You know when a thought pops into your mind and you just have to do something about it immediately? Yeah well here we are.

I always found it interesting that Fie was the first member of Class VII to take up fishing and couldn't help but think that would make a sweet bonding event. It also felt weird to me that Rean was basically left alone for his entire second year after all that had happened. So I decided to kill two birds with one stone here.

Anyways, this is just a brief one-shot set between CS2 and CS3. Hope you enjoy.


Rean Schwarzer hummed to himself as he cast his line into the river. It was June, and summer was just starting to arrive in Trista, but outside of a few insects flying about the day was absolutely perfect for a nice day of fishing. During the past year he had really embraced fishing as a hobby and found it a perfect way to relax. Something he found himself needing more and more often.

After all it had only been three months since the rest of Class VII graduated, leaving him by his lonesome. It wasn't all bad, as he still had plenty of friends among the other classes. He had grown close to Patrick, Alan, Vivi, and Linde, among others, but it wasn't quite the same.

Despite the fact that most people treated him well he couldn't help but feel like an outsider at Thors. Even though he went to class with the upper class students and slept in the upper class dorm he was still a member of Class VII and that would never change. He even still wore the red of his old class and not the white of the nobility.

And of course, he was the Ashen Chevalier. In the three months since graduation he had already been on four separate deployments to Crossbell. Sure the school staff was always accommodating to his situation, but it was just another reason for him to feel like he didn't belong. Especially as some of the star-eyed first years kept acting like he was some grand hero and not an actual person.

"Rean!" A very familiar voice that he hadn't heard in quite some time called out to him. He quickly turned to see a familiar mop of white hair streaking towards him.

"Fie? Wha-" That was all he could say before the girl slammed into him, knocking him onto his butt and almost causing him to lose his rod. A small part of him wondered why the once stoic girl seemed so determined to kill him with her greetings, but the rest of him was just happy to see her. He found himself in an awkward position on the ground with the girl hanging off him, but he managed to return the hug all the same.

"What are you doing here Fie?" He finally asked once he regained his composure. This was the first time he had seen any of his classmates since the day they all left.

"I came here to see you, obviously." Her tone was as flat as always, but her eyes gleamed with mirth at his confused expression.

"Really? Well just let me put this away and we can go hang out." he said as he worked to reel in his line. He couldn't help but feel a sense of joy that someone had come to see him and wouldn't blow that chance for the world.

"Actually, keep the rod. I was kinda hoping you would teach me how to fish."

"You want to learn how to fish?" He repeated the question in disbelief. She gave a hopeful nod. "But why?" He finally asked.

"I wanted to pick up a new hobby that would go well with my Bracer work." Her old hobbies were planting in the garden and taking naps. She no longer had the ability to take care of plants and was no longer the abandoned kitten who needed to take naps to cope. "Fishing always seemed to relax you after all the stuff we went through last year, so I wanted to try it for myself. Plus it gives me a reason to spend more time with you. Killing two Poms with one explosive and all that."

Rean couldn't help but chuckle at the very Fie idiom. Mostly though he was just delighted that she would come to see him and the thought of teaching her to fish sounded pretty good.

"Sure, I would be glad to. Not sure how exciting it will be though." The way the formerly stoic girl beamed at him let him know he made the right decision, not that he ever considered answering any other way.

What followed was a simple explanation on the basics of fishing: hooking the bait, casting the rod, how to slowly reel in to entice the fish, and the best spots to aim for. After that he gave her his rod and had her take a few practice casts. Once she had the hang of it he let her cast for real. For a first cast it was pretty accurate and landed close to the rock formation she had aimed for. With that done the waiting game began.

Rean was finally able to take a good look at the younger girl as she concentrated on the fishing. Unsurprisingly she had grown a few rege taller, but was still well below his height. She had changed her outfit. He had to admit that white worked well for her. But the biggest change...

"Your hair is longer." He didn't actually mean to say that out loud, but he did and Fie heard him.

"Yup. Wanted to try something different. What do you think?" She asked as she turned to him.

"It's... nice." He finally said. He could have said a lot more about how nice he thought it was, but doing so ran the high likelihood of him saying something embarrassing.

"Boo. That is a lame answer. You should say something like 'You look cute with long hair.' or something." She shot him a teasing grin which caused him to flush slightly, annoyed that she had read him so well.

"So tell me, how has Bracer life been treating you?" He asked, partly to change the subject, but mostly because he was very curious. The idea of being a Bracer intrigued him, although he suspected that it would be impossible while he held the role of the Ashen Chevalier.

"So lame." She complained. "I thought all the work we did during the war would count for something, but no. Being a Junior Bracer means doing all the boring work that no one wants to do."

"Ouch. Is it really that bad?"

"It's boring work, but it isn't bad. Soon I will be a Senior Bracer and will have more freedom to do what I want." 'And the freedom to investigate Zephyr.' went unspoken, but both knew that was her ultimate goal.

"That fast? I thought you had to spend longer as a Junior Bracer?"

"Normally, but I have been pushing to get promoted as soon as possible. Sara thinks I might end up as the youngest Senior Bracer ever." Fie admitted with some pride.

"Really? That's great." Rean was proud of her, but... "Aren't you pushing yourself hard though? He couldn't help but be concerned for the girl.

"Coming from you that means absolutely nothing." Fie retorted. Rean couldn't deny her words as even he knew that he tended to go overboard on occasion.

Further conversation was halted as a tug on the line startled the Bracer and nearly wrenched the rod from her hands. She recovered quickly, however, and set about trying to reel in the fish. Her partner provided advice on when to reel and when to lay off and how to play the fish against itself. Without thinking he set himself behind the girl and moved her arms into a stronger position. He held her tight as she battled the fish, which appeared to be a good sized one from the way it was fighting back. Eventually, despite her lack of experience the girl prevailed and dragged her prize out of the water for all to see.

"A rainbow trout, and a pretty large one too. Very nice." He praised the girl for her first catch as they looked upon the beautiful fish. Fie couldn't help but let out a satisfied grin at her accomplishment.

"That was pretty fun." She admitted happily. Fishing did seem to be the right choice after all. "You're still holding me." And it was true as in his excitement Rean had completely forgotten that he was practically hugging the girl from behind.

"O-Oh, sorry." Rean admitted with a blush as he let go. The teasing grin she sent him didn't help his embarrassment at all. He instead chose to busy himself by showing the girl how to unhook a fish after it had been caught. She did so and tossed it back, as she had no way of transporting the fish and no desire to cook it that night.

"So how have the others been? I haven't seen any of them since graduation" She questioned as she recast her line.

Rean just shrugged. "I haven't either, but from my ARCUS conversations I know they are all quite busy."

"Wait... none of them have visited you yet?" She asked in disbelief. With her being on the move constantly she knew they wouldn't visit her often, but Rean was just a few minutes outside the capital. Anyone passing through could easily stop at Trista, even if for just a few minutes.

Rean read her expression well and tried to assuage her concern. "It isn't a big deal, really. I know how busy everyone is and it isn't like I have been lonely here."

Despite his words Fie remained unconvinced. She knew how much Class VII meant to Rean, because it meant the same to her. They were family, and the idea that his family had abandoned him much the same way hers had struck her deeply. The fact that she was complicit in this abandonment left her feeling a sense of guilt that gnawed away at her. She wasn't quite sure how to respond, however, so she let the topic drop for now, but it never strayed far from her thoughts.

The conversation shifted to lighter topics and continued for the next few hours as Fie reeled in more fish. Eventually darkness started to set and both knew that their time was at an end. With great reluctance the pair split up and went their separate ways, but as Fie got on the train she vowed to herself that she would be back at the next chance. There were many more fish to catch, after all.


After that Fie made an effort to stop by whenever she had the chance. It usually ended up being about once a month. Summer passed and autumn arrived, three months after her first visit to Trista. Arriving in the afternoon of that brisk September day she set out to find her target. Thankfully it wasn't hard to find, as he was standing at the same river she usually found him at. Deciding that a simple greeting would be boring, the girl utilized her considerable stealth skills to sneak up on the unsuspecting Schwarzer.

He must have sensed her at the last minute as he spun around in a panicked rush, free hand going to the hilt of his tachi. He stopped himself once he realized who it was, but the panicked expression was enough to cause the girl to laugh, much to his ire.

"Fie! You nearly gave me a heart attack." He complained to his friend.

"Sorry," That was a lie and they both knew it, " but you were such an easy target that I couldn't resist."

"Whatever." He tried to fight down the grin that threatened to break out on his face. He could never stay mad at the girl. "So what brings you back here?" It was a rhetorical question as all her visits were for the same reason. Her answer was to hold up the object in her hand. It was a familiar object, considering Rean had one in his own hand. It was a fishing rod, and not just any rod.

"A Lakelord Star II? Weren't you using a beginner rod before? Are you sure you should be using such an advanced rod this soon?" He was glad she had taken up fishing, but was worried that she might be going a bit fast. The Lakelord was a pretty expensive rod and had a lot of complex additions on it.

"You use it so I know it's good." Fie shrugged. Sure it had a bunch of advanced gadgets that she didn't understand, but she knew enough to fish and that was alright with her.

"Fie..." Rean couldn't help but feel touched by how easily she trusted him, even for something as simple as fishing.

After that the pair settled alongside the river and started fishing together. Although he had fished alongside Kenneth before, the second year student was just starting to appreciate the fun in having a companion. A quiet lull settled over the area as the two fished in tranquil silence, with the only sounds being those of the occasional fish being reeled in.

"So anything new happen lately?" Rean asked after an hour or so of peaceful fishing. He always enjoyed hearing about her Bracer tales, even if most of the requests were rather simple. He found himself missing the excitement of field studies and used Fie's adventures as something of a replacement.

"Actually, yes. You are looking at the newest Senior Bracer in Erebonia." She proclaimed as she made a victory sign with her fingers.

"Wait really? That's amazing! I am so proud of you Fie." And he meant it too. When he had first met her the former Jaeger was so apathetic to everything and kept herself closed off from everyone. To go from that to a skilled Bracer, one known for the protection of civilians... It was a remarkable transformation.

"It's nothing special, really." She couldn't help but feel a bit bashful in the face of such earnest praise. The fact that it came from someone she admired and who reminded her of the boss left her feeling a bit flustered.

"It really is." He countered. "We should celebrate somehow. Hmm... Oh, I know. How about dinner at Kirsche's? My treat. I know it has been ages since you have eaten there."

Fie wanted to refuse, but under his hopeful stare words died in her throat. All she could do was nod her head in reluctant agreement. With that the two put away their fishing gear and made their way to the cafe. Fie couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as they entered the familiar building, as Class VII ate there a lot during their year at Thors. It was still fairly early in the evening so they had plenty of tables to pick from and were served quickly.

"Has the government sent you on any missions lately?" She asked once they had their food. The Bracer knew that it was something of a sore subject for the Chevalier, but curiosity compelled her. Plus she just wanted a change in topics before he started praising her again.

"Not recently, but if that mess in North Ambria turns to war I probably will be soon enough." He admitted with a frown. Fie couldn't help but wince.

"Well hopefully it won't come to that." She tried to be supportive, but knew deep down that it was a naive optimism at best. She knew how fanatic the Northern Jaegers were and couldn't see the situation being resolved in any way but war. Still, the words caused Rean to brighten up a bit, so she didn't feel bad about lying with her words.

Dinner was an enjoyable affair and the two passed the evening away with small talk. Eventually, as all evenings do, the end came and the two were forced to go their separate ways. Feeling bold, Fie captured Rean in a hug and thanked him for the wonderful date. She enjoyed the flush on his face at the implications, but left before he could see her own blush.


Free days became a bit of a luxury because as she suspected the Empire descended into chaos thanks to the Northern War. It had been over a month since her previous visit, but now with the brief war over Fie found herself on the train back to Trista. It was the middle of November, but she felt a chill that had nothing to do with the air.

It all started when the war ended and Sara returned from her mission to support the civilians caught in the crossfire. Fie had heard that the fighting had been rough and assumed that her mentor would be the one taking time off, but Sara had instead insisted that Fie take a break instead. When questioned why she refused to answer, but hinted without much subtly that she should go visit Trista during her day off. This raised alarm bells in the girl. Surely she would have heard if Rean had been injured, right?

The answer soon presented itself when she found the boy in question. He was in his usual spot fishing the day away, but that was the only thing that was normal. The real problem was Rean himself.

The boy was radiating an aura of misery that was palpable even from a distance. His appearance was unkempt and he looked like he hadn't slept in a week. He seemed to be barely aware of his fishing rod, and never even noticed her presence even as she got right up next to him, despite her not making any effort to conceal her presence.

"Rean?" She called hesitantly, not wanting to startle him. Sure it was fun to do when he was feeling normal, but right now wasn't the time for it. Just her quiet greeting was enough to spook him out of his depressed reverie, and it was a frantic Rean that turned to her.

"Fie?" He calmed down a bit when he saw who it was, and seemed to relax a bit at her presence, but even his usual joy at seeing her was muted in comparison to normal, as whatever was bothering him seemed greater in comparison.

"What's wrong?" She reckoned that her friends might approach the subject with a bit more tact, but she was a blunt person and determined to figure out what was wrong as quickly as possible.

"It's nothing, I just haven't been sleeping well." While that last part was clearly true, that first part was an obvious lie. Annoyance warred with concern as she stared down the older boy.

"Rean. Tell me what is wrong." She repeated with steel in her voice. The way his eyes darted about reminded Fie of a cornered animal and she thought he might try to flee, but under her stern gaze he seemed to understand the futility of such an action and let out a resigned sigh.

"I'm tired." He finally admitted. Fie suspected he wasn't just talking about physical exhaustion and his next words proved her right. "I'm sick of being a pawn to people I hate and fighting in battles I don't believe in. I'm tired of being treated as someone I'm not. Even those I see as friends treat me as an outsider. I just feel so alone."

He paused as he sought to recover his breath from his ramblings. Fie just waited patiently as he continued to unbosom himself to her. "And you know what? I was alright with all that. As much as I hated it I knew I was doing some real good out there. I thought I could endure it until it got better. But it all changed in North Ambria."

"I don't know how much Instructor Sara told you, but during the battle up there... I lost control of my powers." The way her eyes widened in surprise informed Rean that she was not aware of this info, so he elaborated. "I knew my powers had been feeling different lately, but I wasn't that worried about it. That is until I used it during the last fight. I don't know what happened, but the next thing I remember was waking up and finding out that three days have passed."

"I thought I was done being afraid of myself, but here we are again. What if the next time I am forced to use my powers I end up hurting an innocent bystander? What if I hurt one of our friends? ...What if I hurt you?" The final part was said in a hoarse whisper, but she heard it all the same.

The girl sat in stunned silence as she listened to Rean spell out his troubles for her. She really wished she knew what to say, but that was something their other friends were better at. What could someone who struggled so much with human interactions like she did say in a situation like this?

Rean seemed to understand her dilemma. "Sorry Fie, I didn't mean to bother you with all my problems like that when I know you are already so busy. I must seem really pathetic to you." He let out a self-deprecating chuckle, but stopped when his body demanded that he let out a yawn instead.

That was it! Fie knew she wasn't good with words, but she was a woman of action and there was one thing she understood far better than most. "Come with me." She told him with a reassuring smile. While confused by the request he saw no reason to not listen so wordlessly he put away his rod and followed after her.

Fie led him through Trista and their destination soon became clear. It was the park. More specifically it was the bench that Rean first discovered his companion at over a year ago. Sitting down on the bench she gestured for Rean to do the same.

Seeing his questioning look she told him her plan. "I know I can't help you with your problems right now, but what I can help with is the fact that you need a nap. The disbelieving boy opened his mouth to argue, but she quickly cut him off. "I am not letting you leave until you take a nap, so lay down and shut up." To emphasis the point she grabbed him and pulled him down, encountering little resistance from the exhausted Rean, who ended up with his head parked firmly on her lap.

"Fie! Not like this. I promise I will get some sleep tonight!" He yelled with a blazing blush at the compromising position he found himself in. He tried to ignore just how comfortable his new pillow was.

"Nope." She stated with a firm voice. "You are going to close your eyes and go to sleep. I promise I will be right here when you wake up."

Seeing how stubborn she was going to be, Rean closed his eyes as he thought about his retort. He didn't think the girl would care about how improper the position was and given her own nap history probably wouldn't listen to any arguments about how sleeping in public was a bad idea. He..had to...convince her... that...

Fie nodded in satisfaction as it became clear that Rean was no longer awake. Carefully, as to not wake him so soon after he fell asleep, the girl reached over and grabbed his legs, pulling them onto the bench. Relaxing, she found herself stroking his hair as he slumbered peacefully on her lap.

Recently Fie had found herself thinking more as a woman and less as a former soldier, so contrary to popular belief she did understand the intimacy of the position they were in. She couldn't help but feel a little warm when a few people stared at her as they passed by. Of course just because she understood the impropriety of the position didn't mean she cared one bit. Rean needed this and she wasn't going to let anything or anyone stop it.

That being said, just sitting there was actually kinda boring. She now understood why Rean usually brought a book or his sword with him when he watched over her. But she had no book and given her position couldn't get up to train, so neither option worked for her. It was almost inevitable when she finally decided to close her own eyes and join Rean in slumber.

It was well into the evening and the sun was low when Fie woke. Rean was still sleeping peacefully and for a minute the girl thought about letting him sleep further, but unfortunately it was probably close to curfew and even she knew that sleeping outside on a cold evening was a poor idea. With great reluctance she shook the boy awake.

It took the Schwarzer heir a few seconds to figure out where he was, but when he did he jumped to his feet in a panic. "Fie I-"

"Nah, it's cool. I told you to do it." She paused as she carefully considered her next words. "Rean, I know you carry a heavy burden and nobody else can carry it, but... Well if you are supposed to be this great hero that all of Erebonia can lean on than I want to be the person that you can lean on in turn. Sara talked me out of participating in the Northern War, but I promise you the next time the Ashen Chevalier is called to action I will be there." With her piece said she hugged the stunned Rean and left before he had a chance to respond.

Rean could only stand there in disbelief. The rational part of his brain knew that the odds of her being able to assist him on his next mission were very slim, but he couldn't help but believe in her after hearing her make a promise that earnestly. Maybe it was the fact that he was finally able to talk about his troubles, or maybe it was because he finally got some much needed sleep, but for the first time in what felt like ages Rean Schwarzer felt like he had the strength to move forward despite everything that had happened. With a lighter heart he set out for his dorm fully intending to get a good night's rest.


Things had changed between the two since that day. Neither spoke of it, but things were definitely different between them. They felt closer somehow. Fie had her suspicions on what it was, and she suspected Rean did too, but neither were prepared to voice it.

It was closing in on Rean's graduation date, and spring was arriving. The pair found themselves situated at the academy pond this time. It was nice to be able to check in on her flowers and chat with some of her old friends, but that wasn't why she was here.

Beside her Rean hummed to himself as he successfully reeled in yet another fish. His mood had certainly improved a lot since that day after the Northern War. While he was still clearly bothered by the weight of his responsibilities, he carried himself more like he used to and was certainly much happier, which made Fie much happier as a result.

"So have you figured out what you are gonna do once you leave here?" She asked as she cast her line yet again. She hadn't gotten any bites thus far, but she hardly noticed as she was focused on the boy beside her and her own confused thoughts on their developing relationship.

"Actually yes. I was offered a teacher's position at the new Thor's Branch Campus that is opening in a month. You are looking at the Instructor for Erebonian History and Panzer Soldat combat training." Now that was a surprising answer.

"...You decided to become Sara." Sure she knew the Imperial Government would never allow Rean to become a Bracer, but she certainly wasn't expecting a teacher. Still, privately the girl thought such a position suited him.

"Kinda? I mean I don't expect to start drinking myself into an early grave, but I suppose the comparison fits. But I really don't think you have any right to criticize me for following in her footsteps." She couldn't help but wince as his amused retort struck home. Yeah she probably deserved that one.

"So where is this Branch Campus?" Fie had not heard of such a school before and was curious where it was. Mostly she was just worried that it would be somewhere out of the way and limit her Rean time.

"Actually, it's in Leeves, just on the other side of Heimdallr." Rean raised an eyebrow when his partner lot out a relieved sigh. "I take it that's good news?"

Whoops, she didn't mean to be so obvious about her relief, but she was never one to beat around the bush. "Just glad you are still close enough for me to visit. If you don't mind that is..." Being a teacher meant a lot of work so maybe he wouldn't have the time to hang out?

"There is no one in the world I would rather see." He admitted without a thought. As soon he realized what he said he flushed a bright red. Fie wasn't much better off. An awkward silence descended upon the pair as they couldn't really think of anything to say and instead focused on their fishing.

Fie's thoughts were in turmoil. She could no longer deny that she had feelings for the boy and suspected that he was at least a little interested in return. But admitting that only brought forth new questions.

Should she act on these feelings? She had her suspicions that things were going to get crazy in Erebonia soon and as the Ashen Chevalier Rean would be caught in the middle of it. Starting a relationship now would be difficult. Especially since she knew that Rean probably had the same thoughts. He was always careful with his words and actions and probably wouldn't want to do anything to jeopardize what he had.

And plus, would Rean even be interested? Sure it was obvious that they had grown closer, but the guy already had girls like Alisa and Laura after him. What could she offer that they couldn't? Could he even see her as a woman or did he just see her as a little sister? This was all new territory for the Bracer and she couldn't help but be plagued with indecisiveness.

"Fie, are you alright?" Rean turned his concerned gaze to her. "You seem lost in thought." He was once told that fishing required a clear mind and that the fish would avoid a rod held by a troubled individual. It happened to him a couple months back and it seemed to be happening to Fie now.

Seeing how worried he was for her Fie felt her resolve harden. Maybe it was her former Jaeger instincts, but she knew what she wanted and decided to take matters into her own hand. The worst thing that could happen would be for him to refuse. With blazing determination and butterflies in her stomach she prepared her attack.

"Actually, I have already hooked the biggest fish in this pond. I just need to reel him in." Fie finally said after she steeled herself.

That was a confusing response. "What do you me-" He was unable to finish as he was silenced by a pair of lips on his own. His brain shut down at the unfamiliar sensation. After a few seconds the girl pulled away. Rean tried to formulate a response, but found himself lost in the lovely eyes of the girl as she gazed at him with more warmth than he had ever seen from her before.

"Fie-" Again he was cutoff, and again it was from the girl kissing him. This time his mind was prepared. Mentally he listed off a dozen reasons why this was a bad idea, but found himself discarding all those thoughts immediately. How could something that felt so right be wrong? The only thought that mattered was the one telling him he needed to kiss her back.

Fie's heart soared when she felt him respond to her actions. She had expected rejection, or at the very least for him to put a pause on it until everything was sorted out with their lives, but never did she actually expect him to reciprocate her feelings. She pulled away and wondered if she looked as red as he did. "Wow." She muttered breathlessly.

"Wow indeed." He finally said as he gazed into her eyes. He looked about ready to lean in and kiss her when a stray thought entered his mind. "Wait... did you just call me a fish?" He questioned in mock annoyance.

Thor's Academy was treated to the sounds of Fie's delighted laughter, with Rean joining in a second later.


All around him was devastation as everyone regrouped after successfully fending off Ouroboros's attack on the Derfflinger. He knew that as an Instructor he had a duty to organize relief and cleanup operations and help calm the terrified students, but right now Rean's eyes were locked on one person in particular.

"Fie..." He muttered with shock. He knew that Laura and Elliot were around and was only half surprised when they intervened on his behalf, but the arrival of the young Bracer just in time to stop Randy's crazy cousin was a surprise, but a very welcome one. "What are you doing here?" He asked as the members of the original Class VII got together.

"Just keeping my promise to you." She stated matter-of-factly. "I really want to hug you, but this probably isn't the time or place."

Promise? What did she mean by that? It was only a few seconds later that he realized exactly what she meant. "Rean, I know you carry a heavy burden and nobody else can carry it, but... Well if you are supposed to be this great hero that all of Erebonia can lean on than I want to be the person that you can lean on in turn. Sara talked me out of participating in the Northern War, but I promise you the next time the Ashen Chevalier is called to action I will be there."

He knew the Imperial Government would want to respond to this attack, and it seemed very likely that he would be the tool chosen for retaliation. The Ashen Chevalier was about to be called into action yet again. The fact that Fie understood this and managed to keep her promise to him filled him with more happiness than he could possibly describe.

'Screw time and place!' He thought to himself as he dashed forward and captured the lips of his dearest partner. He ignored the gasps from his teammates and the shocked gazes of his students and did his best to convey his gratitude to his pillar of strength.

He suspected that this attack was a precursor of things to come and that things were about to become a lot more dangerous, but he felt like he had a chance at enduring this storm as long as he had his dearest friends, his students, and his Fie. Amidst the chaos and mayhem of the surprise attack Rean found himself completely at peace.