Chapter Text
“Yesterday, for the first time, I said ‘no’ to an assignment from my superiors.” Said Eleven. Her and Wise were standing in the parking lot of Random Play, after the latter received an unexpected text from the swordswoman. “It was an important mission. If successful, it would be highly beneficial for my promotion. But I turned it down.”
“Why did you say no?” Asked Wise, worry crossing his face. Was this about the recent events with Anby and their sisters? He hoped not, he promised Anby that he wouldn’t tell Eleven about that.
“Because I... don’t trust myself anymore... My memory has been pretty unreliable lately.” She grabbed her own arm, and refused to make eye contact. “I’m worried in my current state, I might mess up the mission.”
“Eleven.” Wise stepped towards her and reached forwards, ready to offer some comfort. But Eleven recoiled slightly, it was subtle, but a clear sign that she was uncomfortable, so he stopped.
She immediately regretted it, and hated that she couldn’t fight that instinct. He was one of very few people she would let touch her, and most of the others were dead.
“I applied for indefinite leave... but... They still need me.” She sniffled. “That should make me happy, so why... why...” She removed her goggles and wiped her tears.
Wise couldn’t hold back anymore, and pulled her into a comforting hug. Eleven leaned into it, burying her face into his shoulder.
“I don’t know what’s happened to me. It feels like I’m sinking deeper into a haze.” She continued.
“I’m sorry Eleven, I’m so sorry.”
“You know what happened, don’t you?”
“Only a little bit, but yes... I wish I could tell you.” Wise wished he never made that promise to Anby, she was one of his best friends, but so was Eleven.
“I thought so, Trigger knows too, but won’t tell me anything either. But I don’t care...” She returned the hug, wrapping her arms tightly around him. “Because I need you. You've probably helped me countless times, we must have gone through so many adventures together, and solved problems as partners. You probably saved my life.” She then broke away from the hug. “Maybe that's why, when I look at you, I feel this unexplainable... attachment. I know you know me, and that's enough. I don't have to figure myself out... Having you is enough. So, can I entrust myself to you?”
Wise had the biggest smile he could hold. “Of course I'll always have your back. That's what friends are for.” He offered her his hand. “And as your friend, I’m gonna make sure you rest your body and mind tonight.”
“But I need to train, or I’ll fall behind.”
“Eleven, you are one of the most disciplined people I know, one night isn’t going to ruin your routine.” He gently wiggled is fingers in a beckoning motion.
“Only if you promise me two things.” She looked away slightly blushing. “First, use me in your commissions, fighting is all I’m good at, so if I can protect you and be of use, I’ll matter.”
“That’s completely reasonable. Okay, I promise.”
“The second thing...” her face got even redder, “... I don’t know how to bring this up.” She buried her face in her scarf “...I... forgot your name. Can you tell me again?”
He chuckled slightly. “I'm Wise. Please don't forget it this time.”
“That’s a good name, is suits you. I... My name’s Harin.” She confessed.
Wise smiled even wider, he already knew her name, it’s what Anby called her, but he also knew what a big deal this was, she hadn’t even told her name to her squad-mates “That’s a good name too.”
“I don’t like it, it sounds weak. But I can be weak around you, so you can use it.”
“Allowing yourself to be weak in front of someone might be the strongest thing you can do.” He wiped a tear from her cheek, bringing another blush to her face. Before holding her hand again. “Now come on Harin, I’ll properly introduce you to Belle, we’ll order some noodles and watch a movie.”
“That sounds nice, Wise.” She savoured saying his name, she didn’t know how long she would remember it.