Rean gazed up towards Orchis Tower, the gleaming skyscraper glistening in the sun. Despite how many times he's walked through these gates, whether wracked with guilt or calm as a still wave, the sight of Zemuria's tallest building always sparked a sense of wonder.

He's been to Crossbell more times in the last two years than any city in the Empire. (Any *other* more actually). Despite his role taking away their independence (at least in his view), many Crossbellans have grown used to him. And he's likewise grown quite fond of the city. While he's no native, like Randy or Juna, Rean likes to think he knows his way around. That he's not a stranger or a foreign invader.

One aspect of that is frequenting many diners and restaurants in the city. He typically sticks to more modest establishments over the large and fanciful cafes in the Entertainment District. He prides himself in being called a regular in Morges' cafe, and the Eastern District's Inn.

He's also gone off quite a few dates in those places. They were quiet enough to not attract a small army of journalists trying to snap a picture of "the Ashen Chevalier's secret lover!" (Not that he was even keeping his relationship a secret then, he just didn't want Towa hounded by the press.)

All that is to say, Rean wasn't surprised when he was greeted from the counter when he brought his students to Morges' Bakery. It wasn't even that surprising when they noted the different company he brought.

That did not make it any less embarrassing when Oscar asked where his "cute date from last time" was.

(For once, he was thankful Class VII already knew about his relationship. They kept quiet and only gave him a smug grin, sympathetic gaze, and suspicious glare. Small miracles, he supposed.)

That moment stuck with him though, for more than just the embarrassment. As he chaperoned his students across the city, he wondered...

...when *was* the last time he had a proper date with Towa?

Given they're coworkers, they can hardly claim to not see each other often, especially with their stolen moments together. *Honestly, we probably spend more time together now than as students together.*

Still, he always wishes he can spend more time with her. (Not even alone time, just able to be openly together!) It's important to set aside time to just be together and away from their work life.

Sure, their busy life as instructors often kept them busy well past workable date times. But free days easily have enough time to sneak in a trip to Heimdallr after classes. It's not like his trek around Leeves to resolve major issues anyone had was *required.* He could ask someone to cover for him just once.

He made a mental note to ask Towa about one when they had a moment alone.

Of all the places Rean expected to have a moment to himself in, a dinner party at the heights of Orchis tower was among the last he would guess when he woke up.

But his life continues to surprise him, as always. At least this one involved good food and a jolly atmosphere. The chatter of students and faculty rang out over the busy ballroom.

After having a flurry of people pulling him aside to have their time with the Ashen Chevalier, the swordsman finally snuck away from the crowd, eyes focusing on his fellow instructor.

Earlier, he caught glimpses of his girlfriend mingling at various tables. But she managed to escape the constant socializing as well, taking a sip from a small white cup near the back of the room. She gazed out into the night sky, the glimmering lights of Crossbell shining below.

"Always a gorgeous sight, huh?" She couldn't help jumping at the sudden voice, in the split second before she realized its owner. She glanced behind her shoulder, giving Rean a small grin as he took his place next to her.

"Yeah... it's breathtaking." The brunette sighed, glancing upwards towards her coworker. Her lips formed a small grin. "Is this where you say that you weren't talking about the view?"

Rean chuckled with a smile, the sound clear in their small corner of the busy room. "Nah, that's way too cheesy... even if it's true." He punctuated it with a wink.

Even if she saw it coming, she still felt her cheeks heat a tad. Her free hand twitched, reaching towards his hand for a split second before slinking back to her side.

The movement didn't escape Rean's eye. His head to his back. The crowd was much the same, caught up in food and conversation.

It's probably fine...*

He turned back around, taking a side step closer to Towa. He heard a small gasp as he reached his hand and lightning gripped hers, pulling their enjoined hands in front of them.

The blush on her face was much clearer now. Her grin turned to a full smile. She gazed back to the window, her thumb gently rubbing the top of his fingers.

"...just need some fireworks now. Would be perfect." She whispered, just barely reaching his ears over the bustle of the crowd behind them.

There was no hesitation in his reply. "Well, you're here. So it's already perfect."

The red that had retreated from her cheeks returned in force. "...how do you come up with this stuff on the fly?! Do you have a book of cheesy lines or something?"

He replied with soft laughter. Her small pout quickly faded with it, before she too started giggling alongside him.

"You know, it's been a while since we've gone out together."

"You mean outside of work?"

"Yeah, outside it. Empty closets just aren't the same as a nice restaurant."

"Hehe, Rean!"

"Haha. Anyway, once we get back from the field study, how about we head out to Heimdallr? The first free day back?"

"That sounds wonderful. I'll be sure to free up my schedule!"

"Great! I'm looking forward to it."

"Same! Well anyway, I won't hog you all night. I'm sure some other student wants your attention, after all."

"I suppose! See you tonight!"