Do or Don't
Vayne: Back in action baby! This is a requested pairing from DevilWolf641. I probably won't be updating as frequently anymore, got a lot of stuff going on now, so I apologize for that. Anyway, let's begin. Here's the setup.
Elsword: Infinity Sword (18)
Rena: Night Watcher (?)
Chung: Tactical Trooper (18)
Eve: Code: Nemesis (?)
Aisha: Elemental Master (20)
Vayne: Dune Listener (?)
Raven: Veteran Commander (29)
Chapter One: A Wintry Discovery
The sun rose lazily into the sky, the cold winter air of December leaving its chilly mark on the windows of the white mansion nestled in the forest just north of Elder. A pair of blue birds perched on a small garden hanging from a window, and pecked at several seeds that had been left there for them by the owner. They perked their heads as a figure, under the sheets of the bed across from them, moved. A young lady, an elf, her long, light green hair reaching all the way down to her heels, slowly woke up. She groaned, and slowly got out of bed. She shivered as she felt the cold, wind assault her skin, and she quickly got dressed. She threw on some blue jeans, that were a little tight but it was how she liked to dress, and a sleeveless shirt. She sighed, and left her room and headed downstairs to get breakfast ready for herself and her friends.
"Ugh, it's way too cold." She took out some pancake mix she had prepared the day before, and turned on the large oven. She sighed as it quickly grew hot, warming her, "Much better." She had turned on four of the six heaters of the stove, and put four large pans on each of them. She poured the mix into each pan, having made plenty to compensate for her friends' inhuman appetites. She turned as she heard someone come down the stairs.
"Morning Rena!" A young man with short, blonde hair with a single long ponytail stepped up to her. He smiled warmly as he saw the pancakes cooking on the stove.
"Morning Chung, sleep well?" Chung was a nice kid, always making sure everyone was happy.
"You could say that. Had a lot on my mind about something."
"Oh? And what is that?"
"Been really worried, thinking about what I should get Eve for her birthday next week."
"You'll get something for her, you love her."
"Yeah, I do. I just want to make it perfect is all."
"Just get her something from the heart." Rena began to think about what she should get Eve as well as she brought the finished pancakes to the table.
"I'll go wake everyone up." Chung hurried up the stairs, and Rena sat down in her chair.
"Must be nice, to love someone." Rena sighed. She didn't want to fall in love, knowing she would outlive her partner. Sure, there is a way to make one an elf, but it's so painful, who would do it? Anyone would consider me incredibly selfish for proposing such an idea, especially Vayne who is the only one who can do that anyway. Oh, what will I do?
A young man, long red hair, lay face down in his bed. He slowly turned his head as he heard someone knock on the door.
"Go away..." He groaned.
"Breakfast." Chung chuckled as he heard a sudden commotion as Elsword leapt out of bed to get dressed. The door flew open, and Chung stepped out of the way as Elsword ran downstairs. Soon after, he saw Raven and Vayne run by after him. Chung smiled, then felt someone behind him. He turned to see two young ladies.
"Morning Aisha. Eve." Chung greeted cheerily, and gently gave Eve a kiss. She kissed him back.
"Morning Chung." Eve smiled at him, and hugged his arm.
"What's breakfast?" Aisha wanted to distract them from being so lovey-dovey in front of her.
"Pancakes." Chung and Eve walked downstairs, and Aisha sighed.
"Wish I had someone. Maybe I could ask...no that's silly, he'd totally reject me." Aisha sighed, and headed downstairs.
Everyone sat down at the dinner table, and started to eat breakfast. Rena ate slowly, as she was distracted by her newest dilemma. After they had finished, Rena picked up the dishes and headed for the kitchen. Eve, Aisha, Raven and Chung sat down in the living room and turned on the TV, while Vayne left for Elder for some errands.
"Rena?" She turned to see Elsword walking up to her, "Want any help?"
"Oh, sure." They let the sink fill, and then washed and dried the dishes quickly. He always kind of stays distant from me for some reason. I wonder why. Rena drained the sink, and they left the kitchen.
"Thanks for the help Elsword." Elsword scratched his head, then smiled nervously.
"No problem." Elsword headed upstairs, and Aisha passed by him and came up to Rena.
"Rena, want to go to town? I'm itching to get out of the house." Rena sighed.
"Sure Aisha." it's been awhile since I last did something with Aisha anyway. They headed out the door, and chatted as they walked the shady forest path to Elder.
"Damn it! Screwed up again." Elsword cupped his face in his hands as he sat on his bedroom balcony. Oberon, one of the two Nasod servants Eve had made some time ago to help around the house, had brought some coffee up earlier, and Elsword took another sip. Why do I always get nervous when I get serious about this? He sighed, defeated. What can I do? Just keep on trying to speak up, and fall to pieces every time. Elsword heard someone knock on his door, and got up to answer it. It was Raven.
"Dude, you alright? You've been in your room all day." Raven felt worried about Elsword, not wanting anything to happen.
"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." Raven eyed Elsword quizzically. Elsword seemed nervous and depressed, and Raven wasn't going to buy his lie.
"Elsword. What is wrong?" Elsword sighed.
"Come in." Raven walked into the room, and Elsword closed the door. They headed onto the balcony, and sat down.
"So, what's the beef?"
"It's...Rena." Elsword sighed, quickly getting lost in his thoughts.
"Okay, what about Rena?" Raven stared at Elsword's face, then his eyes widened, "You like her?" Elsword nodded, "Then what's wrong with that?"
"I keep trying to tell her my feelings, but I always freeze up, get scared she'll reject me. I messed up again today, that's why I'm in here." Elsword looked up at Raven, "Raven, you had a lover. Can't you help me?"
"Well," Raven crossed his arms, serious about helping Elsword with this, "How have you been trying to tell her? Like what kind of circumstances?"
"Usually I get her alone in the house, but I just crack."
"My advice, is maybe take her out somewhere. You two are unusually distant, so Rena might see it as a bonding thing. You can work from there."
"What do you mean?"
"Once you get her alone, say, in the town, you can keep an eye open for subtle hints that she may be interested. Be yourself first however, before you try to lure her in to show your feelings."
"Lure her in? That feels, wrong." Elsword didn't want to trick or force Rena into a relationship.
"Love is confusing, all I'll say there." Elsword sighed, then gazed into the distance as he remembered something, "Something else?"
"It hurts either way." Elsword said sorrowfully.
"What do you mean?"
"She rejects me, and I hurt. Or we'll be happy, and I will be gone long before her, hurting her. I can't bear the thought." Raven placed his hand on Elsword's shoulder.
"Elsword, Vayne and Rena both know that they'll outlive us, so does Eve, she's a Nasod. I can't imagine how much pain they go through knowing that fact. All we can do is try and be the best we can while we're here with them." Either that or become an elf, like that's even possible. Raven chuckled softly at the thought, and Elsword smiled slightly.
"Thanks Raven."
"No problem, and good luck." Raven left the room, and Elsword sat trying to figure out what he could ask Rena to get her alone with him. The thought of being alone with her made his heart pick up in pace.
"What about this one?" Aisha stepped out of the dressing room, wearing a short, white dress with faded pink frills. She spun on her heels as Rena looked her over.
"That one looks better." Rena looked at the more simple, black dress that was on the rack behind Aisha, "Black just doesn't suit you."
"Well, you look nice in anything." Aisha teased, making Rena blush slightly, "What should we do now?"
"Why not grab a bite to eat?" Rena was pretty hungry for some reason. Aisha nodded, got changed back into her casual clothes, and paid for the clothes they had both picked out. They left the store and headed down the street to the cafe that the gang always ate at when they went into town. As they walked past a series of smaller stores, mostly general stores and a few jewelers, they saw someone standing in front of one of the store windows.
"Hey!" Aisha called out to the figure, who turned. His short, layered white hair shifted in the gentle breeze, and he stared in surprise as the two girls walked up to him, "What you doing here Vayne?"
"Oh...uh, nothing." Vayne stuttered, making both girls suspicious.
"Nothing? Guy like you, staring into the window of a jewelry shop like this? Something's up." Rena continued to poke Vayne for information, "Come on, what is it?"
"I can't tell you that." Vayne glanced at Aisha, then shook his head. He muttered under his breath, "Wouldn't matter anyway."
"What was that?" Aisha cupped her ear, teasing him, "Didn't catch that."
"Nothing!" Vayne was beginning to lose his temper. Rena and Aisha backed off. Both had forgotten Vayne's lack of tolerance for foolishness, but it was only on important matters.
"Sorry Vayne, didn't know it was something important. Just thought you were looking at jewelry is all." Rena apologized, and Vayne took a deep breath.
"It's alright, sorry I snapped." He scratched his head, "Anyway, what are you two up to?"
"We were getting a bite to eat at the cafe, want to come?"
"Sure." They walked a little further down the street, and entered the cafe. The waitress swiftly seated them, as they came so often that they had a permanently reserved table on the second floor balcony dining area.
"What will it be today?" She asked, taking out a pen and paper.
"The usual."
"Very well, be back soon." The waitress left, and they sat in an awkward silence. Vayne realized he was staring at Aisha, and glanced at Rena before she noticed. Rena's face was evidently concerned about something.
"Rena?" She jumped slightly as Vayne spoke, "What's wrong?" Rena sighed, knowing that since Vayne had noticed, he wouldn't let her weasel out of coughing up the truth.
"I'm worried about Elsword, I don't think he likes me."
"Why do you think that?" Aisha never noticed anything that hinted a disregard to her from Elsword.
"He's always avoiding me, and whenever he actually does do something with me, like when he helped me with the dishes this morning, it feels so awkward, and he leaves almost instantly." Rena sighed, "He must hate me for something."
"I beg to differ." Rena looked up at Vayne, who was thinking carefully about her description of how Elsword acted around her.
"What do you mean?"
"To me that sounds like he feels just the opposite. He does like you, a lot." Vayne hinted, raising an eyebrow slightly. Rena stared at him.
"Elsword likes me?"
"Just an assumption. With some humans," Vayne glanced apologetically at Aisha, who dismissed it, "When they love someone, they grow slightly distant out of fear. They're scared that their feelings will be rejected, and their friendship ruined." Vayne eyed Rena seriously, "Would they Rena?"
She stared back, then looked to the distant mountain, thinking. Elsword is a nice guy, always doing his best to keep things active and positive in the group. I feel like, I could love him. Maybe I already do like him in that way, I like it when he's alone with me for some reason. She turned back to Vayne, and nodded. Then a look of sadness came over her face.
"What's wrong?" Aisha pressed, "If you'd accept him, what would go wrong?" Vayne stopped her.
"Rena, it doesn't need to happen if he wants to do it." Aisha glanced back between the two elves, dreadfully confused.
"I know. I just worry, that he'd find it an act of selfishness."
"I understand, and you have no Idea how selfish I feel everyday when I remember that fact."
"You mean you want to-" Rena stopped as Vayne glanced at Aisha, and the fact the waitress had arrived with their food. Aisha, knowing she was not out of the conversation, began to eat, "You would really ask that of them?" Rena whispered.
"I would. These are good people." Vayne glanced back at Aisha, "Some I wish this for more than others." Vayne then glanced back at Rena, realizing what he had said. Rena's mouth hung open.
"I miss something?" Aisha asked, giggling as she saw Rena's face. Rena smiled, and stood up.
"Vayne has something he wants to talk to you about." Rena smiled, picked up her food, and moved to a different table, turning her back on the two. Aisha eyed Vayne quizzically, as he was obviously nervous about something.
"Um...well...I...damn it why did I say that?" Vayne muttered and mumbled, making Aisha's mind begin to think about what it meant.
"Vayne, what is it? Whatever it is, you can tell me." Vayne took a deep breath. No backing down now. He reached into his pocket, and handed her a silver necklace with a golden El shard on it, "V-Vayne?" Oh my god, this can't be happening.
"Aisha...For some time now, I've...been feeling...more closer to you. I...admire you, and...I want to know...if you...could accept me...as...a partner." Vayne sighed, looking down and not seeing Aisha's shocked face. In utter disbelief, she pinched herself. Oh my god! This is actually happening! He really likes me! Aisha placed her hand on his, and he looked up to see her smile.
"Vayne, I...I've felt...the same way for a long time." She blushed, and distracted herself by putting on the necklace.
"Really?" Vayne held her hand tightly, as did she.
"Really." Aisha leaned forward slowly, their lips inches away. She finally kissed him, and they both finally believed what was happening. They broke off swiftly, and blushed.
"Well, congratulations you two." Rena had walked back, her meal finished.
"Thank you, now the only thing left to do, is get you and Elsword hooked up!" Aisha giggled as Rena blushed.
"We're here for you Rena, don't worry." Vayne quickly finished his meal, left the money for the waitress, and the three headed for home. They glanced up, and saw small specks of white descend on them.
"Aww, it's snowing!" Aisha smiled at Vayne, tightly hugging his arm, "Maybe tomorrow we can all have a snowball fight."
"If there's enough, but it's quite probable." Vayne glanced back at the forest where their home was. It was much closer to the mountain, so more snow fell there, "Oh, Aisha. I have something very, very important to ask you."
The week slowly crawled along. Neither Elsword or Rena making a move forward, as both were scared of rejection. Elsword was haunted by the possibility of rejection and never being with Rena, or of the pain he would cause her by leaving her from death. Rena was terrified that if he did want her, he would leave her when she asked him to become an elf to stay with her. Everyone felt the resulting mood, meals were quiet, social life was incredibly awkward, and sleep was restless. Eve's birthday was tomorrow, and Vayne and Raven were both sitting in the living room.
"God, why won't one of them make a move?" Vayne groaned, and Raven looked at him.
"Elsword is really scared of being rejected. I think Rena will be the one who has to confess." They heard someone coming downstairs, and saw Chung enter the room. He sat down, exhausted.
"How goes the present?" Vayne whispered.
"I just finished. Glad I made it in time." Chung had been working nonstop on Eve's present, so much that he had missed a lot of sleep.
"I'm sure she'll love it." Raven reassured him.
"I just hope Elsword gets this whole problem sorted out today." Chung lay flat on the sofa, tired.
"Where are Elsword and Rena anyway?" Vayne hadn't seen either since breakfast.
"Oh, I talked Elsword into taking her to a movie." Raven smiled, and Chung jumped upright.
"Raven! Remember the last time Elsword went to the movies?!"
"Don't worry, there aren't any movies playing that provoke thoughts about the truth of reality." They all grimaced, remembering the time they all saw a movie about how reality was simply a way of keeping the population in check, and how nothing was truly real. Elsword tripped out, and became, while hilarious to watch, doubtful of everything he saw.
"I hope that never happens again." Vayne shuddered.
"True, I don't want to have to lock Elsword in the basement again either." Chung sighed as Raven chuckled.
"Come on guys, it was funny." Raven sighed, "Still, gotta wish the kid luck though."
"Yeah." Vayne agreed, then silence, "Raven, haven't you ever thought about finding someone?" Raven shook his head.
"No, Seris was the only one for me. My memories of her are enough, and she'll always be with me."
"Wouldn't Seris want you to move on though?" Vayne felt Raven's attachment to his late fiancé would cause problems eventually, "Whatever you do, I think Seris knows your heart will always beat for her. But wouldn't it hurt her to see you all alone, no one loving you? And I mean as a lover, not a friend." Raven looked out the window, seemingly lost in thought. After several minutes, in which Chung had fallen asleep, Raven sighed.
"You know what? You're right Vayne. I think it is time I move on. But who would want me?" Vayne smiled.
"Well, remember that girl from the gem store, Alirah?" Raven nodded, not sure where Vayne was heading with this, "When I pass her by in town and we chat, the first thing she always asks is how you're doing, every time. So much that I just greet her with saying you're doing alright. She likes you man." Raven began to think, "Come on man, give her a try at least. She told me a few weeks ago her business has been heading downhill, and she might have to move away." Raven raised an eyebrow, "Unless we give her a place to stay. Hint, hint."
"You don't give up do you Vayne?" Raven sighed, although was touched by Vayne's constant efforts to keep everyone happy. He's like a more serious version of Elsword.
"Nope. Give it a try man." Vayne remember something, "Hey, weren't we going to head out for that high class mountain resort north of Hamel tomorrow night, to stay for a few weeks?"
"Yes." Raven knew what he was about to say, "Fine, I'll ask her if she wants to come."
"Might want to do it today." Raven chuckled then.
"You just want to get me out of the house so you can get frisky with Aisha out here after dragging Chung to Eve's room." Vayne blushed slightly, then conjured a compact sand ball and hurled it at Raven. He tilted his head to the side, and the ball flew out the open window.
"Ok. Just maybe, that's my plan." They laughed, and Raven stood up.
"Well, I'm off. Try to keep it down alright?"
"Oh go already." Vayne motioned Raven away, and began to carry Chung upstairs. Raven stepped outside into the cold. The snow had made a blanket of snow around the house, all the way to the edge of the forest, that was knee high. Raven began to trudge through the snow to town. Vayne's right. It's time to move on, and Alirah is a nice girl, kinda cute to. Raven's Nasod arm was warmer than usual to prevent the cold from damaging the circuits, and he continued the rest of the walk to Elder in silence. He hoped that Elsword could make the move, and tell Rena how he really felt, and vise versa. Events will play out the way they're supposed to I guess, gotta focus on myself right now.
Vayne: Alright, that took me awhile to write, had a lot of writer blocks.
Eve: I think you're getting rusty.
Vayne: Never! Just a very interesting couple is all.
Elsword: Which one? You got like, four couples. Two of which involve OCs!
Vayne: That reminds me. Leave a review telling me if you want to see more interactions between the other couples, and not mostly focused on Elsword and Rena. I'd do it anyway, but these stories are for you guys, so I want your honest opinion! Oh, and leave a review telling me what you think about the story thus far. Later!