A World With/Out Home

Chapter 8: A Midnight Escape before the Dawn. (Part 1)

                Chapter 8: A Midnight Escape before the Dawn.

Melissa sat at her desk silently. The occasion click of the typewriter below her fingers the only noise that could be heard. The title of this particular piece was as titular as they came, Ordinance Request for Mission #A324. For a long while now it was her job as secretary to get the paperwork for Advanced Scouting Party done, that and protect the door to the Garden. There were hardly ever any visitors outside the regulars and when an ordinary soldier of the Guard did come, it was usually because they were lost. Lately however she was having a substantially nicer time and not because of the hidden liquor cabinet beneath her desk, she had that one for several years now.

The door leading to the training grounds opened and Valandus entered. While Melissa looked up at him, the man himself was searching for something else.

"He hasn't come today," she said openly disagreeing with his behaviour.

Valandus continued to check around her desk, "Do you mean he's not coming today or he hasn't come yet?"

"I don't know," Melissa pursed her lips and pulled away a box he was reaching for. "Just because he's been coming every day lately doesn't mean he will today."

He checked the clock against the wall before sitting comfortable in the nearby chair, "Well I'll just wait here then."

"Don't you have work to do?"

"I do but it's morning tea time and I'm really looking forward to what Kyle brings next. It's not fair that only you get snacks."

Melissa shifted in her seat indignantly, "It's not like I asked him to. He does it himself. I'm just reaping the benefits."

"You know you'll get fat at this rate."

"Why you-," Melissa was about to show Valandus that even with a prosthetic leg she could still kick his arse. Luckily for him the door to the Garden timely opened.

Kyle walked inside holding a small basket covered by a cloth, "Good morning. Oh Valandus you're here again."

"I thought I told you to call me Val," the man stood up and rubbed his hands staring at the basket. "More importantly what did you bring today?"

Kyle set the basket down, "I've got a fruit mince pie. Would you like some?"

"If you insist," Valandus smiled as Kyle prepared a plate for him and Melissa.

Melissa looked at the pastry with conflicted eyes. Valandus' words echoed in her mind. She was no longer as active as she used to be and getting older, it was harder to look after her body.

"You don't like them?" Kyle asked noticing her hesitation.

In the end she couldn't say no to his sincerity. She was weak to Kyle's persuasions. His feminine appearance underlying with masculinity and innocence caused an odd maternal feeling in her chest.

"No I do," she internally sighed in defeat. She'd have to start going for a run in the mornings. "I'm sure it tastes amazing."

"I'll let you decide that," he smiled and served her a slice, even going so far as preparing some tea.

Valandus was already eating with a wistful expression, "The Captain and Reina are really missing out. I think hiring you was the best thing we've done in years."

"Ah... thanks, but about that," Kyle gripped his hands.

"Anyway, how's Maila?" the driver asked between bites.

"She's fine as usual." He looked at Valandus curiously. "You always ask me that whenever I come by but can't you visit her yourself?"

"Oh you know how it is, busy here and there." He took a bite of his pie and smiled, "It's just good to hear she's doing well."

Kyle nodded, though couldn't help but feel there was something more. "Umm actually on that note, I was wondering how Lillia was doing? Tai comes home in the evenings but Lillia hasn't been back since the Captain came and picked her up. It's been ten days now. I know you said that she was fine last time but I'm getting worried."

Melissa looked to Valandus, "Isn't it about time that Kyle was let past?"

The driver suddenly nodded and put down his plate, "Oh that's right. I actually did come here for a reason. Kyle your request has been passed. The Captain has asked me to take you there myself."

Melissa wasn't impressed, "You couldn't say that before you started gorging yourself?"

"Oh looks who's talking," he stared right back at her.

Kyle ignored their banter as he was quite used to it now, "So I can go see her?"

"Well of course!" Valandus picked his plate back up, "Just let me finish this."

"Then I'll be right back. There's a few things I need to get," he quickly headed for the door to the Garden and disappeared behind it.

Melissa sighed once he left and looked back at Valandus seriously, "Are you sure this is okay? I know I was the one who did the paperwork but the Hero's training is pretty harsh at the best of times. Is it okay for him to see that?"

Valandus finished his slice of pie, "Lillia was the one who finalised the request. Even with the Captain, normally it'd never happen. I think she's taken a liking to our baker. Them being apart has been stressing her out."

"I can't tell if you're joking or being serious," the secretary folded her arms.

"A bit of both. Lillia's training is going averagely. I think she just needs some friendly encouragement." He smiled, "Besides they're both at that age and I think it would be pretty interesting."

Melissa turned her eyes towards the reports on the shelf, "I'd prefer not to watch a doomed love story."

Valandus shrugged. It wasn't his call after all. He was just along for the ride. Though he wouldn't be so against steering it in a favourable way.

Several minutes passed before Kyle came back in a slight huff. In one arm he held another basket and from the smell one with similar contents. His uniform had been neatened and even his hair had been tidied up.

"Looking sharp," Valandus noted. "Though perhaps you should also wear this hat." He pulled an officer's hat from the shelf and plonked it on the young man's head. "Perfect now you look exactly like the poster."

Kyle looked at him confused, "What poster?"

"Oh right you haven't been past the office for a while. Don't worry about it and just smile if someone waves to you."

"Okay?" he hadn't the slightest clue about what Valandus was talking about but didn't quite care. It had been ten days since he last saw or talked to Lillia. When Tai had come back the first night without her he was surprised and if it weren't for Maila's assurance that she was fine he would have gone out immediately.

"Let's go then," Valandus headed towards the door cheerily.

"Wait what about this?" Melissa pointed to the pie on her desk, most of which still remained.

"You can keep that if you want," Kyle replied with a smile. "I baked a few too many."

"Ah sure...." As the two left Melissa mumbled to herself and patted her stomach, "Should I take it home?"