Van stretched his arms above his head, muscles loosening as he turned from his desk. The sunset outside cast warm, amber hues through the blinds, highlighting the papers and case files scattered across the office. Elaine's silhouette framed the door, her presence familiar yet never failing to stir a mix of nostalgia and anticipation in him.

"Still burning the midnight oil, are we?" Her voice was light, but there was that unmistakable edge to it — the one that made him smile. She crossed the room in a few casual strides, taking a seat on the corner of his desk without waiting for an invitation.

"Can't help it, you know how it is." Van let out a soft chuckle. "The requests keep piling up, and the jobs don't finish themselves."

Elaine arched a brow, her expression skeptical. "You mean to say you never let them pile up. But I know you better than that." She leaned forward, elbows resting on her knees. "What's really going on, Van?"

He glanced away, staring at the faint remnants of daylight fading against the cityscape. "Just a few things that need tying up," he answered evasively, pushing back from the desk. "Nothing to worry yourself over."

"Oh, please." She rolled her eyes, nudging a stray folder with her knee. "We're way past the point where 'nothing' gets by me." She gave him a sidelong glance, voice softening. "Besides, I know that look. It's that same 'I'll carry it all alone' look you had back when… well, back then."

Van's smile faltered for a brief second, memories flaring up before he could stamp them down. "Elaine, it's not like—"

"It's exactly like that," she cut in, tone firm yet understanding. "You're taking on too much again. Trying to be the one-man solution for everyone's problems." Her hand moved before she could think twice, fingers gently grazing the back of his palm. "But you don't have to do that anymore. Not with me here."

He stilled at the contact, eyes trailing down to where her fingers lingered. "Old habits die hard, I guess," he murmured, the weight in his voice betraying the casual shrug he gave. "Can't just switch it off because things are different now."

Elaine let out a small, rueful laugh, her touch slipping away — though not without a final, lingering squeeze. "Maybe not. But you can start by letting someone else shoulder a bit of that weight. Just a bit." Her gaze held his, unflinching. "Even if it's just the tiniest part."

Van exhaled softly, the tension in his shoulders easing, if only a little. "You really think you can handle it?" he asked, a faint grin playing on his lips as he tried to lighten the mood.

"You kidding?" She shot back instantly, her smile bright and unwavering. "I know I can handle it. That's what partners are for, right?"

His grin widened, genuine and warm this time. "Right." He turned back to the desk, shuffling some papers into a stack. "I suppose I could use a break. Coffee?"

Elaine's smile turned teasing as she stood. "Only if you're not the one making it. I've still got bad memories of that sludge you tried to pass off as coffee last time."

Van raised his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, I'll get Paulette to handle it. But I'm holding you to your word." He paused, eyes meeting hers again. "You're not going anywhere, are you?"

"Not a chance," she replied quietly, her gaze steady and sure. "Not unless you're with me."

For a moment, silence filled the room — a comfortable silence, weighted with unspoken promises. Then, with a small nod, Van moved toward the exit of the office, and Elaine followed close behind, the distance between them shrinking, little by little.

Van pushed open the door, and they stepped out into the hallway of Arkride Solutions. The dim, familiar corridors gave way to the bustling energy of the city beyond, muffled only by the thick glass windows lining the walls. Outside, street lights flickered to life, competing with the last vestiges of the sunset to paint a kaleidoscope of colors across the evening sky.

Elaine matched his stride, her presence beside him feeling almost natural, like she belonged there all along. She stole a quick glance at Van, noting the set of his jaw — the weariness masked by that practiced smile. She knew he was always at his best when things were toughest, and she loved that about him, but there were moments like these when she wished he would just... let someone else step in for once.

"So," Van said, breaking the silence as they stepped into the open air. "Any big plans for the rest of the evening?" His tone was casual, the words an attempt to keep things light, but Elaine caught the undercurrent of fatigue.

She shrugged, falling into step beside him. "Honestly? Just keeping an eye on you." She gave him a sidelong smile. "Making sure you don't wander off into another pile of paperwork the moment I turn my back."

Van laughed, a genuine sound that warmed the air between them. "I'm starting to think you're more persistent than any client I've had."

"Persistent is a kind way of putting it," she teased. "Besides, someone's got to make sure you stay in one piece."

Their banter carried them down the stairs and onto the street. The city lights reflected off the polished cobblestones, giving them a soft glow. Elaine fell into a comfortable silence, allowing Van to lead the way. She knew where they were heading, even before they reached the café at the corner. It was one of those spots they'd found ages ago, during a late-night job that had spiraled into an unexpected evening together.

They reached the entrance, Van holding the door open for her. A small bell chimed as they stepped inside, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods instantly enveloping them. Paulette, the barista, greeted them with a friendly smile from behind the counter.

"Look who's back," Paulette said, eyeing Van with a mischievous glint. "And here I thought you swore off coffee after the last catastrophe."

Van gave her an exaggerated grimace. "Turns out I'm not allowed to make it myself anymore. Elaine's orders."

Elaine shot him a mock glare. "For everyone's safety, Van. You know how it is."

Paulette laughed, already turning to prepare their usual order. "Two coffees, then? You've got it."

Elaine turned to Van, her eyes softening. "You know, I was serious back there. About letting someone else help." She paused, as if weighing her words. "Not just with the work, but... everything."

Van studied her for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I know, Elaine. I do. It's just hard sometimes, to shake that feeling that it's all on me. That if I let someone else in, it'll somehow slip through the cracks."

Elaine reached out, her fingers lightly brushing his arm. "It won't. Not with me. We've got this together."

Van's gaze met hers, and for a second, there was a rawness in his eyes, a vulnerability that rarely made an appearance. "I want to believe that," he said, voice quiet. "I really do."

Elaine smiled, giving his arm a gentle squeeze. "Then let me help you believe it."

As they took their seats by the window, the city's hum providing a soft background, Van felt the weight on his shoulders lessen just a little. Elaine was right — they were partners. Maybe, just maybe, it was time to let that mean something more.