Chapter Text
For Heimdall, the pursuit for answers is a sleepless job. However, in this particular night, sleep was an offer she cannot refuse. It had been a very busy month with the merger of the two companies — Aether Gazer and Valleyrand Corporation — and it may be a while before things begin to settle down around the office. In her current state, Heimdall could use a break. She made her case with Odin suggesting how a mind deprived of rest can dull one’s senses and it may affect her work quality. To Heimdall’s credit, her presentation regarding a request for leave proved otherwise. Odin, though impressed, had to cut her presentation short, reminding the younger girl that she had been insisting she use her vacation for quite some time now. The request was then approved without further ado.
Although her leave was underway, she couldn’t help but finish a day’s work in the lab just before the weekend. With her work being what it is, she didn’t leave until she was satisfied with her progress. By evening, she finally decided to take that break.
Heimdall was granted a week’s worth of time off. It was the perfect time to go visit her folks at the suburbs. She hadn’t been home in so long. As she goes through her checklist, thoughts about seeing their ranch come to mind, she couldn’t help but feel excited.
When all was done, she takes one final look of her station. Her desk was free from loose papers and documents were stacked neatly on one side. Her main computer was shut off and decorated with an array of personalized sticky notes; an arch of bright colors on her otherwise monochrome workspace. Before leaving, Heimdall turns toward her colleague’s station. She finds Ookuninushi taking a break from working on something called BunBun guns.
The silver-haired girl was shuffling a deck of tarot cards. She looks up to see Heimdall approach her. “Aren’t you leaving?” she asked.
“I am. But before that, I am here to leave you my notes regarding our joint project, C-728f, as well as a checklist of revisions you’ll need to look over in my absence…” Heimdall hands Ookuninushi a binder containing all the relevant information she might need. Though not pleased, the gesture was appreciated. “I’ll handle it. Have fun with your vacation.”
Ookuninushi returns to shuffling her cards, her expression indifferent to Heimdall’s presence. “Thank you, Ookuninushi. I’ll be leaving now.”
As Heimdall turned to leave the lab, Ookuninushi draws a card.
Three of Cups, huh?
The display light indicated the elevator was descending. As she waits, Heimdall looks below the city streets. The crowds thin in a rush to get home as the evening turns into night; vehicles in traffic looked unproblematic from this height; the lights from buildings looked like stars on a concrete sky. It was so different compared to the suburbs. Being back home even for just a week would be a nice getaway from all the chaotic city bustle.
When the elevator chimes open, Heimdall was surprised to see a face she hadn’t seen in a while.
“Ms. Heimdall?”
“Ty — Mr. Valleyrand?”
Tyr chuckles and Heimdall notes she hasn’t really seen a different expression on him besides that of a serious businessman. “I believe we’re past formalities at this point. Are you getting on?”
“Yes, please.”
The doors close and the pair begin their descent. Perhaps due to the privacy, they catch up as if they are old friends with formalities dropped and awkwardness aside. However, a thought lingers in Heimdall mind, reminding her that Tyr might as well be her boss; a logical conclusion behind her supposed mishap in addressing him earlier though he doesn’t seem to mind.
“How have you been?”
“Busy and a little tired, but otherwise good.”
“By the looks of it, you seem quite used to your gauntlet now,” she commented. “I take it no concerning issues have appeared?”
Tyr turns to his right arm. “I would say it feels natural now. But considering the nature of what it is suppressing, perhaps a check-up is due?”
Heimdall’s eyes lit up at his suggestion. Tyr would be a great source of data for her studies. In her head she’s already planning how to work around his busy schedule, what equipment will be needed to test his Bane energy levels, and references needed for the specific papers she was working regarding his condition. All of this planning was interrupted by a sudden growl coming from her stomach.
The realization she had not yet eaten was evident and he can tell. She had been so busy working last-minute that she had almost forgotten to have dinner. This gives Tyr an idea.
“Would you like to join me for dinner? We can continue this discussion over a meal.”
Heimdall gladly accepted the offer and soon she found herself seated in a place called Aegir’s. It was the closest restaurant from Aether Gazer headquarters.
“How did we get a table so fast? We just arrived,” she remarked as they were served some wine. Aegir’s is known to have a festive and warm welcoming vibe and thus is almost always fully booked.
“I called ahead. This place used to be owned by my father, though it might be Edward’s when the time comes,” Tyr explained. Heimdall recalls the phone call he made just as they stepped out of the building. Her gaze wanders and observes the interior. The warm lighting was easy on the eyes and the walls were adorned with abstract paintings and local décor.
The server arrives with their food, presenting a course of lamb chops with mashed potatoes on the side, cauliflower soup, and apple salad. A small tray of cheese and berries were also placed alongside a sweet-looking carrot cake. The spread looked so inviting.
“Oh, how is Edward?” The last time Heimdall saw Edward was after his memory wipe. He most likely wouldn’t remember who she is.
“Just as busy as I am with his schoolwork,” he replies just as the server finishes leaving the last dish. “He’s actually away on a fieldtrip which is why I’ve been working late hours so I can make sure to spend time with him when he returns.”
His eyes soften at that remark. Heimdall remembers the brothers’ interaction when she first met them. Edward seemed accustomed to Tyr missing out on things like dinner. To see him making the effort to spend time with his little brother now reminds her of her own effort to keep in touch with her family back home. Unknowingly, she smiles at the thought. He realizes he’s never actually seen her smile like this.
“Maybe you can take him here when he returns,” she says before trying a piece of lamb. The look on her eyes was enough to express her delight with their meal. He takes it as a compliment.
“Maybe…” he thinks for a moment. “I do owe him a proper birthday dinner.”
She pauses, “Oh, when was his birthday?”
“Actually, it was mine. I turned 19 about a month ago. Thinking about it now, I suppose I’ll be 19 for a long time huh?”
“Well, a Modifier’s body stops aging when they awaken. But there are some cases where alteration can be done. So, while your body and appearance may remain a certain age, it may not be permanent.” Heimdall continued on with a tangent about Modifier alteration. In the midst of this, she realized she may have said too much in regards to his earlier remark and thus she stops herself. Clearing her throat, she mutters a different question, “Anyway, how are you adjusting to your life as a Modifier?”
“I can’t say I feel very different. It’s just as if I’m the same human as before,” he pauses. It occurs to him that he never really had a moment to let it sink in that he was now a Modifier. His awakening just had to happen in the midst of a brutal business tug-of-war along with unfolding an evil scheme by his uncle. After that, he was focused on more business matters with the merger of Valleyrand Co. and Aether Gazer. Now he had some time to think about himself. Tyr stares at his gloved hand on the wine glass. “You know, I’d love to learn more about being a Modifier. Would you happen to have any material regarding this matter?”
Her eyes lit up as she begins to tell him of the various papers she has that she believes would help him understand more about Modifier aspects, as well as a few presentations on the matter.
“A lecture sounds great. I’d also like to aid with your data-gathering regarding this,” Tyr gestures his right hand with his glass.
The excitement of having to give out a lecture and conduct research on what has to be one of the most unique cases Heimdall’s ever witnessed almost made her forget about her paid week off. Before Tyr could provide a rough estimate of what his week looked like, she tells him about her leave.
“No worries then. In any case, I’m willing to work around your schedule for this.”
Hearing this, she was relieved. She can focus on home for the time being.
Curious, he asks, “Is it another field mission?”
“It’s actually a vacation. I haven’t been home in a while. I miss our family ranch…”
Thinking out loud, she smiles.
“Besides,” she continues, “I don’t go out in the field a lot. In fact, that was my first field mission.”
Heimdall said this proudly. Tyr was surprised and then he was impressed. Remembering how prepared she was as well as keeping her cool throughout the whole ordeal; even assisting him in utilizing his Access Key. She was a great support in his awakening.
“I don’t believe I’ve properly extended my gratitude towards your help back then,” he said. “You helped protect Edward and you were a great partner. And I appreciate that you are my first friend in Aether Gazer. For that, I am grateful to you, Heimdall.” Tyr raised his glass.
It was her turn to be surprised by his declaration. She never realized her impact on him. To her, it was her first field mission. Everyone eventually goes to the field. But her success may not have been the same without his help. He did save her life after all.
“And you have my gratitude as well, Tyr,” she said raising her glass to his.
The pair toast to their amity and their partnership.
******
“Right here is fine.”
The car stops in front of an apartment complex. Dinner ran longer than expected so the streets were quieter by then. The two Mods spent the rest of their time getting to know each other over a nightcap. After some time, Hoenir came to pick them up.
“It’s been great seeing you again, Mr. Hoenir,” Heimdall said, waving to the grey-haired man up-front. Hoenir smiled. “Good night, Ms. Heimdall.”
“Thank you once again for dinner,” she said turning to Tyr.
“Thank you for your company,” he replied.
“By the way, I am aware this is long overdue but… happy birthday.”
Tyr watches her leave the car and wave goodbye. He smiles to himself. The next week could not get here fast enough.