Alright looks like I'll be cranking these out for a bit longer. There is another time skip and I did try to get Eli's physiological problems as correct as possible in the last chapter. Things like that are never easy to write as its such as wide variety of symptoms to PTSD. I've tried to keep it as straight forward as possible with things like anxiety, nightmares, panic attacks and cases of blackouts.
It had been a few weeks since the Beowolf incident and Summer had been quick to notice that Eli's behavior had changed a lot, and while he still talked to her, he kept his distance. He seemed to be treating Ruby as if she was made of glass and rarely held her anymore.
'This cannot continue. I'll talk to him. I can't let him keep on like this.' she thought as she checked the messages on his scroll, she had been looking at different specialists in Vale who might be able to help Eli overcome some of the issues he has been having.
In her opinion, if she could get him to stop doubting himself it would be a win in her books.
Looking over to see him looking through the morning paper in the kitchen while enjoying another cup of coffee. Ruby was spending the weekend with Tai and she had heard Yang cheering in joy at seeing Ruby again. She couldn't help but chuckle at the happiness that Ruby brought Yang, even though Ruby was a year old.
"Eli…can we talk for a moment?" she called out only for his wolf ears to flatten against the back of his head for a moment, taking his coffee he walked into the living room and sat down next to her.
"What's up?" he asked, his tone sounding more careful than relaxed, "You've been acting differently the last few weeks…since the Beowolf." Summer explained being straightforward, something that she had picked up from Qrow during their time together as a team.
"Summer…", "No! Please let me finish. We're not fragile Eli, you don't have to be cautious around us like we're going to break. I trust you, Eli, I would not be here if I didn't." she put her hand on his, to try and reassure him that she was not mad at him. But looking at Eli she knew he was blaming himself.
"I held a knife near Ruby, and I wasn't in control. How am I safe to be around Summer? Tell me!", "Because I've seen how you act around her! When we first arrived you were a natural at handling her." he shook his head, "I told you that I helped raise my brothers and sister. I just don't want to end up hurting either of you.", "You won't! I know that for a fact!" she argued, "I'm sorry to keep it from you but I have been looking up specialists on treating PTSD." she said showing him her scroll.
"I'm not saying it will completely treat it Eli but maybe you can actually start hunting again. I saw you earlier in your study, holding Ruby and looking at the picture of your team. I know you want to carry on, and not let their deaths be for nothing." she knew saying that would be an unknown, but she just wanted to help him.
"You know I wanted to trade my life for theirs right? Every day I wish some higher being would just take me for them. It will never happen but sometimes you know…" Summer just wrapped him up in a hug, knowing that he would feel better.
"Please, Eli…let me help you. Do it for me, please." she asked only to feel him chuckle in her arms, "You play dirty Summer. You know I'd do anything for you." he admitted, and while Summer knew they were just friends she could not help but feel the same connection they had during their time in Beacon was still there.
"Come on, let's make you an appointment. I want to see you pick up Shadow's Claw again." at the mention of his weapon Eli let a faint smile creep onto his face, it had been a while since he used it but it was still in working condition.
His last huntsman job had been to deal with a rampaging Ursa and that had been a close call, his nerves were completely shot by the end of it and he had pretty much entered an unofficial retirement.
Several months passed with Eli having a number of appointments with a reliable specialist and it had helped him cope with the anxiety and stop some of the nightmares. His medication had been changed and he had noticed an improvement in his mood and everyday life.
However, he had not been expecting Summer's next suggestion.
"You want me to what?" he asked not believing what he had just heard, "I want you to go and get Shadow's Claw and we'll go hunting.", "Summer…", "It's not going to be for long, and if we don't find anything that's fine. The doctor said that it would help you get out again, to get used to the feeling." she explained.
"How long?" he asked, knowing that it was going to be a losing fight to try and argue with her. "Two hours and we can head back. Sooner if you start feeling panicked or uncomfortable." with a heavy sigh he nodded and went to his storage locker in his study to pick up his weapons, "Just two hours." he confirmed as she watched him disappear into the room.
"Don't worry Eli, you are in good hands." Summer said more to herself than to Eli, but with his enhanced hearing she was guessing that he already heard her.
Walking back out he had his handheld shotgun in its custom leg holster with a number of different colored dust shells on holders on the outside, with more along his belt, but his sword, Shadows Claw was in her opinion a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. An elegant curved shortened katana blade sat atop a darkened round guard, of course, due to the expandable handle it weighed a little more than a normal blade would but once it was fully extended it was a sight to watch him fight.
'Watching him fight…I must admit it was it sometimes looked like a dance more than combat.' for his size Summer had not expected Eli to move with such grace and agility, 'And when he worked up a sweat…wait what?' she thought suddenly snapping her attention back to the man in front of her.
"Ready?" he asked clearly still sounding unsure of the whole thing, "Yes, come on let's go." she said making sure her own weapons were secure before heading to the door.
Reaching the forests just outside the main town he knew that the whole thing was going to have him walking on eggshells. Part of him wanted to run back to town and another part of him knew that he had to do it, otherwise the fear he had would control his life.
"How are you feeling?" Summer asked, smiling under her hood of her white cloak, "I'm good for the moment…feeling a little on edge but nothing that's making me worry too much." she bumped him with her hip, "Good to hear, told you it wouldn't be too bad.". Eli had to smile at how much effort Summer was making to putting his mind at ease given how uncomfortable he was with the whole situation.
Heading further into the woods they soon found evidence of a couple of Creepers that had recently passed by. "No more than four, there you go. Something rather easy and they seem to be rather small.", "Size isn't my concern Summer." Eli said, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, "It's what else might be in the area.". "It'll be fine as long as we stay aware of our surroundings, Eli, there is not anything larger than an Ursa on Patch. You know this." Summer explained and finally got a reluctant nod from him.
Seeing that he was still uncertain Summer did something that she had not done in years, something that she knew would calm him down instantly, she rubbed his wolf ears, earning a low content growl from him.
"Summer…stop please." Eli said and while he was enjoying it, it was clear that something else was on his mind, "I thought you liked it though?" Summer asked a little confused, "I do…but you used to do that when we were together. It feels a little strange…because we're not together anymore.".
"Eli, just because we are not together, doesn't mean we're not friends. I mean I'd like to think we're still close, right?", "We are Summer…but still, I feel uncomfortable with that." Summer just put her hands on her hips and just turned to look at him, "Eli. We're both adults and I'm divorced. Is there really any harm in it?", "Summer please lets just let's keep going.".
Eli walked past her and for a moment Summer could have sworn he said something, "What did you just say Eli?", "Just drop it Summer, please." he could feel her gaze directed at the back of his head, "We'll continue this later…" she said firmly but remembered the expression that appeared on his face when he had asked her to stop along with how he had been acting recently and she stopped mid-step.
'Can't be…does he really love me after all this time?' Summer quickly felt horrible, she had made him feel so uncomfortable because of something they did only when had been a couple. 'It must be so hard for him to be around me, while I'm doing everything to remind him of when we were together. It's almost like I'm taunting him.' Summer quickly caught up with Eli who was still silent.
"Eli…I'm sorry I shouldn't have pushed like that. But I need to know one thing, do you still have feelings for me?" she asked, she did not want to say 'love', as it might come across the wrong way, "Yes…" he admitted after a long drawn out silence, "I do still have feelings for you Summer. Can we talk about this later? Really don't think it's safe to be discussing this out here.". Summer did not say anything for the rest of the hunt as they found nothing that showed any recent Grimm activity besides the Creeps which had disappeared.
In all Eli had gone through the hunt without having a panic attack or anything bad happen but he had still felt uneasy about the whole thing and not just because Summer had caught onto how he still felt about her. But while he could still go out on short hunts through the woods with someone, it would likely be a long time before he went out on one solo.
Sitting down at the kitchen table Eli and Summer sat opposite each other. "How long have you known then?" Eli asked, "I pieced it together during the hunt. How you felt uncomfortable when I rubbed your ears, about being a couple and the longing look on your face when you said it…I'm sorry.", "No need to be sorry…it's my fault. Still in love with a married woman and still longing for her even after she's divorced and with a kid." he said berating himself.
"But have you ever thought about it?", "About what?", "Getting back together?" Summer asked and while she had been single now for a while it was certainly not so soon after being divorced that it would seem scandalous.
"I have, I'll admit, but you've got Ruby to take care of. I'd feel like I was getting in the way.", "A few dates isn't going to get in the way of anything Eli. I'm willing if you are, I mean Ruby and I have been here for nearly five months. And you haven't asked if we've found anywhere to live yet. So you clearly don't mind us being here." Eli looked up at her blunt logic.
"I…I don't mind you being here. You know that.", "Then what's the problem? We're both adults, single and as I said a few dates just to see what happens wouldn't be that bad would it?" Eli said looking at his hands for a moment, "I'm scared. I'm on a slippery slope already Summer, if we get back together what's to stop me from falling down it again?".
Summer reached over and took his hands in her own. "Look, Eli, I'm not going to let that happen, ever. In only a few months you've made amazing progress, and you've been out on a hunt for the first time in ages. If anyone can come back from what you've been through it's you.".
"I don't know what I've done to deserve you in my life again Summer, but thank you. Thank you so much." Eli said sounding as if he was trying not to break down as he held Summer's hands, "No thanks needed Eli. But…I feel like eating out tonight. We're picking up Ruby tomorrow and you can meet Yang, if she hasn't gotten into to much trouble. For a three-year-old she very sharp.".
There were no promises between them. Other than they would be there for each other, nothing was certain about the future of their relationship, but a dinner between two adults was harmless enough.
Right just to summarize this chapter, Eli and Summer aren't together, they are just going out on a few dates. That's it, I'm not rushing it but its not going to be a slow burn thing either.
As for a question brought up by samspen, without giving too much away about what I'm aiming for with this story. I can say Ruby and Yang will have their normal sister relationship, and Yang will end up seeing Eli as an uncle. Much to his surprise.
I will expand on this over the next few chapters, I'd like to get onto the actual series start without spending like ten chapters setting it up but then again I could have this as a separate prologue story before going onto the main story arc. Feel free to let me know how you would like the story laid out, either as one large multi-chapter story or as two separate stories.