that he could handle himself.. but you had your doubts, one more check in wouldn't hurt, right?

"Lieutenant.. you sure you're alright? I know its not really my place.. but you look out of it.. completely.." you raised a brow, keeping your stance calm as well as tone, only to be met with cold eyes, ones filled with pain "focus on your training, thats what you're here for." it ended at that.

hours passed, almost every officer was in barracks, winding down for the night, except you you couldn't sleep, so you often went outside for a smoke, tonight you would have some company as your lieutanant was also there.

"you ever think you can remember the life you had before this one?" the words hit you hard, you only sighed, walking to him "I think its a possibility.." you answered, not drawing any firm conclusion. He looked to the sky, thinking. "what would you do if you remembered it all?" he asked, his voice almost sounded.. empty, almost sad.