Work Text:
Elaine carefully laid down the documents in front of her. She clenched her fist in frustration, anger, disappointment and worry, a negative pool of emotions building up inside of her as she read the detailed report of what happened to Van and his group during the Pandemonium incident. Specifically the part where Van decided to seal himself away but was brought back by his assistants.
"I know Elaine, I was in a bit of a shock too. Heh, to think he hasn't changed even after all this time. Still putting himself in harm's way for the sake of others."
Renè, who considered himself as the 'big brother' of the trio back in their school days couldn't help but sigh. He was well aware of course, that neither he nor Elaine could've intervened at that moment to save Van.
And so was the young and graceful A-rank bracer, sitting right in front of him in Cafe Iota. Her features were marred with a deep frown of worry and she cut right into the heart of the issue instantly.
"...Renè do you know what's happening with Van? What could've caused this? I see your so called intelligence report seems to be deliberately vague on this part. He absorbed the power from Gerard and and then sealed himself away?"
Truly just like her to pick up on the details even if she's in an emotional turmoil.
"I apologize Elaine but this is the extent of what I can share with you. Truthfully, you knowing this much already bends the rules a bit but... given that it's Van, as his former childhood acquaintances I believe you deserve to know this much."
Elaine reacted instantly to the word 'former' but held herself back looking at his expression. Looking at him, it seems she wasn't the only affected by this news.
"I see, thank you. I appreciate this."
"At the end of day I am just glad he's back, thanks to his new assistants. I am happy he has found his place at least after coming back."
"...For that I am glad as well. He definitely seems to be smiling and laughing with them much more these days."
Elaine replied with a small smile, thinking of how she had seen Van and his friends often solving 4 SPGs and having a good time together around the town during her patrols.
Renè shared a smile as well and quietly sipped on his tea. Both of them were catching up on all that happened since the Pandemonium incident just last week. There was a lot of after-work, cleanup and re-organization of tasks left afterwards but he had decided to reach out to Elaine in his sparse free time regardless to swap information. Elaine too had been quite busy, as the guild was wrapped up in helping the citizens and guiding everyone back slowly into their normal lives. But she made time as well, knowing Renè wouldn't have reached out for idle chat.
She finally got up. Her break was over and she had night patrol this week.
"Thank you once again, Renè. I must go now."
"Well well, ever the workaholic. Say hi to Van for me if you see him during your rounds, will you?"
Elaine shot him a withering look.
"Its not like I am going to go out of my way to see him and I only come across him sometimes."
Renè simply smiled in amusement and waved. Elaine huffed and dropped a statement before leaving, something which had haunted them both before 'he' left.
"So, you know then."
The CID's analyst blinked in surprise before replying contemplatively and slowly.
"I am well aware, yes. I have had my suspicions as to what occured and as I was promoted, I have had access to resources in order to confirm them."
Elaine nodded her head curtly at that and finally left.
Renè watched her leave and took a long sip of his tea again. Yes, he had known what happened to Van when he disappeared all those years ago. He knew this was cruel and unfair to both Van and Elaine but if he had the means to, he didn't intend to be in the dark about it. Part of the reason why he was so dedicated to his job anyway was to be able to gain enough clearence to access the files.
... And he had a feeling even if Elaine wasn't privy to the issue herself given her rank, she had her own theories as well.
***
Elaine breathed in the cool night air as she walked into the main courtyard of Trion Tower. It was near midnight and she was finally finished with her rounds. It hadn't been easy rounding up all the remnants of Almata's leftover members and sorting out their troubles so she had decided to eat the pastry she had bought much earlier at Quincy store.
Butterscotch pastry in hand she chose a secluded corner to sit and take a breather until she heard loud cheerful voices from above.
"Seriously, the Z1 cars used in this movie were totally brand new, off the shelf stuff and smooth like butter. Did you know that the rate of acceleration-?"
"Yeah, we get it old man. You were drooling over cars the whole damn film instead of paying any attention to the plot anyway."
"I seem to recall Mr. Wei getting pretty excited during the racing scene however..."
"Ahahaha you can't deny it Aaron, you loved the racing scenes too!"
More laughter at Aaron and Van's antics drifted over. Elaine watched as the ASO came out of the newly opened Trion Theaters. She recalled from her last chat with them that this is one last week of stay before most of them return to their respective hometowns. It seems they were making the most of it by enjoying all that Edith had to offer together.
Van seemed to be gushing about the specifications of all the cars used in the film to anyone who listened. There was a relaxed and upbeat glint in his eyes which Elaine didn't miss.
She watched them from afar fondly yet with mixed emotions.
You seem much more happier now even if I am not at your side. That's right isn't it...you have a new-found bubble of happiness, comrades who you can count on and rely whenever you are in trouble. For a moment, I wish I were a part of one of them, I wish I too could have helped you where it mattered. At the end of the day however, if you are smiling like this, then rather than lament how it should have been I would rather protect the ray of light which is shining upon you.
A decision made she hurriedly got up and contacted a specific intelligence officer.
***
A few days later at Arkride Solutions
"...We seem to be getting way fewer requests than usual, Mr. Arkride. Looks like the guild and intelligence agencies really have been picking up on the work."
Risette commented, right after everyone came back to the office, looking in vain for any 4SPGs around Edith but found barely any.
"Hehe, all the better for us! We get to have more fun and paint the town red instead!"
Aaron said jubilantly not founding an issue with it whatsoever.
"...While I usually don't find myself agreeing with Aaron, I think he's right. We have earned this and should try to enjoy the time we have left together instead. Even celebs need some downtime after standing in the spotlight for so long."
Judith who was comfortably having lunch along with the rest, agreed with Aaron. The rest of the office also discussed this for a few minutes not finding a problem with less work. After all who wants to spend their last days working to the bone before everyone says goodbye?
But they still expectantly looked at Van to see what he would decide. Van blinked, realizing he had stayed quiet throughout the discussion. His mind had been preoccupied with something entirely different during it but he had paid attention.
"Eh, my nose ain't pickin' anything so 'is fine."
But still something feels off. It ain't anything serious but maybe I will check it out later.
***
Near 2'am inside Dirke Memorial Park
Van huffed in annoyance. He wished Renè had been clearer on the call earlier instead of being so damn vague as usual.
After thinking a bit about it earlier at his office he had decided to contact Renè. It was definitely odd that he hadn't sent him the usual annoying monster extermination requests or more. While Van appreciated this sweet free time, nothing in life ever was so straightforward. It always had some strings attached and besides he didn't want to owe Renè any favors. He shuddered at that thought.
So he asked the intelligence officer clearly what's going on who simply directed him to check the depths of Dirke Memorial Park if he really was so curious, implying that a mysterious helper had been helping fulfill requests.
That's why Van's suspicion was dialed to the max as he cautiously sneaked into the park, his stun caliber within arm's reach, expecting to be ambushed by a monster at any instant yet strangely all of them had been cleared.
Rather than monsters which usually inhabited the park, it seemed to have more...shadier traces. Van could smell it in the air which made him hurry a little.
As he entered a clearing near the lake, what greeted him was beyond his expectations.
"So, you are the ring-leaders, hm? I advise you to surrender peacefully."
Cutting a strong, reliable and kind figure, his childhood friend stood tall as an A-rank bracer facing down three henchmen which Van could only assume to be ex-Almata members on a rampage. Her sentence was cut off as a fourth ex-member who was hidden behind a cluster of trees took out a mini rocket launcher and aimed it directly at Elaine. Van could only shout in horror as he willed his body to move as fast as he could to reach her.
"ELAINE LOOK OUT!"
Elaine, to her due credit, shocked by Van's presence, dodged the attack quickly and immediately used her craft to shorten the distance between her and the three assailants.
She quickly disarmed them and Van made short work of the goon who had tried to take her by surprise. He didn't mind giving the guy an extra punch or two for what he attempted to do.
"Lainey, y-you are hurt..."
Van quickly came over to her after both of them finished tying up the gangsters.
Elaine glanced at the number of small cuts on her right arm. While she had managed to avoid the sharpnels from the resulting explosion, it seems she hadn't avoided most of the damage. She had quite a few shallow cuts which weren't that serious but the sheer amount of them painted a scary sight as her sleeve slowly started to be stained with blood.
"I have a first aid kit with me, don't worry. Let me contact Renè first and let the CID take them away."
Van gritted his teeth, realising with a sinking feeling that the one who had been taking up extra work all this time was... Elaine. Out of all the people he had expected to find here, she couldn't- no! shouldn't have been here. Yet everything slowly started to make sense. He often spotted Elaine during his rounds with his assistants and she looked more haggard and exhausted these days which had made him worry. He was wondering about this issue in the office before too he decided to investigate this.
He shook his head to focus on the present situation instead. It wasn't just those cuts as he swept his eyes over Elaine. She looked exhausted to the bone. Even though she had given her all this fight, he could tell she was dragging herself to stay alert and fulfill the mission. He, of all people could tell, too clearly because much before he was the same. Pushing himself to fulfill requests, carrying it all alone till...
"Lemme handle that yeah? Here, sit on this bench, please. I will take care of the cleanup."
Van pleaded with her and the young bracer simply nodded, too tired to argue.
He sighed in relief and opened his Xipha to give Renè a piece of his mind.
***
"...There we go. Does it hurt anywhere still? I didn't tie the bandages too tightly right? Do you need more water?"
"In the short time we haven't seen each other, you have become even more of a mother hen. And no, it's fine, I already feel much better Van."
Elaine teased him as he bandaged her arm. Even though she was surprised to see him here, she had a sneaking suspicion on who sent Van.
"Oi, I was worried y'know. I...why Elaine? It's not just these wounds, you have clearly been pushing yourself. I see you even have old wounds on your body, still healing. Why are you..."
He stopped the question on the tip of his tongue because he felt like the answer was clear.
Why go this far for me?
Elaine turned to look at him properly and answered determinedly.
"To protect you. Besides do I really need a reason?"
"This goes beyond your guild work though. You are even taking some SPGs and other shit which Kincaid usually sends my way. I...I don't want to see you run yourself ragged like this."
Elaine laughed humorlessly and shot back.
"So it's better when you do it instead, is it?"
"Ouch. Hitting me right where it hurts, huh? You are right though, I have no excuses for myself-"
"I apologize," Elaine interrupted him gently, gazing deeply into his deep blue eyes which reflected so much shame and guilt, "I didn't mean to be harsh on you. As for the reason why...well it's as I said. I wanted to protect you and give you time."
Van looked confused at this but before he could ask further, Elaine sneezed. She had taken off her outer jacket which was ruined due to the fight and naturally felt the late night chill. Van immediately took off his jacket and placed it around her.
"It's plenty warm I hope. And don't worry about me I had a cup of warm cocoa before coming here!"
This earned him a giggle from Elaine which was like music to his ears.
"Thank you Van. You see a few days ago I came to know the details of what exactly happened with your fight against Gerard Dantes and the aftermath. From Renè of course. And a part of me wished I could have helped bring you back too and-and I felt so helpless." Her eyes had started to water as she went on, "I am truly happy you were brought back but I-I have never felt this useless. I know, I shouldn't be feeling like this anymore now that you are here safe and sound but still-"
"Elaine," Van muttered his tone washed with guilt, "that was on me. I-I shouldn't have left everyone and everything behind like that without even thinking. I was wrong."
He understood based on the after story told to him by his assistants that only those close to him could bring him back and circumstances as they were, Elaine and Renè weren't able to help right then.
"I understand, Van. With the passage of time.. alot has happened between us. I felt frustrated at not being able to help someone dear to me, someone who never lets me or anyone else help them and so," her tears falling freely now she continued, "I decided to help you now here and now."
"I saw you sometimes on patrol. You looked much more lighter and were smiling more and more. That's why I contacted Renè again and we both decided to pick up your load for a bit so that you can enjoy the little time you have left with them. This way...this way I felt slightly less useless. I am sorry Van, I didn't intend to make you worry you like this. I will try to become stronger."
Deep down inside Van sunk into a pit of ugly self loathing as he heard Elaine finally let her feelings out. She shouldn't feel like this, an amazing, kind hearted and strong person who for some reason, still cared for someone pathetic and weak like him. But for her sake, he pushed those feelings aside for now to comfort her instead and brought her closer, offering his shoulder for her to fully lean onto.
Elaine burrowed into his silent embrace as he put an arm around her shoulder.
"Don't apologize, Elaine. Hell, I should be thanking you instead. The fact that you went this far for me despite being swamped with guild work...you really are something, you know that? And so did Renè. Ugh, owing him a favor feels like a hassle though.."
Elaine sniffled before replying, "I always will do my best for you, no matter what because I care for you Van."
Van felt tongue tied, marveling the fact that after everything he had put her through, she still cared. "Thank you, Lainey. Your kindness is more than I deserve but I appreciate it."
Elaine pulled herself away from his shoulder to stare at him directly face-to-face and said firmly, "You deserve much more than you give yourself credit for Van."
With her face so close, Van felt his mouth turning dry as he couldn't look away from her eyes. "R-regardless, I don't want you getting hurt like this again. Doing SPGs with the gang is fun too, so don't tire yourself out. We can do em easily."
Elaine raised her eyebrows a little and sighed, "Very well. But you know who to call in case you need backup. Remember, you aren't alone and I promise I will be there whenever you need me."
"Right back at ya. But seriously you need to take a breather too here and there. You gotta nutrition properly too. It doesn't look like you've been eating well."
"Like you are one to talk, your nutrition is sustaining on sweets all day long."
"And what's wrong with that?! I will have you know, I have been eating properly, three meals everyday and only two pastries per day. My daily sweets ratio has gone down!"
"Oh? I seem to recall a certain spriggan sneakily going into Quincy's yesterday morning to get the limited edition donuts."
"They have a different flavor each day available for a limited time! Wait how did you even-"
"Shh! I hear someone!" Elaine put a finger on his lips to shush Van down and whispered, pointing towards a tree some distance away. However, Van couldn't smell anything suspicious. Could it be-?
"Whoever it is, come out now. I have already found discovered your presence."
Elaine had stood up and unsheathed her sword, pointing it coldly at whoever was hidden. A bunch of people emerged some of them cackling, others with sheepish grins and faces full of knowing smiles.
"HAH! I WON THE BET! I knew the old man couldn't keep it in and went on a late night romantic rendezvous under the moonlight with the bracer lady!" Aaron yelled unabashed as the entirety of ASO (sans Feri and Quatre) emerged from their hiding place.
"Dammit Aaron! You couldn't stop fidgeting and gave our location away. Just a bit more and we could've seen a kiss!" Judith complained as she coughed up the mira.
"Regrettably so. Here I thought young Van had gone to handle some late night requests...I didn't expect this but I am proud of you, Van. You finally made the move!" Bergard exclaimed with emotion as he too gave mira to Aaron.
... In all of this, Van and Elaine were both blushing crimson, caught completely off guard. Risette stepped forward to kindly explain.
"My sincere apologies, Mr. Arkride. We thought you had gone out by yourself to do something dangerous again and hence decided to follow you after discovering you had been gone for awhile. We didn't mean to interrupt you of course."
"...We are so sorry, Van and Elaine!" Agnes apologized profusely, then shot an angry look towards Aaron, "We intended to leave soon after seeing that you two were simply talking but Aaron insisted to stay and watch."
"Hey don't push this on me! Y'all got hella curious too as soon as they pounced on each other and started hug-"
Elaine, immediately narrowed the distance between her and Aaron and coldly placed her sword at his neck. "How much did you hear?"
Aaron gulped, "N-nothing! I promise we heard nothing. We were too far to hear anything at all!"
"Good."
...
Van sighed. What a chaotic turn this night had taken.
Bergard coughed importantly and purposefully, "We will get out of your hair now, young Van. Remember to take care of the young lady properly, you hear me?"
Aaron didn't need any convincing to immediately scamper away from Elaine's reach and the rest of the office quickly ran away after shooting sly looks and thumbs up at the two of them.
"Seriously, you guys should have more faith in me than this! And now you run away?!"
Van shouted after them while Elaine burst into laughter, a sound which made him freeze and stare at her in wonder. Even after all this time, no matter how much he pushed himself away from her, he continued to be pulled towards her smile, her cute little pouts, even her exasperated looks and especially, her beautiful aquamarine eyes.
Elaine blushed under his scrutiny, "...Van? Is everything alright?"
"H-huh? Oh yeah, everything is fine!", Van insisted and pulled himself together and couldn't help but laugh somewhat self-derisively at himself.
Even after all this time, I haven't been able to let go of these feelings huh? The more I see you, the more I want to hold on and never let go.
"Elaine, its gotten pretty late. Do you mind if I escort you home tonight? Otherwise I wouldn't be able to sleep properly knowing you are still out working." Van said concerned lined on his face.
The young bracer smiled, "Don't worry I did intend to go home after this instead of the guild. We did spend quite awhile here after all."
Van hummed in response and went to pick her stuff as she decided to do a final sweep of the area again.
"Alright, let's go Elaine." The spriggan stood awkwardly offering his hand for her to take.
Elaine turned slightly pink and took his hand, "Oh? Being rather forward tonight aren't we? So when you said escort you meant it quite literally."
"O-of course! Plus I want to make sure you reach home safely, you gave me quite a scare earlier." Van responded flustered but determined as they slowly started to walk, hands firmly held together. He tried not to think about how her hand fit perfectly into his own.
Her expression softened in response, "I will also consider this a repayment as well."
Elaine shuffled closer, their hands still linked and leaned herself against him and sighed in contentment.
Van surprised, couldn't help but scratch his head and let the distance grow shorter. He allowed himself to be a little greedy just for tonight.
Tomorrow morning they would both return to their respective jobs, hacking away at the pile of requests as usual but for tonight they found quiet comfort in each other.
One day I will tell you everything Lainey. You deserve to know the truth too but until then, I am glad just for tonight I can hold you close like this. I will work harder to become stronger for both of our sakes so you don't have to suffer again. And...to overcome the darkness inside me.
Van swore to himself silently as he held Elaine firmly against him.
****
"Hmm, those two should be heading home right about now. I suppose I should take a nap as well."
The bespectacled analyst and intelligence officer commented lightly as he glanced at the digital watch in his private office. He had been working on the detailed report of the incident which Elaine and Van had resolved. Having received late intel that the ex-gangsters had more firepower than expected, Van's call came at a rather opportune time.
"I hope they took this opportunity to clear the air between the two of them."
Renè sighed, feeling nostalgic about the high school days again where he would watch them both dancing around each other, never closing the distance till Van finally gathered courage to confess.
Right now too, it felt the same even if the circumstances had changed.
They really need to be more honest to each other and to themselves.
"But then so should I."
He mumbled to no one in particular and closed his laptop to finally turn in for the night.
Tomorrow he will definitely be interrogated by both of them as he had tried to play matchmaker again, won't he?