an offer on the table. [n alves]

synopsis: featuring a meeting between Caine and N at the six-month mark of Blane and N's partnership.

note: i'll be doing a couple of 'lore' stories in the next coming weeks, just to change things up a bit. hope that's okay with everyone <3

"Let me know if you want to switch."

N blinks. Did those words really come out of Caine's mouth? They're sure they're gaping, but if Caine sees the confusion on N's face, he doesn't show in. In fact, Caine merely sits there, arms crossed on his desk and his eyebrows furrowed with what looks like concern. False concern, really.

It ticks N off.

"Switch partners?" N repeats.

Caine nods. "Only if things don't go well. Partners are supposed to cooperate and work together. If Blane doesn't listen to you, then it might be better if I can pair them off with someone else. It's in your best interest as well. I don't want you getting hurt on the field because you two can't communicate."

Maybe Caine is being kind, but all N hears are insults.

It's been six months since Blane and N were paired off. Four months since Blane started to say more than single sentences to N. Three months since N was severely injured and Blane carried them to the infirmary at four in the morning. One week since Blane came over to N's apartment and met their dog.

Progress. Every day, a tiny bit of progress is made with the two, even if no one sees it.

N remembers the first day they met. When they were in that initiation room waiting to be paired off, Blane stood out only because they were the only one so aloof. They crossed their arms, staring blankly into the distance; their expression was far from serene. Almost everyone else was walking around getting to know each other, but Blane looked like they wanted to be anywhere but there. It scared everyone off from approaching them—even N, to an extent. But N wasn't put off as more as they were intrigued.

They didn't mind when they found out Blane was their partner. Some people looked relieved for themselves, others (boldly) gave their condolences—like N was some sort of scapegoat. It bothered them. They were neither upset nor happy with the pairing. A pairing was a pairing. As long as they could get along with Blane, they'd fare fine.

Six months later, however, Blane and N still get weird looks.

Their partnership won't last. I give them two more months, tops.

How does Alves stand Rekner? They're a menace.

I wonder if Alves has Rekner on a leash.

Rumours. Always rumours and gossip at this place. It's always worse after Caine's check-ins—the exact thing N is doing now. They're not excited to hear the new batch of conversations after this is done.

"I don't think switching partners is necessary," N replies. "I'm happy with Hunter Rekner."

Caine looks like he's barely refraining from raising his eyebrow. In response, N is barely refraining from blurting out something inappropriate.

"How have your last couple of hunts been?" Caine asks.

A change of topic.

"They've been good. Our success rate is growing. Hunter Rekner and I balance each other out in skills so when we're on the field, it's only a matter of deciding what to do, rather than who's doing it. I'm more of a planner than Blane is so sometimes we can clash, but that kind of thing only comes with time. I can tell they trust me more than they did a couple of months ago."

"Good. I recall seeing you struggling at first."

N feels their face flush with heat. Half of that struggle was the two of them simply being baby birds learning how to fly—that is, being new hunters. Of course they were having some trouble. What did Caine expect?

This conversation is annoying.

Blane and N may not be best friends, but they're still partners. The way people talk about Blane is infuriating. How they'll avoid saying hi to them in the hallway and only greet N. How they'll congratulate N on a successful bounty but not Blane.

Not that Blane makes it easy for people to talk to them, of course, but still. It doesn't excuse the way they're treated.

Caine straightens his papers. "Alright, you're dismissed. As long as both of you maintain your work ethic, we have nothing to talk about. We'll have another check-in in December."

N nods, rising from the uncomfortable chair. They want to leave. Now. They can't lose their cool in front of their boss. The repercussions… they don't want to know. Their hand is on the doorknob when—

"Alves?"

"Yes."

"That offer is still on the table. If you ever want it, it'll be there."

N grits their teeth. Fuck. So close. So close to escaping that comment. They pretend not to hear, stepping out and into the hallway. If Blane ever lets N beyond their walls, maybe N will scold them for making things so difficult on them.

They reach for their phone, rubbing a temple with their free hand.

Blane: I'm planning on staying late.

Blane: I'll buy Chinese takeout if you're joining.

N smiles. Switching partners? Not even a consideration.