Well, we had a real doozy of a time last time, no? How oh how will we resolve this spat and heal the wounds inflicted?

Only one way to find out.

Into the story!

Little Progress

Rean wasn't sure how long he'd sat by the tree after the fight.

All he knew was that someone was bound to come looking for him and there was no way he'd be ready to talk. Or even bear the inevitable scorn.

So, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, he set off down the highway. While not having a sword out here was likely a bad idea, he knew how to use his fists and the monsters near Trista were docile.

Letting his feet guide him, Rean began to mutter. "I don't need protection. I'm not a glass statue or anything like that. Why does she think that I can't decide on things myself?"

Laura knew about his propensity for self-sacrifice, but so did his parents, Elise, and the other Sevens. Rean knew it was a bad habit too, but damn it, he wanted those he cared about to be safe. If that meant sacrificing himself, so be it.

"Why can't she see that's why I train so hard?" Rean mumbled as he paused on a bridge. "The whole point of becoming strong is to make it so I never have to sacrifice myself. If I'm strong enough, I can deal with anything that threatens them and still make it out the other side."

Sighing, he continued on his way. Dusk was setting in, but Rean could still see the walls of Trista behind him, small though they were at this distance.

It wouldn't be long before they started searching for him.

"I could really use some advice." Rean groaned, going off the road a bit to climb a hill. "How do I make her see that I don't need her deciding things for me? That I can take care of myself? How… how can I convince her that we're equals, not a knight and their charge?"

That was ultimately the crux of his anger. At first, they'd been equals, both in school and spars. Then came the field studies were he'd first shown so called 'bad habit'. Then the strange artifacts and the Old Schoolhouse. Then the confession and the feelings and so much… crap.

It was such a twisted knot, Rean didn't know where to begin untangling it.

"Maybe it's just me." Rean muttered when no advice was forthcoming. Talking to the wind didn't make for engaging discussion. "Maybe I'm just not supposed to be close to people. Not with these trances, or that voice I keep hearing, or… that."

He gripped at his chest, the scar there twinging in discomfort. "Maybe it'd be best if I just went off and lived like Master Ka Fai. No real attachments, just following the wind. I wouldn't have to feel like I'm drowning if I did that."

Sadly, Rean knew that wouldn't work. The regret would drive him to madness long before he could ever attempt to be like Master Ka Fai. Also, he was no coward, but this was a big first for him and he just didn't know how to react.

The sound of hooves on cobblestone made him glance to the road. The orbal lights had flicked on, showing a dark horse with a blonde man astride it. "Mr. Schwarzer, what are you doing out here?"

"Instructor Neithardt," Rean said, surprised to see the man. "Why are you on a horse?"

The instructor dismounted and strode up the hill, usual stoic expression in place. "I overslept on the way back from Heimdallr and missed the station. Had to rent out this poor guy to carry me all the way here."

Rean tilted his head, confused. "Missing a stop? That doesn't sound like you Instructor."

Neithardt shrugged and took a seat next to him. "I'm still human Schwarzer, regardless of what my comrades think. What about you? Never seen you this miserable before, or well dressed."

Rean sighed and leaned back, staring at the stars. Neithardt was a rational man and wouldn't be biased, perhaps he could help Rean sort himself out. "Well… you know how Laura and I started going out?"

Neithardt nodded and Rean started the story. How they'd decided to go on their first formal date that day, the class going nuts, and the lovely meal that followed. Then he got into their time at the tree where they'd gone from bliss to rage, the day falling apart like wet paper.

Neithardt listened with all the patience of a counselor. Once Rean was done, he shook his head. "Well, I've heard from friends of mine that have girlfriends talk about fights, but this sounds a lot more serious. It's a fundamental disagreement over how each of you see the relationship, and by the looks of it, not something that'll be easily resolved."

"I just don't understand." Rean grumbled. "I wouldn't even be here if I couldn't handle myself, no one would. Yet, it's like… I'm a child that needs to be protected. I don't deny I would die for my loved ones, but every soldier or warrior worth the title would say the same."

Neithardt hummed, silence falling while he thought. Rean kept his eyes on the stars, lost in his own head.

"…It probably has to do with both your past and hers."

Rean snapped back to reality, but felt himself glare at Neithardt. "How so?"

Neithardt leaned back, hands sinking into the grass. "Well, I mean that you both have something that's not letting you look at this from an objective angle. It's something you both hold near and dear to your hearts. Why else would you both be stubborn enough to keep escalating?"

He sighed. "I don't know what it is, obviously, but maybe saying it out loud can help you. As for Laura, well, apologies are always a start, but I personally would want her to apologize as well."

"After all, you're both at fault for this falling out. Now you both must fix it, damn whatever your friends may say. Society has taught us to be men and bare the sting of humiliation, but that's not the way to mend the wounds."

Rean stared at the older man. "That's… not what I expected to hear. I thought you'd say to just go and apologize… or grovel if this was Alisa."

Neithardt huffed. "No, I wouldn't tell you to do that. It sounds like you want an equal relationship and doing nothing but please one side at the expense of your feelings isn't equal. Frankly, if that's what Lady Arseid requires to continue this relationship, I'd end it."

Rean's jaw dropped, expecting that comment even less. "W-what? But I don't want to end this, I love Laura! I've never been happier then with her, that's why this is so… confusing and infuriating!"

"Then figure yourself out." Neithardt countered. "You do yourself and Laura no good trying to rush this. Find the thread that's tying you down, unwind it, and then try again. It doesn't matter how long it takes, especially since I've seen many come home from leave muttering about divorce only to realize over their tour it was a silly problem."

Rean continued to stare at the instructor before looking back to the sky and spotting the moon. "It's late. Instructor… thank you for listening to me and giving some advice. I… I don't know if it'll end up helping, but I promise to try."

Neithardt nodded and stood. "That's all that can be asked right now. I'd say it's about 23:00 though, so we'd best head back."

Rean felt a yawn rise but he forced it away. "Mind giving me a ride? I'd prefer everyone asleep before I try going into the dorm."

Neithardt nodded and helped Rean stand. Class VII, for all its antics and skill, was not known to be rational when emotionally charged. Considering they'd been getting the date set up for so long only to have it blow up spectacularly, they'd be pissed.

The trip back was made in silence, not a soul about the streets this late at night. Much to Rean's relief, the lights on all save the ground floor of the dorm were extinguished. He could put off the yelling for now.

"I assume you have another way to get in." Neithardt stated as Rean dismounted. "I'll go in and get the other side of the story. Should keep them from checking on your room while you climb."

Rean bowed in thanks before sneaking around to the side of the dorm building. Testing the bricks, he found the usual handholds and clambered up to his balcony. He didn't open the windows immediately though, instead extending his senses to the absolute limit.

It wouldn't do to have Fie catch him off guard after all.

Unfortunately, someone was in there, but it was none of his friends. Sighing, Rean pried the window opened and slipped in, the lights popping on to show a stoic Sara. "You here to chew me out?"

"Not yet," Sara answered. "If I know anything, it's to not jump to conclusions in a lovers' spat. I've heard Laura's side, sobs and all, so now I need to hear yours."

Rean was glad for the mercy. "Then take a seat, it's a long story."

Sara grabbed the desk chair and sat, Rean flopping onto his bed. After a moment of silence, he reiterated his side of the fight, voice growing lower and heavier until it sounded like he was choking.

Once done, Sara hummed. "Yeah… I'm not surprised now. From what it sounds like, you both believe the other to be bull-headed and not letting you be yourselves. Add on the protective instincts, respective complexes, and a bad case of lovesickness and we get this mess."

She sighed when Rean didn't answer. "Look, I'm the last person to ask for relationship advice, but I can say that you shouldn't let this stop you from loving Laura. I told her the same thing, especially since you've both seen the good side ever since you started exchanging letters."

Sara smiled and stood. "You're just seeing the rough edges now, and there's nothing bad about that. Just figure yourselves out and I'm sure everything will be fine."

She strode for the door but threw a wink over her shoulder. "No one's perfect. If you can accept the flaws in someone, know that you can't change them, and still love them, then you've found the one. That may be a bit heavy, but think on it ok?"

Rean didn't answer, only locking his door when Sara was gone. After that, he just laid on his bed and thought.

He had a feeling this would be his nights for a while.

-Night of July 17-

Rean hated being right at times.

Over the course of nearly a month, he and Laura had barely spoken beyond greetings. While the time away from her had been helping him sort his own thoughts out, the silence and unease was beyond stressful.

Then there were their friends. As Rean expected, most of them were firmly on Laura's side since they'd both heard her story first and been allowed to come to their own conclusions when Rean hadn't been brave enough to face them.

He'd received both angry glares and mutters the morning after, but they'd each given him a dressing down over the coming days. Rean simply bore with it, but the anger had remained even after they'd let him have it.

Well, Elliot was kind enough to listen first, and acted as a soundboard when Rean needed to vent after the latest yelling session.

Considering he'd been through at least a dozen by that point, Rean swore to do something for the guy, come hell or high water.

That anger though eventually gave way to worry. After the second week of barely talking to Laura, the others finally got it into their heads that something must've been said by Laura if Rean, a notorious nice guy, hadn't already apologized.

Rean, oddly spiteful, refused to give them the time of day. If they wanted to jump to conclusions and act on them, they could shove trying to repent. No apology was worth sitting through multiple screaming sessions, or that one-time Alisa used him as target practice.

It didn't matter that everyone, Laura included, told her off for it. That had made an already foul mood even worse, and his sparring partner for that day's combat class made sure to let Alisa know after they got out of the infirmary.

Regardless, Rean was starting to get sick of everything. He'd been forced to race Laura in the pool for class, but even his by-a-hair victory had done nothing but get him stoic congratulations.

Now, he just wanted to go to bed and put the whole situation out of his head.

We just had to be bullheaded, just had to come from families that valued protecting loved ones. Just had to love each other to the point we think we know what's best for the other…

Rean had his revelation today, after talking Kenneth. The laid-back boy had essentially used fish metaphors to explain that Rean was, in his own way, trying to control others. Trying to hide behind self-sacrifice, he just wanted others to look up to and count on him.

It was an entirely selfish thought process when the fish were the ones who decided to bite, not the angler.

Damn it, now I'm thinking in Kenneth. But… he's right. I really shouldn't try and make decisions on my own, especially when it affects so many others. I want to be independent… but I need to be better at showing why.

A sigh filled the air and Rean stretched. Hopefully he wouldn't have to deal with too much tomorrow but, knowing the assignments that were bound to be waiting for him, he would be dealing with rumors.

Seeing the smug looks on the Class I people was bad enough as was, but even more so when it seemed everyone had long decided he was in the wrong here, even with the other Sevens coming around.

Tomorrow is not going to be fun.

Then again, nothing's been good since that night.

-Morning-

I need to stop being right about these things.

Rean sighed as he slumped on a bench, already exhausted before the sun had even reached its zenith. He'd had to run down Rex after he found Fidelio worrying over the boy's bad habit of taking pictures without permission, no one all that willing to help unless he begged.

Then, he'd had to get Alan to realize that, yes, he could fight and was indeed worth something. Damn Patrick and his smugness, but at least it lit a fire of determination under the other boy's hind. Now if Bridget would just stop glaring at him like he'd done some crime, that'd be great!

Apparently, Laura had already made an even greater impression of the students at large, the girls especially. Why else would they whisper around him when he was a well-known gofer?

Anyway, his current exhaustion was two-fold. After the mental fatigue of dealing with those first tasks, he'd decided to check in with Instructor Neithardt. More advice wasn't a bad thing after all.

That turned out to be a mistake.

The man had heard that, Rean excluded, the other male Sevens had been whipped by the girls in swimming. This apparently insulted him, so he dragged the guys into 'man training' or something to that effect. All Rean knew was that he'd never been so sore in his life, thus the pit stop.

As he sat there, whispers from passing students barely registered. Truly, he'd never been so annoyed by people in all his life, especially since he knew the next part of the day wouldn't be fun either.

Staring at his hand, Rean decided to bite the bullet and pull out his ARCUS. But, rather than call everyone individually, he called Sara. "Instructor, can you get everyone to gather by the Old Schoolhouse? I got another request from the principal."

"Why call me?" Sara asked. "Don't you usually just call the others?"

Rean sighed and stood. "I'm not ready to get things back to normal with them. They made their bed, so they'll lie in it until I say otherwise."

"Spiteful," Sara chirped, "but not surprising. If it helps, I did tell them to hear your side of things."

Rean groaned and started for the Old Schoolhouse. "Yes, you did, at least a dozen times. It doesn't stop me from being mad, and I won't stop being mad until everything's at least somewhat settled."

Sara laughed over the line. "Yeah, well, hopefully that's not too much longer. I need you lot on speaking terms before the practical and field study. Don't want a repeat of Byronia Island."

Rean groaned before thanking Sara and closed his ARCUS. There were still whispers whenever someone saw him, but Rean ignored them until he found himself staring at the petite form of Towa, the second-year blocking the way to the Schoolhouse. "Can I help you, President? I'm off to do the principal's task right now."

Towa stared Rean down, a puffy frown on her face. "I wanted to hear what all these rumors were about. It's been bad enough hearing all the nasty things getting whispered normally, but it's been all about you lately. What's going on?"

Rean wanted to scoop her into his arms and hug her until she popped. Damn if they couldn't weaponize that pouty face, but he'd heard the priest declare it a sin to do so earlier that weak. That, and if she did pop, the perpetrator would be tried for a crime against humanity as they'd yet to succeed in cloning her.

It may sound silly, but not if you listened to the other second years. They were honestly considering it.

"I can't really say," Rean eventually said. "It's very much personal, and you know how people are. There could be a slight delay on a produce delivery and they'd start thinking the world was ending."

Towa's frown deepened. "Are you sure? You've been really gloomy ever since your date happened, and I don't want my friends to be sad."

Rean smiled sardonically. "Well, I'm glad to hear you call me that, but this is between me and Laura. I won't stop you from trying to help, but I just don't know if anyone besides ourselves can sort out the issues. Thanks for the want though, that makes me feel better."

Towa's frown turned to a glare before she ran forward and hugged Rean. Rean wasn't expecting the impact and all he could do was stare at her. "Um… what are you doing?"

"Trying to make you feel better." Towa mumbled into his jacket. "My parents always said that hugs make people feel better, even when they don't want to."

Rean felt flattered. "That's very kind of you, Towa, but you're making people stare. I have enough trouble without even more salacious rumors popping up."

Towa squeaked and jumped back, a light blush on her cheeks. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry! I just wanted to help and… probably just made it worse."

"You're fine," Rean assured. "Just head on back and leave the tasks to me. Everything will be fine, I promise."

Towa didn't look all that sure, but she nodded and left. Rean took a moment to compose himself before getting back on the path, his mind sinking into deep thought even as he reached the Schoolhouse and took a seat on the lone bench.

After ten minutes of contemplation bordering on meditation, the first classmate arrived.

"Hey Rean," Elliot greeted as he took a seat. "Still mad at the world?"

Rean opened his eyes and nodded. "Well, yeah, but that's no surprise. They're all still too proud to get the other side. Or too scared."

Elliot smiled awkwardly. "Well, I mean, you did go hide on the highway for a long time. Being who they are, they probably thought an innocent had no reason to hide."

"Then they haven't been paying attention in history." Rean muttered. "Or just chose to forget. Look, thanks for trying, but I just want this to be done. I may be ready to try with Laura, but I don't think she is, and that precludes fixing anything else."

Elliot grimaced, but no further conversation was forthcoming. Instead, Rean passed Elliot the request paper and let the boy read it as a group of Sevens arrived. Rean didn't bother looking at them, even as Elliot greeted them. "Paula, Gaius, Emma, good to see you so early. Thought it would take a little longer what with your activities."

Emma looked very uncomfortable, eyes flicking to Rean as she spoke. "Well… you know, Dorothy got engrossed in her reading… so… here I am…"

Paula, blunt as ever, nodded to Rean. "He still stewing?"

Elliot shrugged. "Well, after all the yelling, would you want to speak to anyone?"

Paula grimaced, knowing that her yelling had caused more trouble than it was worth. "Right…"

"Well, what are we here for?" Gaius asked, preferring to focus on the task at hand. "I assumed it was another expedition."

Elliot passed him the paper, the trio reading it in turn before sighing.

"Thank Aidios I brought my axe." Paula groused, patting the weapon slung over her shoulder. "Here I thought it would be firewood but looks like it'll be monsters instead."

Gaius chuckled, but turned to wave at the next arrivals. "Fie and Alisa, good to see you early for once. Ready for another trip down the rabbit hole?"

Fie shrugged in response, but Alisa had a glower directed at Rean. "Will he sulk the whole time?"

"So long as you don't shoot him, I'd bet on it." Fie drawled, making Alisa look away in shame. "I know I've asked before, but what possessed you to do that?"

Alisa kept her gaze on the ground, not answering. Emma clapped her hands after a moment of silence, clearly not wanting this to drag on. "Anyway, we just need Jusis and Laura to join us, but we may as well start strategizing. Who wants to get Paula up to speed?"

Alisa gladly volunteered, taking Paula away for a quick briefing. Meanwhile the others began their strategy meeting, Rean only speaking when pointing out flaws in a plan or giving his opinion. He'd never really held a grudge before, but it certainly wasn't fun.

Then again, he knew better than most that anger changed people.

About fifteen minutes into the meeting, the final Sevens arrived. Jusis gave his greetings alongside Laura, but everyone could see that Laura had placed herself as far from Rean as she could while still being part of the group.

Those not in the middle of a spat sighed silently. They'd all admit that they'd jumped to conclusions in regard to this fight and made it almost impossible for either party to come asking for advice.

They couldn't help but wonder how the next month would work out, especially since they'd doubtlessly be on the rails again soon enough.

-Evening, Laura-

Why did things have to happen to them at the most inopportune times?

Laura sighed as she ran for the Old Schoolhouse. Their expedition that day had gone off without a hitch, minus the continued mystery of the new floors and that strange door that barred their way, so that was good.

The bad being she hadn't gotten the stomach to go and apologize to Rean.

While she was still miffed about their fight, as the weeks had gone by, she'd found herself longing for Rean's company. One of the saddest days of the year had been when he hadn't come to see her at the swim club's weekly meeting and sat on the opposite end of the table at dinner.

At first, anger and the vindication of having her classmates on her side had dulled the ache in her heart. But, then began the screaming and scolding, Laura rendered mute at the vitriol Rean had been met with. It had been bad enough that she'd felt compelled to inform her father of the events, praying his advice would get things back to normal.

Instead, she'd gotten her own reprimand. Father made it very clear that there was fault on both sides and that she'd need to look deep if a solution was to be found.

That was what led to the next few weeks of silence and growing regret. All the while, that voice in her head had stepped up its attempts to convince her to take its offer, Laura's protests weakening the longer this went on.

Add on the rumors that had been born, the increased frequency of the trances during training, and Alisa getting it in her head to use Rean as target practice…

Well, Laura's had a stressful few weeks, just like Rean.

Now, here she was, racing to catch up to Rean once again as they tried to track down his wayward little sister. No one knew why the younger Schwarezer had come to Thors, but they did know that the girl had gotten upset at Rean for his poor mood and run off, only to get lost.

Now though, they knew she'd somehow gotten into the Old Schoolhouse, and that was a recipe for disaster considering the girl was unarmed.

Laura skidded into the Old Schoolhouse, Paula and Jusis hot on her heels. "What's going on, did they find her?"

Emma shook her head and gestured for them to join the congregation on the platform. "We think so, but there's been gunshots and what sounded like crumbling stone. Rean, Crow, and Patrick Hyarms went down the floors earlier, but Alisa's having trouble getting the console to work."

Laura growled and marched over to Alisa, ignoring Sara and Principal Vandyck. "What's going on? Why can't you get this thing moving?"

"The damn thing isn't responding!" Alisa snarled back, smacking the console to prove it. "It's like something's locked it out of operation, kind of like if a belt in a windmill gets caught the whole thing shuts down."

Laura clearly didn't approve of that answer but could do nothing about it. That helplessness made her mind call back to the fight she'd had with Rean and it made her resolve solidify.

She'd get stronger. She would protect Rean. It wasn't a matter of whether he wanted it or not, it was a matter of if it was needed.

And damn if that wasn't the case right now.

As if hearing her thoughts, the console lit up and the room hummed with power. Alisa gave a whoop of glee before smacking the button for the fifth floor.

The lift jolted before rumbling into the depths, the class drawing weapons alongside Sara and Vandyck. Seeing the principal heft a huge claymore like a toy was something to see, but everyone was focused and ready to fight.

Except, when they arrived, they found Rean cradling an unconscious Elise in his arms while Crow tended to a wound on his side. Nearby lay Patrick, the noble scuffed up and his sword bloody from a wound on his hand.

"Rean!" Laura yelled the moment the left came to a stop. "What happened?!"

Rean looked up, eyes haunted enough to make Laura freeze. "Oh… hey guys. The, uh, door opened. Had a big… suit of armor I guess that attacked Elise. Crow, Patrick, and I took it down, but Elise took a bad hit."

The monotone of his voice made Laura's worry multiply ten-fold, but Emma rushed past her and began checking Elise. After a moment, she looked to Rean. "She's fine, just knocked out. I don't see anything wrong with her besides that, but we should go see Instructor Beatrix to be sure."

Rean nodded and stood, but Crow took Elise from his arms. "Hold on kid, you've taken a lot of hits too. I'll get your sister upstairs with your friends, but you need to go rest."

He put a hand on Rean's shoulder when he tried to protest. "She'll be a right bit better after some rest and so will you. Talk when you have the ability, not when you're about to fall over."

Rean didn't get to protest before he stumbled, Laura diving in to catch him. Crow, with his point proven, looked to the others. "I'll explain on the way up. Can one of you grab Sir Galahad over there? The git made a mess of himself trying to help."

Gaius jogged off to grab the fallen noble before everyone piled onto the lift and began to ascend, listening to Crow the whole time.

Well, except Laura, she was talking to Rean. "Are you sure you're ok?"

Rean's head bobbed, the boy clearly exhausted. "About… as well as I can be… after getting smacked by that club the armor called a sword."

Laura was not amused. "Rean, this is what I meant when I said I need to come with you. I've never doubted you can take care of yourself, the problem's when you let emotion rule over reason. You run off half-cocked trying to help someone, end up biting off more than you can chew, and nearly die because of it."

Rean looked to protest that, but Laura shushed him. "I know I'm no better, but that's why we work as a team. We're here for you Rean, I'm here for you. All I ask is that you don't just run off, and if you do, at least bring people with you. You don't have to fight alone."

Rean took in that heartfelt appeal, his mind bleary. Then, he sighed, exhaustion soon to claim him.

"You… don't understand, Laura… You still don't… understand…"

Laura stared at him, his words making no sense to her. "What? Rean, what do you mean I don't understand?"

Rean's eyes drooped closed, final words a whisper that barely reached her. "How… could I ever explain… when you… refuse to see…"

Laura's eyes widened, but Rean was unconscious. "Rean, explain yourself! What am I not seeing?!"

"Rean!"

Ch. End

Think I'll call it there. For those of you looking forward to the scene with Elise and Patrick, I apologize for its absence, but I have a better use for it in a later scene. As for now, I hope you enjoy this offering where we explore the initial aftermath of the fight and what the two in question are going through.

For those of you questioning the anger from the Sevens, please remember that they've clearly been influenced by an outside force (artifacts, trances, etc.) so they may act out of character in extreme situations.

Well, a big fight between a couple isn't 'extreme' per se, but when you've had the picture of domestic tranquility fall apart so spectacularly, one tends to forget reason.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy! We'll get to the practical and Heimdallr next time, should be fun!