Hello, friends! While I have written before, this is the first time I have attempted to publish fanfiction of any sort. Feel free to review or leave any advice, and please forgive any errors on my part as this format is still new to me. Thanks!

Help Needed?

"What do you propose sir?" Clarus gave his king an amused look. "He won't like that we are plotting about or even involving ourselves in his private life."

Regis chuckled, knowing his friend and shield was right, but not about to give up. "Come now, Clarus. We are only trying to give him an opportunity to choose joy. I have no intentions on forcing him into anything or personally involving myself."

Clarus clicked his tongue, thinking about the idea that at first seemed ludicrous to him. Cor with a secretary? A pretty female secretary, at that? He knew the face Cor would respond with. But even if their old friend would scoff at the idea of a possible romance—and he knew that was a part of the King's plan—he could use some help with all of the responsibilities he had allowed to rule his life. Regis was only thinking of the man's happiness, after all.

"I'll make some inquiries, your majesty," Clarus sighed, knowing Cor would protest against having help, no matter how pretty or able a package it came in.

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"Absolutely not."

Clarus knew this would be his response. "Cor, Regis and I both think you could use a bit of help with some of the more tedious, ever day work so you can focus more on what is important, including your own wellbeing."

"I appreciate that his majesty is worried about me being overworked," Cor allowed, not looking up from his training assignments, "but it is unwarranted."

"Unwarranted?" Clarus laughed, earning a glare from his friend, "You haven't had time off in years. You never socialize anymore, or go on any dates. I understand that your job is your priority, but you need a break or you will break!"

Clarus had Cor's attention as soon as he mentioned the word "date," and the shield knew he might have blown it.

"So thats what the both of you are really after. I've already told you, I am happy with my life as it is. This work is my life and I don't need anyone to share it with." Cor slammed the notebook shut, moved from the desk he had been sitting at, and made his way towards the door. As he opened it, a young guard in training nearly walked into him.

"Sir! I'm so sorry, sir!"

"It's fine, Carter," Cor sighed and steadied the man, "What do you need?"

"I...I have the field reports from Captain Drautos, sir," he answered, shakily holding out two overfilled folders for the Marshall to take. Cor dismissed him after taking the folders, dreading the night of organizing, reading, summarizing, and planning he had to undertake. He heard Clarus clearing his throat and suddenly remembered he was still there.

"At least let us find some possible candidates to help you with the boring stuff, then. I promise no interference or relationship pushing."

Cor sighed again, pinching the bridge of his nose. Still he listened.

"I'll pick three I think would work best, you can interview them yourself, and then make a decision whether to pick one or not."

"Fine," the Marshall finally relented, knowing that they would probably not give up this venture any time soon. He turned to look at his friend. "But what I chose will not be argued against."

"As you wish," Clarus agreed.

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The rain beat down upon the asphalt in front of Evie as she ran to escape becoming completely soaked. Moving to Insomnia was supposed to be exciting and fun. A new start. A change for the better. Instead it had been difficult and frustrating so far. She lost some of her stuff in the move from Lestallum, including her umbrella it would seem, and while she had some money saved up ahead of time, she had yet to find work. Thankfully, her new apartment was modest enough to be easy on the wallet, so she still had some time before she would be in danger of being homeless. Still, she hated not having her life in order.

Our life wasn't in order back in Lestallum either, she mentally reminded herself. Making it to her apartment building she slowed to a stop under the awning and wrung out her wet shirt and long, hair before walking in. She found her room and finally plopped into the armchair in the corner of her currently disorganized new home with a sigh. It had been almost a whole week since she had moved to Insomnia, and she had not unpacked much. She had the chair she was sitting in, a small table next to it holding a few personal items, and a mattress in the one bedroom nearby. Boxes full of her other belongings were scattered throughout the rest of the apartment. She just didn't have the motivation to unpack right now. It had been another day of interviews that she honestly wasn't too confident about. She didn't have experience as a barista, waiter, or with children at all, but that seemed to be the main jobs currently open in here. Not too mention, she was still an outsider and didn't have any connections here.

She took a deep breath, suddenly feeling heavy and she wasn't sure if it was because she was still pretty wet from the rain or the current pressures she was facing. She looked to the one picture she had framed on the table next to her. Picking it up brought a small smile to her face. It was of her and her brother five years ago. He had one arm around her shoulders and his other hand was messing up her blonde hair. They were both laughing and obviously having fun. Life was pretty good then. She had just been promoted into management at her old job, at Lestallum's power plant. Her brother was successful as a hunter and, while their parents had died many years ago, they both had many friends. She had also started dating Jason, another hunter who she thought was the love of her life. He proved her wrong three years later when Evie caught him cheating on her with one of her best friends.

That was when everything around her started falling apart, actually. Her brother suddenly went missing. She received word of his disappearance the day after she found out about Jason's betrayal. After four weeks, most people thought he was dead, but Evie couldn't believe it. Nothing was found of him, not even his dog tags. After she moved out of their shared apartment, Jason made her life hell, harassing her via phone and at her job. He apparently wasn't ready to let go and was angry at her for leaving, even though he was the one cheating. The only thing that remained stable in her life in Lestallum was her job, but even that couldn't last long.

Finally, she decided she would move to Insomnia. She had to get away from the place she associated so much with her brother and Jason. She packed everything she needed and got an old friend of her brother's to help her move. She did her best to keep her move a secret so that Jason's seemingly constant harassment and abuse couldn't follow her. She just wanted to have a normal life somewhere. She found this apartment, changed her phone number, and started looking for jobs.

She found the latter the hardest part so far. She was great at her old job. She had experience with delegating jobs, organizing and promoting ideas, and supervising everyday activities. She had left her old job in good standing and they were happy to give her a reference. Every job here, however, saw her as a foreigner who might not do so well with serving the natives of Insomnia.

She sat the picture back down, suddenly feeling melancholy and hungry.

"Guess it's Cup Noodle again tonight," she mused to herself. She placed the cup in the microwave and decided to search for jobs again while enjoying her budget friendly dinner.