"...and be sure to label whether a channel is military or civilian, okay? The next practical exam might try to trip you up with that."
"Of course. Thank you, Instructor Towa!" Musse gave her a slight curtsey, standing back up with a grin. "And thank you again for letting me help you with the logistics of our next field study, even before it's been announced!"
"It's no problem! Getting hands-on experience in a safe environment is always useful!" The brunette leaned back in her chair, placing the used study material in a box next to the desk. "And I should be thanking you for the help. I wouldn't have bothered you with it unless you asked, but it should save a lot of time!"
Those two are so alike! They're so obvious~*
Musee kept her squeeing to herself, instead raising a finger. "No no, no need for thanks! I'm simply happy for the opportunity." Picking up her Picking up her bag, she started pacing towards the exit door. "Let me put my bag ba k in my dorm, then I can come back and start helping in earnest!"
"Of course! See you soon!"
The door shut with a graceful click, and the once lively document room fell silent. After about three seconds Towa to leaned back in her chair, and a loud sigh escaped her lips. She lifted her arms another her head, stretching and getting the soreness of an hour of writing out of her body.
She was about to return to her work, getting some more paperwork done before Musee returned... until her eyes glanced over a small clock on her desk. Her hand froze over her pen, instead shifting to the cabinet under the clock hands.
Pulling a small door open revealed an orbal photo of her and Rean. Dressed in warm winter coats, the two of them held each other from the side while beaming into the camera. Above them sat the night sky, temporarily illuminated by a brilliant firework from hundreds of segles away in Roer.
It was from her first time in Ymir. She somehow never visited in person during the civil war (the downside to being acting captain) so Rean invited her to visit and introduce her to his family. And the
"Pictures always help me relax when I'm swamped at work." Rean explained, gesturing to a family portrait in the hallway outside his room. "They take me out of the present, remind me of the past. It helps me think past just working in the moment, and gives me a moment to reflect. Plus it's an excuse to take a break. And Aidos knows you need that more than anyone!"*
(Despite the quip, it WAS good advice. Looking back at happy moments reminded her that it was good to take a break, and to just think for yourself instead of thinking about what's next.)
Towa leaned back in her chair, gazing at the ceiling above. A wide smile graced her lips as she grew lost in her reminiscences. It had snowed early that year, beginning in early late October. That meant that it was snowing in time for Count Rogner's birthday celebratory fireworks in Roer.
Towa still wondered if it was just good timing, or if Rean knew about the early snow and timed their visit around it. Whichever it was, the white flakes falling from the night sky framed the light show perfectly. His mirth-filled laughter, the light framing his handsome features, the true joy shining in his fuchsia eyes... it was almost intoxicating. And the fact Elise had managed to capture that look forever so she could always keep it was just the cherry on top.
It was then that she knew that he could recover from the civil war's disastrous end. That no matter what the imperial chancellor made him do, no matter the low point in his life, he could push past it and keep on being the kind, thoughtful, selfless man he always was. That he (and frankly, both of them) could move on from Crow's death, remembering him without being stuck in the past.
And it was when Towa realized she truly loved him, beyond any doubt. Sure, if asked before, she absolutely would've said she loved him. But that night in Ymir cast away the lingering, invasive thoughts.
He will just leave you. He'll be taken from her, just like grandfather. Or worse, the spark will die out. It's better to not tie your heart to him, and suffer losing the person you love most yet again.*
She thought those thoughts had been cast away by the time she enrolled in Thors, making friends with her crew and dating Rean. But Crow's betrayal, and later death, released them from their lockbox. In time, their strength weakened, the thoughts quieter and less intrusive.
But it was the sight of his sparkling eyes, surrounded by family and still giving her the bulk of his attention, that pushed them back in the box, securing it with a new, fuchsia lock.
She was in it for the long haul. She wouldn't worry about him leaving. She couldn't stand there in Ymir with anyone else. *Being* with anyone else. And maybe in the future...
That was probably too far away to fantasize about (yet). For now, she would just do what she could to make him feel the same way he made her feel, in that moment of peace.
He was called to North Ambria less than a week later...
Knock Knock Knock*
"Instructor Towa?"
Said instructor jumped at that, sitting up straight and closing up the clock again. *Thank you Musee! That could've turned gone to a much worse place!"
"It's open! Come in!"
Towa gave her student a grin as she opened the door. It was nice to remember the past, but she had to take care unless she wanted to dwell on it. Her students were the best way to stay planted in the present, and know when it's best to get back to looking forward.
"Okay! Let's get started then. Now, I'm sure you know about railroad gauges..."
Extra: Musee's Musings
As the evening sun started to set, Musee bid farewell to her instructor. She sighed to herself. She underestimated how much work Instructor Towa put into her logistical planning, even before their field study had started.
Oh well, getting experience and knowledge of the background details was instrumental to her plans. She could hardly complain about having to do her duty.
Her mind idly strayed back to her first exit from the logistics room. Despite appearing to leave, she couldn't help but start just out of sight, curious if the woman would do anything to support her potential *close* connection with Instructor Rean.
And sure enough, she watches as she opens up a compartment in the clock on her desk. She did notice the object before, seeing how finely crafted it was. But she simply assumed it was just a desk ornament. But that made it the perfect object to hide potentially secret photos Towa didn't want a student to see.
She could only wonder what kind of photo it was. Maybe it was a memento of a fleeting moment of hot passion between her two instructors~
She'll have to check it out later. In addition, there was that locket she saw Instructor Rean hurriedly place in his desk drawer when she visited his dorm room.
Perhaps they share the same photo. Certainly, something she has to keep in mind!