*THIRD PERSON, NO ONE'S P.O.V., JEAN'S OFFICE*

Jean- Excellent work bringing back the scepter of plot convenience. Although I wonder why the bottom half was drenched in blood.

Thomas- uh...no reason.

The male replies rubbing his stomach feeling the wound sharply punch back the moment his hand grazes it. Pulling back he asks.

Thomas- so anything else I can do today?

Jean- yes actually. The windows around the building need cleaning once more and several weapons in the barracks have grown dull so I need you to sharpen them.

Thomas- what? But that's butl-Oh.....alright.....I got it.

He says with defeat stepping outside and finding a nearby bathroom before donning his butler uniform once more and gets to work cleaning around the building. Heading inside the servant's room he finds Noelle hard at work preparing lunch for everyone. 

Thomas- Hey Noelle!

Noelle- Hello Thomas! On butler duty again?

Thomas- yeah jean needs me to clean around and sharpen crap, you know the usual. You seen the spray bottle around?

Noelle- oh yes it's right over there

She replies happily pointing towards a nearby corner where the spray bottle sits. Thanking the girl and retrieving it the male makes his way around the building spraying and wiping every window he comes across until they all sparkle clean. Once that's done he summons a small whetstone and gets to work sharpening all the different weapons in the barracks. While sharpening a large claymore he hears a harsh crashing sound coming from outside and rushes out to find Noelle lying on the ground covered in dirt and food. 

Thomas- Noelle!

He exclaims rushing over to help her off the ground and helps her clean up the mess, the mess on the ground not on her person that'd be lewd and we don't do that here. NO🍋

Thomas- You alright? What happened?

Noelle- I'm fine. I was walking towards the canteen to deliver food to some hungry knights when I suddenly tripped over some plot convenient air and made a mess of things.

Thomas- Plot convenient air? Sounds like a lazy excuse for not being to come up with a valid reason for things.

Noelle- Agreed. Anyways thanks for the help I better get back to the kitchen and prepare some more food.

She says going to walk off but feels the male hold her back and turns to find him with a sympathetic look on his face.

Thomas- you seem stressed. Why don't you take it easy and I'll take care of lunch?

Noelle- thank you for the offer but I'm fine really I am

Thomas- even still I should at least help. I'm all done with my tasks for today so I don't see why not.

Noelle- well in that case I hope your cooking skills are better than your tea making skills

Thomas- oh don't worry I know my way around a kitchen. I got plenty of pointers from-Ah....

He starts but suddenly trials off his eyes and mind going blank as he stares off into the distance lost in thought. Seeing his current state the maid waved her hand in front of his face a few times before managing to snap him out of it. 

Noelle- are you alright?

Thomas- Yeah I'm fine Aub-Noelle!

Noelle- Aub?

Thomas- Forget it! Let's get to work 

He quickly says running off towards the kitchen clearly avoiding any and all questions about Aub   Once at the kitchens he quickly gets to work slicing vegetables and preparing meats by the time the girl had arrived he had already finished three whole dishes. 

Noelle- wow I'm impressed

She says expertly slicing onions and potatoes for another dish. Working together with the male the two finish off the last couple meal in record time and deliver them all without a hitch. Once the last dish is served the two take their leave and head off in opposite directions to continue their tasks. After polishing the last set of armor the male once again hears a large crashing sound and rushes over to find Noelle collapsed on the floor looking incredibly fatigued.

Thomas- okay that's it

He says firmly walking over and picking her up off the ground before dragging her to jeans office despite her protests of unfinished work. Slamming the door open he finds the grandmaster in her usual spot.

Jean- how many times have I told you? Don't slam the door!

Thomas- sorry but this is urgent

Jean- What is it?

Thomas- This!

He lightly shouts pulling a still worn out and hurt Noelle from behind him into jeans view. Upon seeing her like this the grandmaster immediately begins to worry.

Jean- what happened!?!

Thomas- over exhaustion from non stop work

Jean- what? But I told her to take the day off today!

Thomas- WHAT!?! NOOOOOEEEELLLLLEEEE!!!

He shouts scaring the girl beside him

Noelle- I'm sorry, I just couldn't leave with the building in such a mess. I saw a bit of dust on a counter and thought "what's one quick polishing?" Next thing I know I'm up and down the building cleaning everything in sight.

Jean- I understand you wish to help out where you can but right now we need you to take the day off and relax a little that's an order.

Noelle- an order? Then I shall see it to completion!

She exclaims bolting straight up and giving the female a firm salute before stepping outside her office to who knows where. Watching her go the grandmaster turns to the male.

Jean- could you follow her around and make sure she actually relaxes?

Thomas- Can do!

He says stepping outside her office and bumps directly into Noelle who's simply standing there hand resting on her chin in thought. 

Thomas- you good?

Noelle- yes just thinking is all

Thomas- about what?

Noelle- about what to do for my day off today. I've never really taken a day off before so I'm kind of new to this whole "relaxation" business.

Thomas- well if you're up for it we still have our "maybe date" to attend to

He suggests and is immediately grabbed the maid and forced to look directly at her.

Noelle- oh that's right! I almost forgot in all the commotion that been going around lately.

Thomas- so is that a yes to the "maybe date?"

Noelle- That would be a yes. So shall we mosey on over?

Thomas- we shall

He says extending his arm out to her, linking their arms together they make their way out the front doors and through the city of mondstat spending the first ten minutes of their "maybe date" by simply walking around and taking in several sights around town such as: Blind Glory still waiting for her beloved, Bennet getting a flower pot dropped on his head from nowhere and little timmie crying over fowl. Continuing to walk around town together the two eventually come across two knights struggling to load some heavy crates onto a cart. Upon seeing them Noelle immediately un links her arm from Thomas's and goes to step forward before she's pulled back by the male a stern look on his face.

Thomas- what are you doing?

Noelle- just one crate?

Thomas- No can do Noelle this is your day off and I'm gonna make sure you enjoy it. So you hungry?

Noelle- Now that you mention it I do feel a bit peckish 

Thomas- Alright follow me Sara should have a roast waiting for me at good hunter, it's a large one so I think we can share.

He says grabbing the girls hand and leading her towards good hunter unaware of the blush now overtaking the girls face.

Noelle- 'wow...although his hand is made of metal it's surprisingly warm and gentle'

She thinks before the two reach their destination and the male motions for her to find a seat while he requests the food. Moments later the two are seen chowing down with a large roast and two mugs of non alcoholic beverages in between them. While eating the male decides to make small talk.

Thomas- so tell me, what are your hobbies?

Noelle- my hobbies? Well I really like washing things- clothes,windows,floorboards you name it. Whenever I see something dirty I just want to give a good old clean.

Thomas- that's....not what it meant.

Noelle- oh! You mean the things I do in my free time? Hmm...................Same answer.

Thomas- Jesus, you really need to relax and take it easy sometime.

Noelle- I know

The girl mopes depressingly, seeing her upset the make quickly tries to bring a light to the topic.

Thomas- Well besides cleaning What else can you think of to do for fun?

Noelle- well I really like to explore and go for nature walks. I'm particularly partial to the large tree in wind rise. It's such a sweet and romantic area. Would you like to go with me?

Thomas- 'romance?' Ah.........

*FLASH BACK 3 YEARS AGO*

Thomas- Gah! Man this has been such a stressful day.

He male exclaims plopping down on the hard wood floor beneath him and stretching his tired limbs before lying back and trying to relax. Though his relaxation is cut short as a shadow suddenly over takes the light in his face. Squinting his eyes open he finds just the person he was hoping to see today. With her Long dark brown hair, her creamy skin tone and especially her magnificent grape purple eyes all these added together make for the perfect girl in his eyes.

Thomas- Hey Aubrey, what's up?

Aubrey- Where have you been? We were supposed to go on a date tonight.

Thomas- yeah, sorry about that. Mission was a lot longer then expected I got shot in the leg three times. Hope you're not mad at me.

He apologizes before watching the girl lie down beside him and tilt her head to look directly into his eyes.

Aubrey- Mad? Never. You know I love you and I'd never get mad for simply carrying out your duties as a hero. Just promise to make it up to me one day?

Thomas- Sherbet?

Aubrey- Sherbet

Thomas- alright, let's go

He says standing up and offering a hand to her before the two head off for some sherbet.

*FLASHBACK END*

Noelle- So overall it's a really nice place and I'd really like to go there today

Thomas- Wait, what were we talking about?

Noelle- wind rise I asked if you wanted to go with me

Thomas- oh yeah totally sounds great.

He says standing up and clearing the empty platter before offering his hand to the girl and the two make their way over to wind rise with directions from Noelle. Along the way they run into a small hilichurl camp, at first they try to sneak past as to avoid confrontation but the beasts have the eyes of a hawk an spotted them right away. Equipping her claymore the girl goes to charge in but is pulled back by the male once more.

Thomas- I'll handle this

Noelle- be my guest

Rushing into battle the male doesn't bother summoning any weapons seeing as these guys are cannon fodder to him. Closing the distance he ducks under the swing from one before uppercutting him a solid five feet into the air before grabbing him by the leg and using him to bat around the others until eventually the monsters are all finished off save for the one currently in his hand but he disposes of him rather quickly by hurling him into a nearby explosive barrel. Walking back to Noelle he finds with stars in her eyes over his performance.

Noelle- wow, that was amazing!

Thomas- glad I could entertain you

Noelle- You....you're amazing, you're fantastic, you're you're......Famazing!

Thomas- *gasp*

*FLASHBACK 4 YEARS AGO*

Thomas- AUBREY WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?!

He shouts over the sounds of people screaming in terror and laser blasts flying through the air as a small army of androids slowly advances.

Aubrey- I came here because I worried about you! You said run to the nearest panic room and I thought you were following, when I saw you weren't I got worried and ran back here.

Thomas- I'm fine but you need to go!

Aubrey- Not without you it's too dangerous here!

Thomas- trust me I'll be fine 

Aubrey- How can you be so sure-Huh? AHHHHHHHH!!!

She's screams as she's suddenly tackled to the ground by an Android much larger than the rest. Seeing her in peril the male quickly jumps into action tearing the Android off her and punching his fist straight through its head. Dropping the Android the male turns to find the girl staring a him in bewilderment.

Aubrey- Umm......

Thomas- listen I know you probably have a lot of questions right now and I promise I to answer them all but right now I need you to stay close and trust me.

He tells her before summoning anarugi scaring the girl at the sight of her boyfriend carrying a dangerous weapon and then scares her even more when he charges into the mosh pit of androids. Running towards them the male expertly slices and deflects laser out of the air before closing the distance and impaling one in the chest. Quickly turning he finds two more advancing on him but easily dispatches them by spinning in a semi circle and decapitating both of them in an instant before charging the last ones slicing and stabbing, dodging and parrying until he's left in an empty street with only a baffled Aubrey. Turning towards her he helps her off the ground and goes to explain.

Thomas- listen there's a lot I need to tell you- about what I actually do for a living and-

He starts but is cut off as the girl places a single finger on his lips silencing him.

Aubrey- You secretly work for that super hero training place don't you?

Thomas- yeah...how'd you guess?

Aubrey- it's pretty obvious and after seeing what you're capable of I have but one thing to say.........THAT WAS AMAZING!!!!! I had no idea you were such a badass! You just charged right into that army of Androids and tore them apart like they were nothing I didn't even see you get hit at all during the fight.

Thomas- yeah I'm a pretty good dodger 

Aubrey- oh my god, you're amazing, you're fantastic, you're you're.......FAMAZING!!! I want to be just like you!

Thomas- well I'm glad I could entertain you. Now come on let's get you to safety.

*FLASHBACK END*

Thomas- 'Aubrey'

He thinks as his eye suddenly starts to dull in color before feeling a hand encase his own and looks to find Noelle holding his hand.

Noelle- well let's go, wind rise is right over there!

Thomas- right....

They exchange before making their way a few more yards and eventually find themselves standing at the base of an enormous tree with a statue of a winged god nearby. Walking up to the tree Noelle places her hand on the trunk and hums quietly.

Thomas- Um....what are you doing?

Noelle- Nothing just, listening and relaxing

Thomas- not exactly how I relax but hey you do you I suppose.

They exchange once more and then stand in silence. Several moments later the girl then removes her hand from the tree and walks over to the male holding his hand in her own and sitting down at the base of the tree dragging him along with her. 

Noelle- Thomas I want to thank you for this wonderful maybe date. It may have been short lived but simply being here with you and you going out of your way to ensure I relax has made it a wonderful time that I wish to never forget.

Thomas- Noelle....

Noelle- Thank you, you truly are a Famazing person and I couldn't be happier then whenever  I'm with you.

Thomas- *shaky voice*..........A-Aubrey

*FLASHBACK 2 YEARS AGO*

Thomas- AUBREY!!!

The male shouts bolting towards her still form dropping down to his knees lifting her head slightly to look at him. In his panic the male start to hyperventilate like crazy panting and wheezing with every breath as he desperately tries to stop the bleeding in her abdomen.

Thomas- Don't worry I can fix this, I can fix this!

He reassuringly tells her though not completely able to believe his own words as her face starts to grow deathly pale and her breathing slows with each passing second. Watching her slowly inching closer and closer to deaths doors the male starts giving it his all ripping pieces from his clothing trying to add pressure to the wound but to no avail. Screaming in anger the male slams the ground hard enough to form a massive crack and starts to sob into his hands before feeling another pair lift his face up. Looking up he finds the girl looking a him reassuringly and hears her whisper. 

Aubrey- thank you......for everything. You've given me so much joy and happiness *cough*. You truly are Famazing and I'll always......love you

Thomas- Aubrey.....

He whispers in vain praying to every god he possibly think of for something or someone to come to the rescue to swoop in and save the day like in a cheesy superhero movie, unfortunately the hero was all but too late and the male can only watch as the love of his life in taken from him in one final breath.

Thomas- Aubrey....No....please No no NO NO NO NO NO. AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

He screams in sorrow crushing the floor beneath under his fist and starts to sob into his hands once more filling the room with only the sounds of sorrow and loss.

*FLASHBACK END*

Noelle- Who's Aubr-Huh?

She starts but interrupts herself as she sees the males eyes start to water and grows more concerned when they start falling from his face in a rapid pace.

Noelle- Thomas!

She shouts quickly bolting to her feet and helping the male up off the ground trying to reassure him and ask what's the matter though only getting sobs and hitched breaths in return. After several minutes of this the male lifts his face from his hands his eyes now stained with tears and looks at the girl.

Thomas- You.....you remind so much of her.

Noelle- Of who?

Thomas- Aubrey......you're just like her. Your hardworking attitude, your kind and gentle soul, your strive to better yourself in any way you can, your incredible tenacity and can do attitude. You remind me so much of her.

Noelle- Who is she?

Thomas- Aubrey.....she was my girlfriend and the love of my life.

He tells her causing the girl to gasp and blush deeply remembering what the male said prior to that. Getting over this she grabs his hands and asks.

Noelle- she's gone now, isn't she?

Thomas- *nods somberly*

Noelle- I'm so sorry

Thomas- no, it's alright. It's been years now so I'm mostly over it besides it wasn't your fault............it was mine.

Noelle- What!?!

She exclaims covering her mouth with her hands her eye widening in shock over his words but the male simply brushes this aside and responds with.

Thomas- another day. It's too personal to share at least for now.

Noelle- I understand I won't pry any longer. *looks into distance* Oh the sun is starting to set we should head back before it gets too dark to see.

Thomas- go on ahead I'll catch up later.

Noelle- are you sure? I wouldn't want you to get hurt.

Thomas- 'heh, til the last detail' I'll be fine.

Noelle- well....alright. Goodbye!

She says still not fully convinced before waving goodbye walking off into the distance leaving the male alone with his thoughts.

Thomas- 'It was my fault......everything. Now you're gone because I screwed up......I'm so sorry.'

He thinks to himself turning around and watching the fleeing maid in the distance as she walks off towards the glowing city. Not noticing his heart beating slightly faster as he watches her go.

Thomas- 'But I won't fail again, I promise Noelle I'll protect you til my dying breath. I won't lose someone I care for. Not again' Never again.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

AUTHOR'S NOTE- Okay I have a confession to make. The first thirteen chapters of this story have been ready for quite some time now way before I posted them. The first ten ready before I even uploaded this story. I only did them one at a time to give y'all daily reads because I know some speed readers can finish a dictionary in an hour let alone a crappy fanfic. But now I'm all caught up with everything I've written so there'll be no more daily uploads though I'll try to write them fast for you guys. Don't expect chapters soon though that new event has got my hyped. Anyways that's all I have to say stay tuned and stay pretty y'all.