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Chapter Text

A Name in the Dark (Part I)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The first time Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg saw her, she was still.
Hooked up to IV lines, wrapped in bandages, bruises blooming across pale skin. The rhythmic beeping of the monitors filled the silence, a soft reminder that she was still breathing. Still here.
Ocean had read the report. The kind of thing that made her stomach churn even after years in the ICU. A car accident. A bad one. Everyone else in the vehicle—gone. And the only survivor, this girl. She had no ID. No phone. No name.
Absolutely nothing to identify her by.
The nurses had called her Jane Doe. Depressing, but fitting.
Ocean sat beside the bed, resting her hand on the plastic railing. Her red hair half-tied back, a few stray strands slipping loose as she tilted her head, studying the girl.
“Jane,” she murmured, testing the name out loud. It didn’t fit.
But for now, it was all she had.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jane woke up a week later.
It was slow. Painful. Her eyelashes fluttered, breath catching, fingers twitching against the crisp hospital sheets.
Ocean was there when she stirred, sitting beside the bed. She leaned forward, a small smile pulling at her lips.
“Hey there,” she said softly.
Jane’s gaze flickered, unfocused. “Where—” She winced, voice hoarse.
“You’re in St. Cassian Hospital,” Ocean said. “You were in a car accident. You’ve been asleep for a while.”
Jane frowned, brows knitting together. “I…” Her fingers curled into the blanket. “I don’t remember.”
Ocean nodded. “That’s okay. It’s normal after something like this.”
Jane’s breathing was uneven, her hands trembling. “Who—who am I?”
Ocean hesitated. “We don’t know yet,” she admitted. “You didn’t have any ID on you. No one’s come looking.”
Jane swallowed hard. “So… I’m just nobody?”
Ocean shook her head. “No. You’re just… still figuring it out.” She offered a reassuring smile. “Until then, we’re calling you Jane.”
Jane.
The girl looked away, staring blankly at the ceiling. “That doesn’t feel right.”
Ocean’s voice softened. “One day, we’ll find out your real name.”
Jane exhaled shakily, then looked at her again. “You have nice eyes.”
Ocean blinked, caught off guard. Then she let out a soft laugh. “That’s not usually the first thing patients say to me.”
Jane smiles the slightest bit, “Well, most patients have their own names too.”
Ocean, of course, is not ready for the… joke? Was that a joke? Should she laugh? But what if that’s mean?

Eventually deciding against laughing, Ocean ended up staring awkwardly at Jane, who simply stared right back for a bit before speaking again.

“Sorry, I tried to make a joke. Nevermind.” Jane muttered.

Ocean, who didn’t realize it was a joke, just nodded and went through the standard hospital procedure.

“-And if you need anything there’s a call button right here-” She pointed to a small red button on the side of the bed. “-And me, or one of the other nurses, will be with you right away.”

Penny nodded then looked out the window. Ocean took that as her queue to leave.

Shutting the door behind her, Ocean promptly leaned against it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why was she so awkward around her?

Chapter Text

A Name In the Dark (Part 2)
Ricky showed up a few days later.
It was a decently slow night. One of those shifts where the biggest drama was a guy in the ER complaining because he put six rubber bands around his… thing… “just to see what would happen.”
Then, the front desk got a visitor.
A guy—maybe early twenties? Dark curls, a little lanky in that “probably forgot to eat while playing video games” kind of way. He wore a NASA hoodie, and carried nothing but a backpack and a piece of paper.
He stepped up to the desk and slid the paper over.
It read: “I need to see Penelope Lamb.”
Constance, the receptionist, blinked. “Uh… who?”
He sighed and flipped the paper over. “She was in a car accident. A bad one. A few weeks ago. I saw the crash on the news and recognized the license plate. I booked a flight the second I saw it.”
Constance frowned, glancing at the patient list. “There’s no Penelope Lamb here.”
The man's expression shifted. A flicker of frustration—panic—before he scribbled, “She might be under a different name. No ID, right?”
She hesitated. And then, she got up and walked toward the ICU.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ocean was on her break, nursing a cup of coffee, when Dr. Karnak waved her over.
“There’s someone asking about your Jane Doe.”
Ocean straightened. “Who?”
Dr. Karnak gestured over her shoulder. “Some guy from Arizona. Says her name is Penelope Lamb. He saw a picture of the crash, recognized the car and the plate. Flew here immediately.”
Ocean blinked. “Wait, what?”
Dr. Karnak shrugged. “He’s mute, so he’s writing everything down. Thought you might want to be there.”
Ocean didn’t hesitate. She turned and bolted for Penny’s room.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jane—Penny—was sitting up when Ocean walked in, flipping through an old crossword book Ocean had given her. She looked up at the sound of hurried footsteps.
“What—?”
“There’s someone here for you,” Ocean said breathlessly.
Jane's brow furrowed. “Someone who knows me?”
Before Ocean could answer, the door swung open.
And Ricky stepped in.
The second Jane saw him, something clicked.
He stopped in the doorway, breath unsteady, eyes wide as he took her in. He didn’t hesitate.
His hands moved, fluid and urgent. “Penelope. Are you okay?”
Jane's heart stuttered.
Her hands moved before she could even think.
“I don’t know.”
Silence.
And then Jane froze.
Her breathing hitched. Her fingers curled inward, staring at her own hands as if they weren’t her own.
“I—I know sign language,” she whispered.
Ocean’s throat tightened. Oh my god.
Ricky exhaled sharply, stepping closer. His hands were shaking now. “You remember?”
Jane swallowed. “I… I don’t know. I kind of remember you. I don’t know why, but—” She broke off, squeezing her eyes shut. “You’re familiar.”
Ricky’s fingers trembled, then he grabbed the notepad from his hoodie and scribbled:
“Your name is Penelope Lamb, Penny for short. I’m Ricky Potts. Your best friend.”
Penny reached for the paper, running her fingers over the ink.
Her name.
It felt right.
It felt real.
She inhaled sharply. “I—” Her voice wavered. “I think I remember.”
Ocean moved closer, her presence warm, steady. “What do you remember?”
Penny turned, looking between them. Ricky, her best friend. Ocean, the kind hearted nurse in charge of her.
“I remember… home. And late-night car rides. And really bad sci-fi movies.” Her voice cracked. “I remember...”
She turned back to Ricky. Signed, “I missed you.”
His answering smile was small, but real. “I missed you too.”
And for the first time in weeks, Penny felt like someone.

Chapter Text

A Name in the Dark (Part lll)

Ocean barely made it to the break room before she exploded.
“GUYS.” She slammed her hands down on the table where Noel, Mischa, and Constance were sitting, nearly knocking over Mischa’s soda. “You are not going to believe what just happened.”

Noel, ever the drama queen, gasped. “Oh my god, did Dr. Karnak finally admit he’s actually an alien?”
“Did you finally admit you have a crush on Jane?” Mischa added, raising his eyebrows.
Ocean glared at Mischa. “First of all, shut up. Second of all—”

“She remembers something, doesn’t she?” Constance cut in, always the sharpest of the group.
Ocean swung her finger to point aggressively at her. “Yes. Yes, she does.”
The room erupted.
“No way.”
“Are you serious?”
“Did she remember her favorite color? Or, like, her favorite food ?”
Ocean shushed everyone. “She remembers her name. And her best friend just showed up out of nowhere, like… like some kind of mystical NASA wizard.”
The three of them stared.

Noel was the first to react. “I—what?”
Mischa squinted. “A NASA wizard?”
Ocean dragged a hand down her face. “Okay, so his name is Ricky, and he’s literally a rocket scientist for NASA, and he saw a picture of the crash on the news and recognized her car and license plate and immediately booked a flight across the country.”
Constance blinked. “That’s… actually kind of romantic. Not, like, in a weird way, but just—loyalty, you know?”
Mischa nudged Noel. “Would you book a flight across the country for me?”
Noel rolled his eyes but squeezed his hand under the table. “Obviously. But I’d complain about it the entire time.”

Ocean ignored them. “And the wildest part?” She took a deep breath. “She remembered him.”
Mischa was next to speak. “OCEAN. That's huge.”
“I KNOW.”
Constance leaned forward, eyes bright. “What did she say? How much does she remember?”
Ocean shook her head. “Not everything, but… she remembered sign language.”
Mischa gasped. “Oh my god, she signed something?”
“Fluently. Like, total muscle memory. The second she saw Ricky signing, she just… responded.” Ocean exhaled. “And it triggered a bunch of little things—flashes, emotions, just pieces of who she was. She’s not completely back, but she’s starting to remember.”

Constance clapped her hands together. “This is amazing.”
“I know, right??” Ocean collapsed into the chair next to her. “I just—god, I’m so happy for her.”
Noel, finally back in his seat, squinted at her. “Sooo… when are you going to admit you like her?”

“I just told you that our patient had a major breakthrough in recovering her identity, and THAT is what you’re focusing on??”
Micha grinned. “It’s just really funny watching you pretend you’re not obsessed with her.”
Ocean groaned. “I am not—”
Constance snorted. “Ocean. You literally called her my Jane Doe.”
Ocean froze. “…No, I didn’t. I called her my Jane Doe case.”
“You did,” Micha confirmed.

“I—okay—whatever.” She pushed away from the table. “I have actual work to do. Unlike you clowns.”
Noel gasped, hand over his heart. “Excuse me, I am a very busy and important nurse.”
“Busy and important doing what?” Ocean challenged.
Mischa spoke for him. “He was reading gay fanfiction on the hospital Wi-Fi.”
“EXACTLY.”
As she turned to leave, Constance called after her, “Hey, for real though. I’m happy for her. And for you. You’ve been with her since the beginning.”
Ocean hesitated. Then, she smiled.
“Yeah,” she said softly. “I have.”
And she didn’t plan on going anywhere.

Meanwhile, in his office, Dr. Karnak was completely ignoring the hospital gossip, hunched over a medical journal. He glanced up when his phone buzzed with a new notification.
A reminder, automatically set weeks ago:
Jane Doe - Missing Person’s Report Due.
He stared at it for a long moment.
Then, slowly, he deleted it.
Penelope Lamb wasn’t missing anymore.

Chapter Text

A Name in the Dark (Part lV)

Ocean leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching as Ricky and Penny signed at the speed of light.
She had no clue what they were saying.
None.
And Ocean didn't even mind.
Because Penny—Penelope—was lighting up like she never had before. Her hands moved so fast they were practically a blur, her face alight with excitement, expression after expression flickering across her features like a reel of memories coming back to life.
Ocean had never seen her so… animated. So full of something she thought she’d lost.

And Ricky—despite his usual quiet, observant demeanor—matched her energy completely. His eyes were shining as he responded just as quickly, his smile so genuine it made Ocean’s chest ache.
The two of them were in their own little world.
And Ocean was just standing on the outside, watching.
It wasn’t a bad feeling, necessarily. More like…
She didn’t want to interrupt.
So she just let them talk, arms still crossed, her heart warm but weirdly aching, until—

Penny yawned.
Her hands slowed mid-sign, her blinks getting heavier, the adrenaline of the day finally crashing down on her.
Ricky made a soft expression and signed something gentle.
Penny furrowed her brows—stubborn, clearly trying to fight it—but Ricky just gave her a Look.
Ocean didn’t need to know sign language to understand it.
“You need to rest.”
Penny rolled her eyes but didn’t argue, slumping into the hospital bed with a tired huff. Her eyes fluttered shut within seconds.
Ocean sighed, walking over to adjust her blanket, tucking her in properly.

Ricky watched, then carefully picked up the notepad he’d been using earlier and started writing.
He turned it around for Ocean to read.
“Take care of my best friend, okay?”
Ocean blinked, feeling something shift in her chest.
Ricky scribbled another line beneath it.
“She really likes you.”
Ocean froze.
Ricky just gave her a knowing look.
Ocean scowled at him. “That’s not true.”
He raised an eyebrow.
Then wrote—very deliberately—“It is.”

She looked away, pretending to check Penny’s IV, very much avoiding whatever expression Ricky was giving her.
She cleared her throat. “So. Uh. You and Penny.”
Ricky tilted his head.
She nodded toward the notepad. “Tell me about you two. Your friendship.”
Ricky’s face softened.
He tapped the pen against the paper for a moment, thinking. Then he started writing.

“She made me a cake when I got an internship at NASA.”
Ocean smiled a little. “Yeah?”
Ricky nodded, flipping to a fresh page.
“It was hilarious. Completely collapsed in the middle. Way too much frosting. But she was so proud of it, I couldn’t tell her.”
Ocean laughed.
Ricky smiled, then continued.
“We had a movie night when she got a job as a vocal teacher. We made a pillow fort, watched movies, and stayed up way too late eating popcorn.”
Ocean could picture it perfectly.
Ricky flipped to another page.

“She loves the moon.”
Ocean peeked up a bit.
Ricky didn’t notice, just kept writing.
“She used to sit outside at night and just watch it for hours. I think she liked the quiet. She said it made her feel peaceful.”
Ocean swallowed hard.
She knew.
She knew.
Even when Penny didn’t know who she was, she would stare out the window at night, watching the moon with a quiet longing she couldn’t explain.
It was a part of her she had never forgotten.

Ocean inhaled slowly.
“I’ll take care of her,” she said softly.
Ricky looked up.
Ocean met his gaze, completely serious.
“I promise.”
Ricky studied her for a moment.
Then he smiled.
And—very deliberately—he signed a small, simple phrase.
Ocean didn’t understand it.
But one day, she would.

Chapter Text

A Name in the Dark (Part V)

“Okay, so get this.” Penny was grinning, sitting cross-legged on her hospital bed, hands animated as she spoke. “Ricky had just gotten off crutches, right? So obviously, I threw him a whole party. Streamers, balloons, even a ‘Congrats On Your Legs’ banner.”
Ocean snorted. “No way.”
“Oh, absolutely.” Penny nodded. “I went all out. I even made a cake.”
Ocean’s eyes widened. “Just like the collapsed one.”
“The very same recipe.”
Ocean gasped. “Ricky told me about that. He said it was the worst cake in existence but he didn’t have the heart to tell you.”
Penny just smiled. “I know it was bad! But it was sweet that he still ate it.”
Ocean laughed lightly. “He's a good friend.”
She leaned back against her pillows, fiddling with the edge of the blanket Ocean had tucked over her earlier.
“He is.”

Penny's expression softened.
“I used to defend him a lot,” she said. “Back in school.”
Ocean tilted her head. “Yeah?”
Penny nodded. “He was an easy target, you know? Quiet, small, mute. Most kids were mean about it. But I always tried to stop them.”
“I respect it,” Ocean said solemnly.
Penny smiled, and spoke, softer this time. “But he always had the best stories.”
Ocean raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
Penny nodded. “In elementary school, he had this whole elaborate theory that the Zolar Cat Women were real.”
Ocean blinked. “The what?”
Penny tilted her head. “You know, the weird alien movie? Zolar?”
Ocean stared at her.
Penny gasped. “You’ve never seen Zolar?”
“I—no?”
Penny put a hand over her heart, feigning offense. “Oh my god. Ocean. We are watching it.”
Ocean laughed. “Okay, okay, calm down. So tell me—what was the conspiracy?”
Penny’s grin returned. “Ricky was convinced the cat women were real and secretly living among us.”
“You’re kidding.”
“I wish.” Penny shook her head. “He even made a whole presentation in third grade. Dead serious. Had pictures and everything.”
Ocean lost it. “I need to see this presentation.”
Penny just grinned. “It was awesome, I'll try to convince him to show it to you.”
Ocean smiled, watching her. “You really love him.”

Penny nodded. “He’s my best friend. He always supported me, too. At least as much as I can remember, anyways. Like—when I got my job as a vocal teacher, he threw me a whole movie night. Made a pillow fort and everything.”
Ocean felt something warm settle in her chest. “That’s really sweet.”
Penny hummed. “Yeah… I think I’m remembering more because of him. The muscle memory, the connection… it’s all coming back piece by piece.”
Ocean hesitated. Then, carefully, “So… you were a vocal teacher?”
Penny blinked. “Oh. Yeah, I guess I was.”
She frowned, then added, “That explains a lot, actually. Like why I knew the lyrics to When Doves Cry before I remembered my own name.”
Ocean laughed. “Yeah, that tracks.”
She hesitated again. “Do you… still sing?”
Penny looked down at her hands. “I don’t know.”
Ocean tilted her head. “You don’t?”
Penny shook her head. “I mean, I think I do. I know I do. But…” She exhaled. “I can’t remember what my own voice sounds like.”

Ocean reached out—instinctively, hesitantly—taking Penny’s hand in hers.
“Well,” she said softly, “whenever you’re ready, I’d love to hear it.”
Penny looked up at her, eyes wide and warm.
Ocean suddenly realized they were holding hands.
Oh.
Before she could react, the door swung open.
“Hey, Ocean, I was wondering if—”
Constance froze.
Dr. Karnak, right behind her, also froze.
Penny and Ocean blinked.
Then they realized.
They were very much holding hands.
Constance’s eyes sparkled. “Oh. My. God.”
Ocean yanked her hand away so fast she almost fell off the chair. “IT’S NOT—we were just —shut up.”
Constance smiled.
Dr. Karnak sighed. “I don’t get paid enough for this.”

Then—out of nowhere—a tiny squeak came from the pocket of Karnak’s coat.
Penny perked up. “Was that a mouse?”
Karnak pinched the bridge of his nose. “Virgil. Come out.”
A tiny black-eyed mouse popped his head out of the pocket, wiggling his nose.
Penny’s entire face lit up. “Oh my god. Who is this?”
Karnak sighed again. “Virgil. The hospital pet.”
Penny reached out instantly, eyes wide. “He has black eyes like me.”
Virgil sniffed her fingers, then climbed into her hands.

Penny beamed. “I love him.”
Constance grinned. “Well, now she’s definitely part of the hospital.”
Karnak glared at Ocean. “Just don’t lose him. Again.”
Penny cradled the tiny mouse. “Don’t worry. We’re bonded now.”
Penny just giggled, petting Virgil’s tiny head.

She didn’t remember everything.
Not yet.
But she was starting to feel like herself again.

Chapter Text

A Name in the Dark (Part Vl)

“Okay, okay, pause.”
Penny sat up from where she had been comfortably leaning against Ocean, her hand dramatically raised like a judge about to deliver a life-altering verdict.
Ocean, who had been very much enjoying the whole subtle-cuddling situation, frowned. “What? What is it?”
Penny turned to Ricky, her expression grave. “I need you to be honest with me.”
Ricky, stretched out on the hospital recliner, raised an eyebrow.
“Was Zolar always this bad?”
Ricky blinked. Then, without hesitation, signed back, “Absolutely.”
“Oh my god,” Penny groaned, flopping dramatically against Ocean’s shoulder. “This movie is a fever dream.”

Ocean, doing a terrible job at not being hyper-aware of how close Penny was, cleared her throat. “You’re the one who demanded we watch it.”
“Because I remembered it being cinema,” Penny said, gesturing dramatically. “I didn’t remember the nightmare fuel.”
Ricky signed, “This is peak filmmaking.”
Penny squinted at him. “You have NASA clearance and this is what you choose to defend?”
Ricky simply shrugged. “Some things are sacred.”
Ocean, still giggling, nudged Penny. “Do you want to stop?”
Penny gasped. “And leave before the grand finale?? Are you insane?”
Ricky smiled. “Penny's right.”

Penny huffed, but she was smiling as she settled back against Ocean, getting comfy again.
Ocean, very much not panicking about it, forced herself to just act normal.
Easier said than done when Penny’s hair smelled like vanilla and warmth and a little bit like the hospital shampoo, but in a nice way.
And she was soft.
And warm.
Ocean had no business enjoying this so much.
After a while, Penny’s breathing slowed, her head resting lightly on Ocean’s shoulder.
Ricky noticed, darting his eyes between them.
Ocean glared at him.
He just smiled.

A few minutes later, the credits rolled, and Ricky stood, stretching.
Penny lifted her head groggily. “Movie over?”
Ocean nodded. “Yeah, we survived.”
Penny yawned. “Cool.”
Ricky gave her a small, teasing salute.

Ricky just smiled, waved, then headed for the door probably to go see Constance as the front desk.
But before he stepped out, Penny suddenly froze.
Ocean felt it—the way Penny’s whole body went rigid.
“Wait,” she whispered.
Ricky paused.
Ocean sat up straighter. “Penny?”
Penny’s breathing had changed. Shallow. Unsteady.
“I…” she swallowed. “I remember something.”
Ocean’s stomach dropped.
Ricky turned back, eyes filled with quiet concern.
Penny’s hands trembled slightly as she spoke, signing while she did. “My parents. My brother. They loved you.”

Ricky froze.

Silence.

Then—
Penny’s face crumpled.
Ricky rushed to her. Ocean did too.
“I remember them,” Penny whispered. Her voice was small. “I remember their faces. I remember… I remember how they loved you.”
Ricky took her hands, squeezing tight.
Ocean placed a hand on her back, rubbing slow circles. “Penny…”
Penny let out a shaky breath.
“I remember… My dad always said Ricky was brilliant. My mom thought he was the kindest boy she’d ever met. And my brother, Ezra—she called him ‘Rocket Man.’” Penny gave a trembling smile. “He pretended to hate it, but I knew he loved it.”
Ricky’s eyes glistened.
Penny took a breath.

“They’re gone.”
Ocean’s chest ached.
Penny pressed a shaking hand to her mouth. “They’re gone, and I didn’t even remember them.”
Ricky pulled her into a hug. Penny collapsed against him.
Ocean felt utterly helpless.
Penny let out a broken, muffled sob against Ricky’s shoulder. “I forgot them. I forgot everything.”
Ocean swallowed the lump in her throat. She rested a hand on Penny’s arm, grounding. “It’s not your fault.”

Penny just shook her head.

Ricky held her tighter, rubbing slow, familiar patterns on her back, a silent “I’m here. I’ve got you.”
After a while, Penny’s sobs faded to sniffles. Her grip on Ricky loosened, but she didn’t pull away.
Ocean hesitated. Then, soft, “Do you want me to get you some water? Or maybe—”
Penny just shook her head.
“I just…” She exhaled. “Can you just… stay?”
“Of course,” she whispered.
Ricky nodded.
So they did.

Chapter Text

A Name in the Dark (Part VII)

Ocean took a deep breath before knocking on Karnak’s office door.
“Enter.”
She stepped in, her nerves already on edge.
Karnak sat at his desk, ever the picture of ominous calm, his ever-present cup of coffee in hand. Behind him, a small wire enclosure sat on a shelf, where Virgil, the hospital’s beloved pet mouse, was currently perched on his little ramp, staring Ocean down.
She ignored him.
Mostly.
Karnak looked up from his paperwork, fixing her with his usual piercing gaze. “Nurse Rosenberg.”
Ocean swallowed. “Dr. Karnak.”
He set his coffee down. “What brings you here?”
Okay. Here goes nothing.
She shifted on her feet. “Hypothetically—”
One of Karnak’s eyebrows arched.
She pushed through. “—how unprofessional would it be if I were to, say… eventually ask Jane—I mean, Penny—out?”
The eyebrow remained arched.
Ocean winced. “I—I mean, obviously not right now. That would be incredibly inappropriate. I meant, after she’s fully healed and no longer a patient here. Hypothetically.”
Karnak took a slow sip of coffee.
Ocean waited, resisting the urge to melt into the floor.
Then, finally, he set his mug down and said, “Once she is officially discharged and no longer under our care, there are no legal or ethical restrictions.”
Ocean blinked. “Wait… so—”
“It is not common for former patients and medical staff to pursue relationships after treatment has concluded.” He leaned back in his chair. “However, it's happened before.” Karnak said, pausing to take a sip of his coffee before continuing.
“But, while she remains under our care, you are to maintain appropriate professionalism.”
Ocean nodded quickly. “Of course, absolutely, I wouldn’t—yeah. I got it.”
Karnak studied her for a moment before giving a small, almost imperceptible nod. “Then I see no issue.”
Ocean exhaled. “Thank you.”

Ocean had barely stepped out of Karnak’s office when—
BAM.
Constance appeared out of nowhere, grabbing Ocean’s arm and dragging her into an empty hallway.
Ocean yelped. “Jesus—Constance!?”
Constance’s eyes were full of energy. “WELL??”
Ocean blinked. “Well what?”
Constance shook her. “Are you gonna ask her out or not?”
Ocean groaned. “Oh my god.”
“Spill.”
Ocean sighed, rubbing her temples. “I can’t ask her out yet. I have to wait until she’s fully healed and discharged.”
Constance pouted. “Boo. Rules.”
Ocean rolled her eyes. “Yeah, crazy, right? Ethical guidelines in the medical field.”
Constance huffed. “Fine. But as soon as she’s discharged, you are taking that girl on a date.”
Ocean crossed her arms. “What if she doesn’t want to go out with me?”
Constance snorted. “Ocean. Be serious.”
Ocean gave her a look. “I am serious.”
Constance just grinned. “Honey. That girl likes you.”
Ocean tried very hard not to smile. “Shut up.”
“Just saying,” Constance said, smug. “You better start thinking of a first date, because as soon as she’s out of here, you’re on.”
Ocean immediately shot back “Only when you admit you like the space wizard!”

Chapter Text

A Name in the Dark (Part VIII)

Ocean’s head was spinning.
She’d gotten the blessing from Karnak about her feelings for Penny, but now… now, she had to figure out what to do with that information. How did she even ask someone out? What would Penny want? What did she like? What if she said no?
So, naturally, she went straight to Mischa.

Mischa, the resident expert on love.

Ocean found him sitting in the breakroom, carefully wiping down his coffee cup. Noel had already gone home for the evening, leaving Mischa to relax after a long day of work.
She slid into the seat next to him. “Hey, Mischa, I need your help with something.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
“Yeah. So… I need to know—how did you ask Noel out?”
Mischa looked shocked for a moment before his face broke into a grin. “Ah. You want the secret?”
Ocean leaned in eagerly. “Yes! Tell me everything.”

Mischa grinned even wider. “Well, after the war, there was a beautiful little restaurant in the south of France…”
Ocean blinked. “Wait, what?”
Mischa didn’t skip a beat. “Yes. The setting was post-WWII France, and I recreated it down to the last detail. I even found a chef who knew exactly how to make an authentic bouillabaisse.”
Ocean stared. “Wait, you recreated France?”
Mischa waved his hand nonchalantly. “Of course! You know how much Noel loves everything tragic, especially post war France. I wanted to give him an unforgettable night. Romantic and intimate. And we went to a small corner of the city, watched the stars, and had an entire evening of wonderful conversation. You have to be specific, Ocean. Attention to detail. It’s everything.”
Ocean’s eyes were wide. “Mischa. You’re a genius.”

He smiled smugly. “I know.”
Ocean sighed, letting her head rest in her hands. “I wish I could recreate France, but… I don’t have time for that. I’m not a professional chef.”

Mischa raised an eyebrow. “You don’t need to recreate France, Ocean. What does she like?”
Ocean stared at him, blinking slowly. “What… do you mean, ‘What does she like’?”
Mischa leaned forward with a knowing smile. “I mean, what does Penny love? What would make her feel special? You don’t need France. You need something personal. You’ve been spending a lot of time with her lately. What’s she into?”
Ocean paused. She thought about it. “Well… Penny loves the moon.”
Mischa looked pleased. “That’s a start.”

Ocean grinned, a slow idea forming. “Wait… a moon gazing date! Just the two of us, under the stars. I’ll set up a cozy little spot outside, we can have tea, and I can just… be with her.”
Mischa clapped his hands. “Brilliant! You can do it. Just think about the details, and make it special.”
Ocean stood up, smiling to herself. “Thanks, Mischa. I think I can work with that.”

That evening, after her shift, Ocean went straight to Penny’s room, a soft nervous energy bubbling up in her chest. Penny was still recovering, but Ocean had gotten to know her well enough by now to understand how much she needed quiet, calm moments just to breathe.
When she stepped inside, Penny was sitting by the window, the soft light of the setting sun filtering through the glass. Her hair, a soft cascade of golden curls, was framed by the light, and her face was serene as she gazed outside.
Ocean watched her for a moment, heart in her throat. Penny was singing softly under her breath, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ocean felt the air shift. Penny’s voice—almost heavenly—echoed softly, and Ocean suddenly understood. This was why Penny was a vocal teacher.
Her voice moved, swirled with emotion that Ocean hadn’t noticed before, like a melody that could lift you up and break your heart all at once. It was the kind of voice that made you feel like everything else faded into the background, leaving only the pure beauty of the sound.

Ocean’s breath caught in her chest. “Penny,” she whispered, stepping forward.
Penny didn’t look at her, but she stopped singing, her voice fading like the last note of a song. She turned her head slowly, her dark eyes meeting Ocean’s.
“Hey,” Penny said softly, her lips curling into a small smile. “I didn’t know you were here.”
Ocean took a step forward, unable to keep the fondness from filling her voice. “I’m always here. Just wanted to spend some time with you.”
Penny smiled again, and Ocean felt a soft warmth in her chest. Penny was still so gentle, even after everything.

“Come sit with me?” Penny asked, patting the seat next to her.
Ocean smiled and sat down beside her, the silence between them comfortable, soft. For a few moments, neither of them spoke. Penny simply looked up at the sky, her gaze dreamy, like she was lost in her thoughts.
Ocean bit her lip, the words she had been holding onto finally coming to the surface. “Hey, Penny… I’ve been thinking about something.”
Penny tilted her head slightly, her eyes meeting Ocean’s again. “What’s on your mind?”

Ocean smiled softly, then hesitated. “Well… I was thinking… maybe we could have a moon gazing date? Obviously it would have to be after you get discharged, hospital rooms and stuff. Just the two of us. I could set up something outside, maybe some blankets and tea? And we could just… look at the stars. I know how much you like the moon.”
Penny blinked, and for a moment, there was a spark in her eyes, a soft light that warmed Ocean’s heart.
“That sounds… amazing.” Penny smiled, the warmth of the moment making Ocean feel like she might melt. “I’d love that.”
Ocean beamed, her heart swelling. “I’m glad. I’ll make sure it’s perfect.”
As the evening went on, they sat there together, just talking and sharing quiet moments, and when the moon finally rose into the sky, Penny leaned her head against Ocean’s shoulder, and they watched the stars together in peaceful silence.

Maybe when Penny gets discharged, they can do this for real.

Chapter Text

A Name in the Dark (Part IX)

It had been a long journey, but Penny was finally back at St. Cassian Academy, standing at the entrance of the choir room with Ocean by her side.
There was a strange mix of emotions swirling inside her—excitement, relief, a little bit of nervousness. She hadn’t been able to step foot in the building since the accident. She hadn’t even been able to imagine being back.
But now, here she was, standing at the doorway to a place that had once felt like her second home, holding her breath as she pushed the door open.

She was home.

Her students were already in their seats, chatting amongst themselves, but when they saw Penny standing there, they immediately quieted down.
“Ms. Lamb!” Talia, one of Penny’s favorite students, was the first to speak. The girl’s bright eyes lit up as she jumped to her feet and ran over to embrace Penny. “You’re back! We missed you so much!”
Talia’s enthusiasm was infectious, and Penny couldn’t help but smile and hug Talia back, her heart swelling. “I missed you all too, Talia.” She smiled around at the class. “You all have no idea how good it feels to be back.”

Ocean, standing quietly by the door, gave Penny a gentle smile from behind. She had always admired how effortlessly Penny could connect with her students. There was something so genuine in the way Penny engaged with them, and it made her feel warm inside.

But before Penny could say anything else, she cleared her throat. “So, uh, there’s something I need to address before we get started. I know I’ve been gone for a while, and some of you may have heard rumors about… well, what happened.” She met their eyes, a soft, reassuring smile on her lips. “I just want you all to know that if I don’t remember your names right away or if I seem a little off, it’s not because I don’t care about you or don’t appreciate you. I’m still working on getting some of my memory back.”

The class exchanged looks, and then Talia raised her hand with a thoughtful expression.
“Are you okay though? Like, really?” she asked, her voice quiet.

Penny’s heart squeezed, and she gave Talia a soft nod. “I’m getting better every day. It’s a process, but I’m here, and that’s what matters. I’m just happy to be back with all of you, especially with the music. There’s nothing like it, right?”
The students nodded enthusiastically, and Penny felt a sense of comfort settle in her chest. She couldn’t remember everything—hell, she couldn’t remember most things—but she knew this: singing was still in her bones. It had never left her.
Ocean smiled proudly, but she also had a small lump in her throat. Penny had always been incredible at what she did. She was good, and it was so clear that this was where Penny truly belonged—leading her students, guiding them through the power of music.

After class, Penny stayed behind to clean up a few things, but she noticed Talia hanging back, looking a little curious.
“Hey, Ms. Lamb, can I ask you something?”
Penny looked up from her notes and nodded. “Of course, Talia. What’s up?”
Talia shuffled her feet, a curious lookon her face. “Well, I was just wondering—what does your girlfriend do for a job?”

Penny blinked, surprised at the question. But she felt an inexplicable calm flood her chest, and she immediately grinned. “Oh! Well, Ocean’s a nurse. She took care of me when I was in the hospital, helped me recover after the crash. She’s the one who made sure I was getting the care I needed.”
Talia smiled wider. “Aw! So she was there the whole time with you? Was she there when you remembered your name?”
Penny nodded casually, completely unfazed, the words coming out naturally. “Yep! She’s amazing. I can’t imagine being without her, honestly. She helped me through so much.”

Ocean, standing just outside the classroom door waiting for Penny, heard her name and peeked inside, red faced and all. She stayed, leaned against the doorway, trying to act like she hadn’t just heard Penny call her “amazing” in front of a student.
But Talia didn’t seem to care about Ocean’s presence, grinning widely. “That’s so cool! You guys seem like the perfect match.”
Penny smiled softly, but her eyes softened when she looked at Ocean. “We really are,” she said, and her voice, though quiet, carried the weight of her affection.
Ocean’s chest swelled with a feeling she couldn’t put into words. Penny was so open, so genuine, and it made everything so much easier.

After Talia left, the room quieted down. Ocean stepped into the space, her smile wide and crooked, barely containing the happiness now radiating from her.
“Girlfriend, huh?” Ocean spoke, trying to keep her voice steady.

Penny looked over at her and smiled sweetly. “I’m glad you’re not mad about it. I didn’t want to make things weird.” She said, promptly looking back at her sheet music.
Ocean laughed, shaking her head. “No, I’m just glad she doesn’t think I’m a complete weirdo now.”
“You are, but.” Penny said, pausing again and looking up at her. “You’re perfect.”

And for the first time since everything happened, Penny truly felt at home. It wasn’t just the students, or the singing, or the teaching. It was Ocean too—the person who had helped her come back from the edge of the unknown, who had stayed by her side through the long road of recovery, and who had somehow stolen her heart without her even realizing it.

“I’m happy we’re here,” Penny murmured, more to herself than to anyone else.
Ocean nodded in agreement.

“Me too.”

Chapter Text

A Name in the Dark (Part X)

It was the evening of Penny’s first choir concert back after her recovery, and the air was full of excitement. The students buzzed with nervous energy backstage, adjusting their uniforms and nervously checking their music sheets. Penny sat at her place on the piano bench, her back to the crowd, making sure everything was set. The soft hum of chatter was punctuated by the sound of the keys being played softly as Penny warmed up through scales and chords.

Ocean stood off to the side, a quiet presence among the other teachers and parents who had come to support Penny, or her students. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe as she watched Penny—who had always seemed so composed and confident—stand there, adjusting her glasses and running her hands over the smooth wood of the piano. There was a softness in her posture now, but also a quiet strength. A strength that had only grown in the weeks since Penny had come back.

As the lights dimmed, the crowd settled into their seats, and the last few whispers of anticipation faded into a silence that seemed to hang in the air. Penny stepped onto the stage, the bright spotlight bathing her in warm light. She stood there for a moment, taking a deep breath as she scanned the faces of her students, all ready to give their best.
“Good evening,” Penny’s voice rang out, steady and clear. She smiled at the crowd, though there was a soft tremor in her words. “Thank you all for being here tonight. It means so much to me to be standing here with these wonderful students.”
Ocean watched her, her heart swelling with pride. This was the Penny she had always known was there—the woman who thrived on this connection, this energy, this love for music.

“As many of you know,” Penny continued, her eyes briefly glancing over at the choir, “I’ve been through quite a journey recently. A whole multi chapter mess completely with my own set of problems to deal with. The path getting back to this stage, along with getting back my memory, has been extremely tough. And while I have plenty of good days, there are bumps in the road. I'd like to thank everyone here, along with my wonderful students, who've helped me get back to where I belong.”
Her gaze shifted from the students to the audience, and for a second, it was like she was speaking directly to Ocean.

Ocean could see the way her eyes softened when she spoke about her students—the way the world seemed to melt away as Penny found her place again. Her hands were steady as she lifted them, ready to begin the concert.

“I may not remember everything right away,” Penny continued, her voice warm, “but with every rehearsal, with every song, I’m rediscovering a part of me. A part that’s always been connected to this music, to all of you.” She smiled, her eyes twinkling with that familiar light. “There’s something about music, about these students, that has helped me piece things together. Slowly, but surely, I’m remembering the faces, the names, the little quirks of everyone I work with. And I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”

The students exchanged glances, some grinning, others visibly emotional. Ocean felt her own eyes welling with tears—this moment felt so profound, so full of love. Penny was back, and not just physically. She was whole again, finding herself again through the music, through the students who looked up to her. “Thank you,” Penny said softly, her voice gaining strength. “Thank you all for your support. I could never have gotten this far without the music—and without all of you.”
The room was silent for a heartbeat before the audience erupted into applause. Penny took a deep breath and smiled, a true, bright smile, as the choir members stood proudly behind her.

After the applause died down, Penny sat down at the piano, the students gathering around her. The first few notes of the song filled the air—soft and deliberate. Penny’s fingers moved over the keys with ease, as if the music had always been a part of her, just waiting to come back.
Ocean watched from the side, her heart swelling even more. There was something so natural, so comforting about seeing Penny at the piano again. She had always known that Penny’s voice was powerful, but her hands on the piano—her movements, the way the keys seemed to sing beneath her touch—was something new. It was like Penny had rediscovered a part of herself, a part that had been missing for so long. The way she played wasn’t just about the notes—it was about the feeling she put into each one.

The choir joined in, their voices rising together in harmony as Penny led them through the piece. The way she guided them—her focus unwavering, her heart wrapped up in every note—was like watching a conductor in her prime. But instead of a baton, Penny had the piano, and with it, she was creating a perfect blend of music that seemed to float through the room, wrapping around the audience like a warm embrace.

As the last note of the song rang out, Penny’s hands lingered on the piano, her fingers brushing the keys softly, almost as if she didn’t want the moment to end. The choir members stood still, their breath held in that perfect moment of silence.
Then, just as the tension broke, the room erupted into applause once more. Penny smiled, her eyes shining with pride as she looked out at her students, then at Ocean, who was standing there with her heart on her sleeve.
The students took their bow, and Penny stood up, giving them all a beaming smile, before slowly making her way toward Ocean.

“You were amazing,” Ocean said quietly, her voice full of admiration. “I’ve never seen you so… so alive, Penny.”
Penny smiled softly, her fingers still lightly brushing against the piano keys. “This is it, Ocean,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “This is me. I’ve never felt more myself than I do when I’m here, making music with them.”
Ocean took a small step closer, reaching out to gently touch Penny’s shoulder. “You’re incredible. And I’m so proud of you.”

Penny turned to face her, her eyes soft and glowing. “I’m proud of me too,” she said quietly. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
Ocean’s heart skipped a beat. The vulnerability in Penny’s words, in the way she had let herself heal and grow, was so beautiful.
And Penny wasn’t just singing again. She was living again.

As the crowd filed out, the students chattered excitedly, all discussing their favorite parts of the performance, but Penny and Ocean stayed behind, soaking in the last quiet moments of the evening.
The music, the applause, the bright spotlight—all of it faded into the background as they shared a moment of simple peace. Penny smiled at Ocean, and in that smile, Ocean could see everything she needed to know. This was only the beginning for Penny. She was back, stronger than ever, and no matter what came next, there was nothing that could take this away from her.
And as the last of the lights dimmed in the auditorium, Penny and Ocean stood together, the soft hum of the piano echoing in the empty room.

And it was enough.

Chapter Text

A Name in the Dark (Part XI, Final Chapter)

It was a few weeks after the concert, and Penny felt like she was finally—finally—herself again.

Her name was Penny Lamb.
She was a vocal teacher.
She loved her job, her students, and her music.
And she was completely, hopelessly, pathetically in love with Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg.

Which was insane, because Penny wasn’t even sure when it had started. Maybe it had been when Ocean sat beside her in the hospital late at night, just to keep her company. Maybe it had been when Ocean had helped her learn to walk again, holding her steady, never letting her fall. Or maybe—maybe it had always been there, quietly waiting for Penny to remember herself first before she could even think about something as big and terrifying as love.
And now? Now she was out of the hospital. She had healed. She had reclaimed her life.

There was only one thing left to do.

The night air was cool against her skin as she sat on a blanket in the middle of a quiet park. It was Ocean’s idea—a moon-gazing date. Penny had laughed at first, but now? Sitting here, watching Ocean’s red hair glow under the soft silver light, she thought it might be the most romantic thing she’d ever done.
“So,” Ocean said, lying on her back and looking up at the sky. “I have to admit… I think I get the whole moon thing now.”
Penny smiled, leaning back on her hands. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Ocean turned her head to look at her. “I mean, you’re always going on about how the moon is steady, how it’s always there, even when you can’t see it.” She shrugged. “I think I finally get it. After everything you’ve been through… you were always Penny. Even when you couldn’t see yourself.”
Penny’s words caught in her throat.

Ocean must have noticed the way Penny suddenly went quiet, because she hesitated before asking, “Penny? What’s wrong?”
Penny took a breath, trying to find the words for everything she was feeling. “It’s just… you’ve been here through all of it. Since the moment I woke up. You didn’t have to be.”
Ocean frowned. “Of course I did.”

“No, you didn’t.” Penny shook her head. “You could’ve treated me like any other patient. You could’ve let me go the second I walked out of the hospital. But you didn’t.” She swallowed hard. “Why?”
Ocean stared at her for a moment, then slowly sat up, crossing her legs.

“Well, there's kind of a long story attached to this.” Penny nodded her head, urging Ocean to continue.
“Well, when I was little I was always at the top of my class. Every test, quiz, assignment, I was the best. And my parents always urged me to be the best, they always told me that it was the most important thing. And while I grew out of it a bit, the thoughts were still kinda there, that I need to be the best.”
Ocean looked over to Penny, who was still listening intently, her head slightly tilted.

“And then this gorgeous girl came into my life. I was assigned to her, this beautiful girl who didn't know who she was. And all the sudden she was helping me find myself again, despite her not knowing herself. And slowly she was recovering, and she was ready to go, and I was scared we'd never see eachother again, so I asked her out on a date. And she agreed, and I never thought a beautiful woman who didn't know herself, would help me know myself.”

As Ocean was finishing speaking she felt Penny’s hand cover her own. Ocean looks back up to Penny to see those deep black eyes staring right into her own green.

“Penny. Thank you for coming into my life and helping me. I understand if you're not even close to saying this back yet but I love you, Penny. I really love you and again you don't have to-”
Ocean was promptly cut off by Penny’s lips on her own. Ocean let out a small squeak of surprise before letting her hands weave their way into Penny’s hair.
And the only thought going through Oceans mind.

“I'm so happy she'll remember this.”

The End.