I'm having a good time this week! Why not? Oh, and before anyone asks, this story is told from the general POV of Rean and Class 7, as such, you will not hear the conversations that take place between characters that are not part of Class 7 unless it's important.

Time Off

Arriving in Trista was a thankfully calm affair.

Sara had been roused and announced that Group B would be arriving about an hour later, making Elliot sprint back to the dorm. Everyone else had been curious why he'd run off, but, exhaustion took precedence and they trudged back to their rooms.

Rean did pause before entering his own, a strange sight greeting him.

"Um, Elliot?"

"Yes, Rean?" Came Eliiot's muffled voice.

Rean sighed, "Why do you have locks and chains keeping your door shut?"

"It's not just the door," came the reply, "it's on the windows too."

Rean pinched his nose, he didn't need this right now.

"I think you're being silly, Elliot, why would you need to do that?"

He heard a groan.

"Because, it's been a grand total of two days since Fie last saw me or heard me play. You do the math."

Rean shivered, "Oh."

"Yes, 'oh'. I won't feel safe until I get the last of these on."

Rean sighed, "You know she just misses you. There's no need to go to such lengths."

Elliot sounded resigned, "I know, it looks redundant and desperate, but it's just so weird when someone I've only really known for a month is showing up in my room randomly. And in random states of dress at that!"

Rean blinked, "Uh… what?"

He heard a sigh.

"The day I woke up screaming? When I woke up the dorm? She was sleeping next to me, in nothing but a shirt!"

Rean gulped, "Well… that's… something."

Elliot sighed again, "I just don't know what draws her to me! I mean, I'm not that interesting a person and I'm still a work in progress with my music."

Rean smiled. He was pretty sure that Fie liked him since he was so approachable. Then again, it could be something else.

"Don't sell yourself too short, Elliot. Personally, I think Fie just has good taste."

There was a bang on Elliot's door, "D-don't say it like that! You'll make people think things!"

Rean shrugged, "Let the tongues wag, they already are. But, I guess I'll just wish you luck. Night."

Rean heard a muffled 'Goodnight' before he entered his room. A quick change of clothes and he was lying wide awake, thinking.

Oh, Elliot. You mumble in your sleep and I know everything.

Rean smirked.

You think Fie's cute.

-Morning-

Rean woke promptly.

They may have had the day off, but that didn't mean his own clock didn't keep him on schedule.

I wonder if Fie was able to get in?

He hopped out of his bed and snuck his way towards Eliott's room and almost burst out laughing.

Every chain and lock was on the ground.

Well, that answers that question.

Curious, he tested the handle and found the door unlocked. Opening it as slowly and quietly as he could, Rean took a glance inside.

Now that, that is adorable.

He could see Elliot's bed clearly from the crack he'd made, one of the two occupants sleeping soundly. Elliot was breathing evenly, still asleep, but his… partner was hugging him close. She also happened to be staring at Rean.

Fie mouthed, 'Go away.'

Rean snickered, giving her a thumbs-up before shutting the door.

Elliot was in for quite the surprise. Fleeing back to his room, Rean put on some casual clothes before grabbing his tachi and hurrying outside. The day was going to be clear, barely a cloud in the sky, but Rean ignored the scenery and jogged to the back of the dorm where Laura had already started.

"Sorry I'm late!"

Laura paused in one of her forms before turning to Rean, "It's no issue. I'm surprised to even be up this early."

Rean laughed, "Same here."

Laura gestured to the dummies she's lined up, "Care for a spar? These are wonderful for forms, but not much else."

Rean nodded, "You read my mind."

They took their positions and waited, feeling out their opponents for a weakness. Minutes passed until Rean felt himself twitch.

Laura dashed forward, chopping down. Rean rolled to the side and slashed at her side, but she danced out of the way.

They continued their duet for what felt like hours, slashing and rolling around each other in perfect sync. It was amazing how quick they'd been able to learn each other's habits and ticks in such a short time, the dance long memorized.

Maybe it's because we're so similar? Laura thought while bending under another slash, We're both sword practitioners after all, and we've gotten to know each other for six years.

She drove the hilt the of her sword towards his gut, but he flipped away, "Are you ok, Laura? You're not as crisp or flowing today."

Laura jumped back, "Nothing, just thinking."

Rean smirked, "You want to ask me something?"

Laura smirked too, "Of course, but I don't think I can unless I beat you."

Rean pointed his blade at her, "Very well, if you beat me, without any of your techniques or arts, I'll tell you everything."

Laura smiled, "Deal."

They took their positions again and were just about to start when a scream rent the air.

"FIE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN ELLIOT'S ROOM?!"

Rean sighed, "Well, looks like we'll have to postpone this."

Laura giggled, "Yes, let's go get this sorted out."

They hurried inside to find Emma and Gaius trying to pull Fie and Elliot apart. Alisa was… on the floor laughing.

Laura laughed, "Ah, it's nice to be back."

Rean laughed too, "Yeah, it's good to see them having fun."

They helped separate Fie and Elliot before Emma walked Fie back to her room, scolding her all the while. Elliot just thanked Gaius before they sat down around the second floor's table.

"So, Gaius," Alisa started, "We heard you guys had a hard time the last couple days."

Gaius sighed, "Yes, it was quite a trial. I admit though, it was rather fun all things told."

Alisa giggled, "Do you mind sharing how you guys ended up running from a boulder?"

Laura jumped in, "Oh! And that Soup Renaissance!"

Gaius laughed, "Sure, I don't mind. Those were the fun bits."

He took a deep breath before beginning.

"So, one of our requests brought us to a set of recently unearthed ruins. Getting there wasn't too hard, Emma made sure of that, but going through was… interesting."

Elliot sighed, "Let me guess, Machias and Jusis kept arguing over how to fight the monsters and where to go."

Gaius nodded, "Got it in one. They wouldn't agree on anything, even how we should hold our formations in battle. Unsurprisingly, we had to pull them out of the fire on more than one occasion."

He nodded to his spear, "We did reach the area the request asked us to look at, eventually. It had a small idol in it that looked like one of the slimes and a gauntlet with a dagger. Fie pointed out that there was a mechanism being weighed down by the idol, but Machias and Jusis got into an argument about who should bring it back."

Rean shook his head, "They just grabbed it, didn't they?"

Gaius nodded, "Yep. The mechanism rose up and the area rumbled. A moment later the ceiling began to collapse and I had to grab both Machias and Jusis before Emma hopped on my back. Fie had the good sense to grab the idol, gauntlet, and dagger before we ran."

He shrugged, "I admit, it's not the first time I've had to carry that many people in that way, but people my age are much different than my siblings."

Alisa was in stiches, "Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you're alright, but just the mental image…"

She clutched her gut, trying desperately to hold back her laughs.

Laura and Rean were amused too, and even Elliot was chuckling.

Gaius smirked, "Well, that's just one of our incidents. Want anymore?"

Laura nodded, "Yes, please tell us more about the 'Soup Renaissance'."

A voice interrupted them, "I can tell you that."

Emma and Fie took their seats, Fie latching onto Elliot like usual.

"Alright, Emma, I'll leave this to you."

Emma nodded at Gaius before smiling, "Well, the debacle started when we went to check on one of our secondary assignments."

She nodded to Fie, "She was the one that asked the requester what smelled so good, and I admit, we were all curious. They gave us a rundown about how the smell came from their soup pot and it started this big explanation about ingredients and family rivalries."

Fie spoke up, "Then we got caught up in an argument between the client and another bunch of people. They all wanted the same ingredients that the client was requesting so they asked if we could grab some too."

Fie shrugged, "We didn't have much choice so we left to find the goods."

Emma nodded, still unsure how Fie could hold onto Elliot so affectionately but still be blank faced.

"Yes, after that we went out on the highway to track down the ingredients. After a few close scrapes we were able to gather everything we needed, but…"

Fie finished, "Machias and Jusis happened."

Emma sighed, "Yes. They got into an argument, again, about whether it was Jusis's 'duty' to carry the goods or if Machias would do it by 'his own hands'."

Laura giggled, "They sound like a joy to work with."

Gaius shrugged, "I wouldn't use quite those words."

Fie was much blunter, "They're a pain."

Emma just laughed awkwardly, "Well, I got them on track with a couple whacks so all was well. Anyway, when we got back, the clients rushed us and tried to grab the ingredients to, in their words, 'make the true soup'.

She laughed, "They ended up sending the ingredients flying into the various pots and pans they'd set up rather randomly. Some of them took on shades resembling sepith, others remained the same, and a few took on a… 'deadly' aura."

Gaius took over, "And from there, they started proclaiming that they'd found the road to a new world of soup and stew before rewarding us with a bow we didn't need and a belt along with mira and sepith."

Fie held up her hand, "I still have the bow, gauntlet, and dagger. Any takers?"

Alisa held up her hand, "I'll take the bow!"

Laura held up her hand, "I'll take the gauntlet and dagger, they'll be good for my collection."

Fie nodded, "Ok, I'll bring them by later."

Rean blinked, "What about the belt?"

Gaius pointed to his room, "I have it. It's pretty useful."

Rean nodded, "Well, since Laura and I have sparred already, is anyone up for some food at Kirsche's?"

A collective yes was his answer and the friends walked out the door, eager to get some breakfast. They didn't pay attention to Machias watching the group with melancholic eyes.

Two of them are nobles, He tried to reason, And the others are sympathizers. They haven't seen a noble's evils, but I won't be swayed.

He shut his door and got back to studying, trying to fill a growing pit with his anger.

-Later that Day-

Rean was walking up to the Student Union building to meet up with Gaius for some lunch when a voice called him.

"Yo! You a first year?"

Rean turned to face the speaker, "Yes, I am. And you are?"

The young man grinned, "The name's Crow, glad to meet ya."

He held out a hand that Rean shook, "It's a pleasure, Crow. But, do you need something?"

Crow smirked, "Oh, I just wanted to ask if you had fifty mira on you."

Rean blinked, "Uh, yeah."

Crow pulled off his bag, "Sweet! Can I have it? I want to see if you can catch my trick."

Rean considered before shrugging, why not?

He handed the coin to Crow before Crow put the coin and his hands behind his back. A moment later he started to juggle the coin between his fingers, but Rean caught a flash fall towards the bag.

"So," Crow began, "Which hand's the coin in?"

Rean pretended to think before smirking, "Neither."

Crow blinked, "Are you sure?"

Rean nodded.

Crow smiled, "Well… you're right."

He opened both of his hands to show no coin, "You're the first to figure out I didn't have the coin. How'd you know?"

Rean smiled, "I saw a glint fall towards the bag, told me you'd dropped the coin. It's really clever."

Crow laughed, "Wow, you actually saw that. I gave you too little credit, Rean Schwarzer."

Rean blinked, "How do you...?"

"Know your name? Most every second year knows the names of Class VII, you've got us all interested."

He reached into his bag, "Well, guess I'll…"

His face morphed into shock.

"Uh… Hate to say this but… I think your coin rolled off."

Rean shook away his shock, was Crow really a second year?

Crow rubbed the back of his head, "Hate to say it, but all I have is a ten coin. I'll pay you back for that, eventually."

He picked up his bag and walked away, "See you around, Rean!"

Rean just watched him go, dumbfounded. Were all second years so… unique?

It didn't matter, he needed to meet up with Gaius. Entering the Union building, Rean stopped and stared at what he was seeing.

Gaius and Alisa were across from each other, canvases in front of them, and a small crowd around them.

"Uh, what's going on?"

A red haired girl, Monica if he was right, saw him. "Oh, hello, Rean. Alisa wanted to see if she could paint as well as Gaius and they decided to start a friendly wager."

"Ah," Rean nodded, "And what're the stakes?"

Monica shrugged, "Something like Gaius has to teach Alisa if she loses while Gaius has to play lacrosse when he's free if she wins. I'm not too sure if that's it, but I got here a bit after it started."

Rean wanted to comment on that, but another voice interrupted him.

"Done!"

Alisa was done, apparently, and Gaius called his own complete a moment later

"Alright, Gaius! Prepare to be blown away!"

Alisa turned the canvas around for all to see, receiving some appreciative murmurs and applause.

She'd created a good recreation of the Grand Market, with only a few spots here and there smudged while the detail was good.

"Aye, Alisa! Isae good job, ya city girl!"

A green haired girl had shouted that.

"Thanks, Becky!"

Ah, Rean thought, So that's Becky.

Gaius gave the painting a once over, "Not bad, Alisa. You have a pretty good memory if Becky thinks it's good."

Alisa giggled, "Thanks! Now it's your turn!"

Gaius nodded and turned his painting to the audience to almost immediate gasps and applause.

He'd created a near perfect replication of the Thors building, capturing the authority and stately elegance of the old building marvelously.

Damn, Gaius, Rean thought. You probably just put anyone else here to shame.

Alisa finally got a good luck and gasped, "Gaius, that's lovely!"

Gaius shrugged, "Oh, it's nothing that great. If anything, I screwed up on a few of the details."

Alisa would have none of that, "Your work is amazing! You won this little bet by a landslide!"

Gaius chuckled, "I believe that I have to teach you now, correct? I don't think the winner is usually the one doing the task."

Alisa laughed too, "True, but I insist. I really want to learn how to paint like that, it'd be a good hobby along with lacrosse."

Gaius smiled, "Oh, I never said I wouldn't do it. Besides, I'll still join you for lacrosse, It'll be good extra training for my spear."

The crowd had dispersed by now, so Rean walked up. "Hey there, glad to see you guys enjoying yourselves."

Alisa smiled, "Hey, Rean! Were you here to meet Gaius?"

Rean nodded, "Yep, but I see you two need to work out schedules. I'll go see if I can find Emma."

Gaius nodded, "She said she wanted to help Fie with her studies though, so now may not be the best time."

A voice interrupted, "Um, actually, could you help me, Rean?"

Rean turned to face a nervous Monica, "Sure, what do you need, Monica?"

Monica glanced away, "Well, I heard from Laura that you've been helping her with swimming since around the time school started, so…"

Rean nodded, "Sure, I'll help time you. But, if you want more tips on swimming itself, you'll have to ask Laura."

Monica nodded, "That's fine. I want to get some work in today, but Klein can't time me."

Rean turned back to Gaius and Alisa, "Well, I'll talk to you guys later. Have a good day."

Gaius nodded, but Alisa giggled.

"Just make sure Laura doesn't see you guys. I doubt she'd like it."

Alisa wiggled her eyebrows for emphasis but Rean missed the point.

"I don't see why she wouldn't like it. I'm just helping someone; someone she happens to know."

Alisa sighed while Monica blushed. She spoke after Rean and Monica left.

"And that's the reason I respect Laura."

Gaius glanced at her, "Oh?"

Alisa laughed, "She has to have the patience of a saint to like that dense idiot."

Gaius smirked, "Agreed."

-Rean-

I feel like someone is insulting my intelligence.

Rean shook his head and signaled Monica to start. Compared to Laura, she was a lamb trying to outswim a shark, but as the laps continued she did get better. In addition, it seemed that the Fencing Club wasn't meeting today so he could get in some practice after this.

Monica's head popped up next to where he was sitting, "Time?"

Rean glanced at his stopwatch, "Eighteen."

"Damn," Monica muttered, "I'm almost eight seconds behind."

Rean gave her a kind smile, "Hey, you only really started doing this recently, right? Laura's been at it for years and lives next to a lake at that. I'd be surprised if she wasn't quick."

Monica blew bubbles, not wanting to speak.

"Actually, why do you want to get so fast?"

Monica pulled herself onto the poolside with a sigh, "That's… private, Rean. I know you want to help, but I'd prefer to keep that to myself."

Rean shrugged, "No problem, just thought I'd ask."

Monica eyed him before smiling, "I see why Laura talks about you so fondly."

Rean hummed, "She does?"

Monica laughed, "Oh, yes. She speaks about you often and uses you as an example. To be honest, I'd almost call her star struck."

Rean laughed, "Laura? Star struck? You're pulling my leg."

Monica pouted, "No, I'm serious! I haven't seen someone that enraptured since my cousin got married!"

Rean blushed, "Uh, Monica, that's a bit…"

Monica gasped, "Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to imply…"

Rean waved her off, "Don't worry about it, everyone in class likes to tease me about it."

Monica put a hand on his shoulder, "Well, just think about what I said, ok? You may not see it, but I really think you're special to Laura. Really special."

Rean shrugged, "I've known her through correspondence for six years, Monica. There's not a lot I don't know about her."

Monica giggled, "Yes, I suppose that would be true-"

A slammed door made them both jump, Monica falling back into the pool with a splash.

Rean scammed the pool area, "What was that?"

Monica came up sputtering, "I-I think it c-came from t-the changing r-room."

Rean made sure Monica was ok before dashing through the men's changing room and into the lobby, catching a glimpse of sapphire disappearing into the Fencing Club's room.

Laura?

He walked toward the door slowly, careful to make sure it was Laura. When he was close enough, he could hear Laura's muffled voice.

"I'm not jealous, I'm not jealous, I'm not jealous…"

Every statement was punctuated by a sword chopping through the air, the mantra repeating itself like it had been used several times before.

Why would Laura be jealous? Monica and I were just talking…

Something clicked in his head.

While she was in a swimsuit, wet, and had a hand on me. Oh, Aidios help me, she isjealous.

Sadly, the second switch didn't flip.

But, why be jealous and not embarrassed?

He shook his head, now wasn't the time to think on that. May as well finish their spar from this morning.

He knocked on the door before walking in, "Laura?"

She was out of her overcoat from that morning and was panting, but didn't speak for a moment.

"…Rean?"

Rean grabbed a tachi on one of the stands, skirting around the riled Laura, "I saw you come in here, are you ok?"

Laura grit her teeth, "I'm fine."

Rean felt his face go blank, "No, you're not. You only get riled when something's bothering you bad."

Laura growled, usual serenity broken by a face of frustration, "Are you going to sit there and talk, or do something about it?"

She jabbed her blade toward him, making Rean frown. This went beyond frustration, she was outright angry. Furthermore, this was not the cold fury she had when one of her friends got hurt, this was more emotional.

This was raw; this is what she hid behind her formal talking and calm face.

Rean felt… exhilarated.

"Alright then. Let's do something about it."

He drew the blunt tachi, "Defeat me, and I'll explain everything about what I've been hiding. But if I win, you tell me what's got you in such a rage."

He glared, "Deal?"

Laura grimaced, the action sharpening her usually smooth features.

"Deal."

Rean took his position, but had to raise his blade to deflect a hard slash from Laura. He rolled away from the follow up and slammed his blade into her side. She ignored the blow and kept attacking, swinging wildly.

Rean felt himself grow more detached from the battle as she attacked, countering with his own jabs and strikes when she revealed an opening. This wasn't Laura. This wasn't the beautiful young woman that he'd befriended years ago.

This was an emotion making itself known, and ruining someone's years of work and dedication in its path to destroy.

He leapt back and put the tachi in one hand, not moving when Laura rushed for his head.

"Eight Blades School: Second Form."

He vanished.

"Arcane Gale!"

He reappeared behind a still Laura, sheathing the tachi with a slow breath as Laura collapsed, bruises appearing on her arms and legs.

"I win."

-A short time later-

Laura woke slowly, blinking the fuzz from her eyes as the world spun.

"What… happened?"

She thought for another moment before clarity flowed through her and she shot up.

"Rean!"

A splitting headache greeted her sudden movement and Laura groaned before slumping back onto a soft substance.

"Take it slow, Laura, I went a bit overboard."

Laura felt her vision clear further and she felt heat rise in her cheeks. Rean had volunteered himself as a lap pillow.

Rean was too concerned to care though, "Are you feeling ok? I know the headache's a pain, but is there anything else hurting?"

Laura tried to move her arms and legs but hissed when her right arm moved, "I think my arm's cracked."

Rean cursed, "Looks like I'll need to take you to the infirmary. I'm not looking forward to that lecture."

Laura tried to chuckle but felt her lungs burn, "You weren't kidding when you said you went overboard."

Rean rubbed his head, "Well, you were gunning for me pretty hard, kinda had to pull out the old bag of tricks."

Laura was silent, looking away from Rean's eyes.

"Please, Laura. Tell me what's wrong. We're friends, right?"

Laura sighed, if only that was just the case.

I want us to be so much more. She thought.

But, she decided to tell him. Not the actual problem, but enough to satisfy him.

"I… can't help but be jealous of the people here."

Rean blinked, "Really? Why?"

Laura sighed, "Many of them have things outside of this that interest them, that define them. I've only felt the want, the need, to get stronger. I've never really been drawn to anything else. Our correspondence was a wonderful time and I'm glad to know you, but I can't help but feel jealous for losing out on them."

Rean sighed before flicking her on the forehead.

"What was that for?"

Rean chuckled, "Oh, you're just cute is all."

Laura blushed hard, "E-excuse me?"

Rean laughed again, "You haven't lost them yet, there's no need to feel jealous. Actually, why don't you join me when I go fishing later this week?"

Laura felt herself smile and sat up enough to give Rean a hug.

"I'd like that."

Rean returned the hug, just enjoying her presence.

All the while ignoring a crying noise from outside the room.

Speaking of.

-Alisa and Co.-

"They're so cute it's poisonous!"

Alisa was biting hard on a handkerchief, trying to keep her voice muffled. Emma stood off to the side trying to calm her down while Elliot now had Fie on his back.

Gaius just watched, internally amused.

"So… anyone else want in on that bet?"

Elliot's voice got everyone's attention.

"Bet?" Gaius asked.

Elliot nodded, "Yep, Alisa and I have a pool going on when they'll finally get their heads out of the sand."

Gaius smirked, "Sure, I'll join."

Fie nodded against Elliot's back, "Same."

Emma wasn't so sure, "I don't know…"

Alisa smirked, "Come on, Emma, it's all in good fun."

She nodded towards the door, "Besides, aren't you just as supportive as us?"

Emma sighed, "Fine."

And thus, the true Rean and Laura Couple Bet was formed.

It would die within three weeks.

Ch. End

Ah, that was fun! Here's hoping everyone enjoys! Also, those things Group B picked up are important, I'll let you figure out why.

See everyone next time and thanks for all the kind words!