Chapter Text
*3rd PoV*
It was a quiet, humid morning when Galeforce called Henry to his office. The persistent feeling of a slight drizzle lingered in the air.
When Henry arrived, he noticed a different… feel to the atmosphere. As he opened the door, he saw a woman with red hair sitting at the seat across Galeforce’s. Her legs were crossed, and she had a more serious vibe to her… not at all the nonchalant, goofy vibe of Charles.
“Henry, I want to introduce you to Ellie Rose. I believe you two will work well together considering your… similar experiences.”
“Ah, ok, I guess.” Henry tried to force those words out to seem more “normal”, or at least that’s what others say.
Why does she look so familiar? I swear I've seen a red-haired girl somewhere…
Ellie stared at Henry as he looked her up and down.
“Well? Are you going to speak or are you going to keep inspecting me like a shiny object?”
“Oh, uh…” Henry wasn't good with strangers. He was like this when he first met Charles, too. Of course, Charles was way more inviting and friendly than Ellie Rose on their first meeting…
*Henry's PoV*
What is she expecting me to do, start ranting about whatever? I don’t really speak with strangers, after all.
Charles was the talkative one, the goofy one, the… good one. Without him, I can't function properly. I have no balancing force. Ellie Rose just seems serious. She's not annoying or anything, she just… doesn't balance my personality.
“Henry, why don't you two get to know each other better before the mission? Take Ellie on a tour of the base, have some experiences, introduce her to the others… Anything.”
“Okay.”
*Ellie's PoV*
This Henry guy is really strange. Why doesn't he speak? I mean, he doesn't seem particularly shy. He also seems oddly familiar. Definitely reminds me of someone I used to know.
Henry gestures for me to follow him, and I stalk behind him. I better spark some conversation or something…
“So, you have an apartment?”
He nods twice.
“Can you show it to me?”
He turns to face me, visibly hesitant. He thought about it for a moment but eventually nodded.
We walked up the stairs to his apartment, completely silent the entire way. When we reached the apartment, Henry stuffed his hand into his pocket and took out a key.
*Henry's PoV*
The key I’m holding is cold, even though it's been in my pocket for a while. Wait, is this even the correct key?
No, this was the one I took from that mission. That mission.
I turn the key around in my hand. I took it on the airship in that dark office. Before I had to do those things. Before Charles was captured.
“Henry, you okay?”
I turn to see Ellie looking concerned. I must've been staring at this for a while.
I quickly nod and search around for the actual key to my apartment.