Just a thing I thought of. This will have spoilers on the ending of Haji so beware, and this will take place after the game's events. So, if I get some information wrong, well... I apologize in advance. The story is all about my take on how things played out after Haji's ending, get ready for some short stories, romance about this ship, and finally, of, course, some good ol' plot. Can't spoil anything, but I hope you all look forward to it! -Originally posted in AO3-
Updates are inconsistent but are more likely going to be uploaded in AO3 first.
Entering a bakery in the West Street of Crossbell was a silver-haired girl with lime-green eyes. The scent of freshly baked bread was looming over the humble establishment. Several pieces of bread were displayed inside, from traditional bread like baguettes and croissants to sandwiches and pastries like a tuna sandwich and a Mishy-theme bread filled with strawberry jam.
Strolling towards the counter with black luggage in hand was none other than Fie Claussell. She was wearing a chic beret along with a black sleeveless turtleneck with a light mocha-colored frill design over her turtleneck. She had a dark blue short skirt with a dark red belt around it.
She tapped the counter two times before a man with a chef's hat came out of which is presumed to be the kitchen of the bakery. The man was washing his hands with a towel before a sigh of satisfaction came out of his lips.
"I never thought I would be able to complete that new eastern bread I was working on. But I can't slack off yet! I can still see the potential."
The indigo-haired man's eyes were shining like stars, motivated on improving his new creation as millions of ideas flooded his mind. Not even noticing the girl on the counter.
"Well, you seem to be having a blast."
"Oh." Finally snapping out of his brainstorming, he turns his head as he noticed Fie before he quickly walks up to the counter. "I'm so sorry about that! I didn't notice you there, Fie."
"Clearly, seems like you're done with that new bread of yours."
"Looks like I let it slipped." Rubbing the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed, the bracer saw him talking to himself.
"What can I do for you today?"
"Just needed something to keep me and 'him' full while we're on the train to Calvard." She answered.
"Ah. I heard from Arios and Michel that you and 'him' will be going to Calvard for a few days. Are you sure it's safe for the two of you to go there, though?"
"You don't have to worry about that, Oscar. We're not going there for business or anything. We both just needed some quality couple's time together. Plus, I haven't seen him in weeks until yesterday. I wanted to catch up with 'him'." A slight tint of pink was visible on her face as she elaborated why she and a certain individual were going to the Republic.
"Oh silly me. I keep forgetting you two are a couple."
"And what does that mean?"
With a careless slip of the tongue, the man known as Oscar received a slight glare from Fie.
"Nothing, nothing at all! I think it would be better for my memory if 'he' was a bracer, though. That way, I can always see you two dropping by whenever you guys have work in Crossbell."
"We have talked about it." She started, taking a more serious expression before quickly fading as a smile replaced it. "You're in luck then. 'He' is gonna be one soon, I can at least promise you that."
"Awesome! I can't wait to serve the two of you of our finest bread!" Oscar said with his tone full of excitement.
"Well, I talked long enough. Can I get— "
Before placing her order, she remembered that Oscar was talking about a new eastern bread he was working on. She thought to herself if her partner would like that type of bread instead of his usual preferred sandwich.
"Hey, Oscar. You think I can get one of your new creations?"
"A-are you sure you want that...? It's not quite ready yet."
"Well if you're not okay with it. I can order something else."
"No, no, no!" He waved his hands, trying to clear the slight misunderstanding. "I'm fine with giving you one, but it's still not Morge quality yet..."
As he tried to explain further, an idea came to his mind.
"Wait, isn't 'he' familiar with eastern culture?"
"I think so, his room was full of eastern decoration, and he uses an eastern sword style." She simply responded.
"That would also make him familiar with eastern bread!"
"I guess...?"
"All right then! I'll give one right away!" He dashed towards the kitchen before immediately coming back as he remembered something important to ask. "What else would... you like?" The young baker asked as he tried to catch his breath.
Fie sweatdropped, even if she has known the man for quite a while now. She still isn't used to that behavior of his.
"Can I get a tuna sandwich and two coffees?" She raised two fingers to clarify.
"Sure thing!"
Oscar ran back to fetch his new bread before coming back and picking up one tuna sandwich. Placing them in a paper bag before placing them on the counter before pouring two paper cups of some coffee and placing a lid at the top of them before putting them in another bag. Even if he was a bit odd, he sure knows how to run this place.
With minimal effort, he calculated the exact amount needed for payment with his orbal calculator. Though he only did it because Morges told him so. He actually has every bread' prices memorized like the back of his hand. Looks can surely be deceiving at times.
"It comes out in a total of 1,950 mira."
"Kay." Fie simply said, taking out her wallet before giving the exact amount to the baker.
"Oh I forgot to mention, this doesn't include the new bread."
"Huh? But why?"
"Well, it hasn't been officially put into the menu, so it doesn't have a price yet. But I would like to ask 'him' for his input on the bread! I'll take that as payment; it will definitely help improve my recipe." Oscar stated with a shine on his turquoise eyes.
"Okay then, I'll be sure to get 'his' input."
"Thanks, Fie."
"No problem." Taking the two paper bags on the counter, she bid Oscar a farewell as she walked out of Morges' with her luggage in hand.
Now outside of the establishment, she placed her recently bought items near her baggage before taking out her ARCUS II to check the time.
'I hope I didn't make him wait for too long.'
In Central Square of Crossbell, a black-haired man was sitting on a bench, rays of sunlight beaming in his direction. A book in hand as he bathed in the UVs of the sun. A gust of wind came through on his left, brushing his hair a bit before seemingly disappearing.
Who could this man be? Well, both the young bracer and the baker have been talking about 'him' a while ago. The final night before the final battle of the Great Twilight and the battle in Elysium. The bonds of the two have further deepened, especially after their most recent and heartbreaking battle. A familiar face made certain memories resurface from the minds of Class VII, both old and new.
But during the end of all these battles, both individuals' bond, trust, and even love have increased. It's been over a month since their victory against ?. Things have been rather busy for the both of them. The duties of being a bracer for Fie, and the duties of being an instructor of Thors Branch Campus for the Ashen Chevalier himself— Rean Schwarzer.
'Well, in the end, you'll always be S to me. And I'll always be N to you, right?'
'Yeah. You're right.'
The carriage continued its slow roll forward, as did their conversation. It was profound at moments but was otherwise silly, lighthearted, and most of all...free.
The boy's name was Swin-S.
The girl's name was Nadia-N.
Together, they were travelers.
Travelers discovering their newfound humanity.
The End.
The young man flipped through the last page of the book before closing it up. Satisfied with the read, he leaned on the bench as he admired the sunny weather.
"I still can't believe this book was based on Swin and Nadia. Though, I guess the same could be said about the book— Red Moon Rose. I've known Roselia for quite some time, but sometimes I find it hard to believe that the book I read back in Thors was actually based on her." Rean mused.
As he got comfy on the bench, he took out his ARCUS II to check the time.
[04/ 20/ S. 1207]
-14:15-
Fixing his collar and hair, he was a bit nervous since he and Fie haven't seen each other in weeks. They have talked through their ARCUSes, and have sent letters from time to time. But it wasn't the same as seeing each other in person.
Rean's time as an instructor was slowly coming to an end as New Class VII's and all of the branch campus students' graduation draws near. You would think Rean should be with the kids and teaching them one last time. But the Golden Rakshasa had other plans. Despite his calm demeanor, she and even his students can see his stress. Likely due to him not being able to see his lover.
So New Class VII asked their principal if their instructor could spend at least a week of rest with his partner. This way, he could go back to his usual self when graduation day draws near.
With Aurelia's stamp of approval, she dismissed the young Schwarzer of his responsibilities as an instructor and had already found a replacement. Who, you may ask? Well, it was none other than Crow Armbrust! His 'partner-in-crime' even gave him the suggestion to go and relax at Calvard.
After accepting what has happened to him, he lets out a sigh of defeat. It was yesterday when Rean called Fie about how he was dismissed from being an instructor for a week to relax and spend time with her. Fie couldn't hide her joy when she found out about this; at the same time, she felt a touch of guilt in her heart. Thinking she may be the reason he was removed from his position, even if it was temporary.
Yesterday...
"Are you sure, Rean?"
"Of course, I am. We haven't seen each other in almost a month now. I want to spend my time with you, Fie."
"You know I'm always up for spending some time with you." She chuckled. She knew her partner had gotten better at tugging her heartstrings on purpose, unlike how he was a few months back when they first started dating.
"So, where do you wanna go? I saved up all of my day-offs just in case something like this happens."
"Actually... Crow suggested we go to Calvard."
"Oh." A bit surprised by the suggestion. "I don't really care where we go, to be honest, as long as I'm with you, that's all that matters." She admitted with a playful smile on her face, even though Rean can't see it through the other line.
...
"You're blushing, aren't you?" His silence was the only hint she needed to figure out what had happened to him.
"Ahahaha... you got me. If any of my students see me like this, I don't know what I'd do..."
"But you're cute when you're like this~."
Rean's groans could be heard from the other line.
"Fine, fine, I'll stop teasing... for now. So, where will we be staying?"
"In Longlai. My family was planning to go there for a vacation. When I mentioned I was planning to take you to Calvard, they insisted we'd go there. I think it's safe to say that you'll be joining us when we have our vacation. Mom, Dad, and Elise miss you, you know."
"Yeah, me too... If only I wasn't so busy with bracer stuff, I would have visited often. Though I guess I still won't be able to see you if I did..." Despite not being able to see her face right now, Rean knew that she had a frown on her face.
"Fie." He spoke with a soft voice. "You won't have to worry about that anymore. After New Class VII graduates, I'll apply to be a bracer."
"H-huh!?" Surprise and confusion were apparent in her tone. "What's with the sudden news!? I know we've talked about this, but are you sure you're not going to regret resigning as an instructor?"
"Of course not. I only became an instructor because the circumstances lead me to become one. I won't regret being one; I wouldn't have met Juna and the others if I didn't. They're still my responsibility; the least I could do now is watch over them until graduation. But ever since I realized I wanted to be with you, I guess you could say; I may have become a little impatient in everything."
"Rean..."
She can't say she isn't touched by his words. His longing to be with her made him do something no one expected him to do. She would be lying if she said she didn't wish for Rean to become a bracer much earlier. Both of them have been thinking about one another even when they were apart.
"I promise you, Fie. After they graduate, I'll be a bracer. So I could travel the world with you."
A brief moment of silence came as the silver-haired bracer didn't utter a word. Starting to get worried, Rean spoke once more.
"Um... did I say too much again...?"
"No, you're fine. I was just thinking of kissing you if I was there in person."
"O-oh..." He scratched his cheek, not sure how to respond to that.
"Alright then. Where should we meet up?"
"Hmm. Since it's a bit closer to the Republic, are you okay with meeting in Crossbell?"
"Mhm, I'm fine with that. See you tomorrow then, Rean."
"Yeah, see you tomorrow, Fie."
With a smile attached to their faces, both of them hang the call.
"I talked like it's gonna be easy for me, but I can't let her down. I made a promise with her, after all." Rean sighed, slouching on the bench as he looked at the sky.
"Seems like someone's doubting their abilities to become a bracer."
Rean almost fell out of his seat as he heard a familiar voice. Standing up as he turned his head to be greeted by a beautiful silver-haired girl with clothes she normally wouldn't wear. It doesn't mean it didn't suit her, though. Not with the way his mouth was agape.
Scratching his cheek as he let a chuckle slip. "You've gotten even more beautiful since the last time I saw you."
"You didn't expect me to wear this, huh?" Fie eyed herself before taking a page from the Princess of Erebonia.
With a smirk on her face, she twirled around with a tinge of pink on her face. Her short skirt dancing gently in the wind before she faced back at the man.
"How do I look?"
Rean walked up towards the girl; his own tinge of pink appeared on his face. "You're absolutely beautiful."
"I know." She tried to sound haughty, but her glancing away with crimson hues said that she was a bit embarrassed.
The shower of compliments from her boyfriend made her feel warm inside. Especially since this is the first time; they've seen each other in weeks.
Placing both of her hands on her back, Fie eyed the man as she bent forward at the waist. She smiled at her partner's clothing. An open-collared shirt with a white one being used as an undershirt. Along with his upper-body clothing, he wore black pants, albeit a much more casual looking one compared to the ones he would usually wear.
"You really do look better in casual wear." She bluntly stated, but her blush never faded. "You look really handsome in it. Actually, you're always handsome."
The sudden compliment made the instructor flustered as his pink tint shifted to a red one. "I-I could say the same about you."
Slowly regaining his composure, Rean moved closer to Fie and pulled her for a big hug. Fie expected him to get better with this, but she never expected him to be able to do something this bold. She felt like her cheeks were burning as she closed her eyes and slowly dozed off in her partner's chest. She missed this; if Rean becomes a bracer, then they would be together all the time.
"I missed you." Rean said with his soft and gentle voice, still hugging the girl.
Fie buried her face in the man's chest. Trying to hide the blush that never faded. "I missed you too."
Rean chuckled as he continued to hug his partner. The two enjoyed the companionable silence they had. Not even noticing the eyes of the bystanders around them. It was hard to blame the two; the civilians thought that the pair were cute together. Sylphid and the Ashen Chevalier, the people who were lucky enough to see the couple having one of their moments, always felt a certain warmth inside them.
The young man pulled back just a bit to see his partner's face.
"Haha, seems like we're gaining some attention." He said as he felt several eyes staring at them.
"Let them stare if they want." She smiled; the crimson hues still colored her cheeks.
If he was being honest, he would like to stay like this with Fie for a few more moments. He didn't care if people would stare at them. As long as he was with her, that's all he could ever ask for.
The silver-haired girl would prefer to cuddle him like they use to do whenever they're together, but she suddenly remembered she had something for him.
"I got us something to eat for the train ride."
"Oh?"
Taking out the two paper bags she was carrying, she showed them to her companion.
"I bought these at Morges'."
"I heard about that place; me and New Class VII, not counting Ash and Musse, went there for our Special Ops Mission. It's been a while since I had their bread." He elucidated. "You go there whenever you have bracer work here, right, Fie?"
"Yup." She simply said. "I figured you'd get hungry during the train ride, so I bought some food for us."
"You're so thoughtful. Thank you, Fie." He chuckled before his hand somehow made its way to her head. Patting the girl even with the beret she was wearing.
"Oops. I didn't mean to mess up your hat."
Rean returned Fie's hat into its position before getting moved due to patting her head.
"It's fine. I think you have something else to worry about besides my hat."
She smirked with Rean tilting his head in puzzlement from her statement.
His complexion grew paler as if he was punched in the gut. Realizing what he just did to the girl. He could only laugh at his own folly now that he knows what she was talking about.
"I'm sorry...?" He apologized with a wry smile.
"Fine, I guess I'll let you off the hook for now. Kinda know why you would do that too." She turned around with a ghost of a smile on her face.
Letting out a sigh of relief, Rean was glad he was able to escape from his girlfriend's merciless teasing. Even after she turned 18, he still kept treating her like a child. Considering what they did back in Mishelam is something a child would never do until they were older.
That was something that would occasionally bother Fie. Rean has gotten better at reading her feelings, but he still has a long way to go.
That being said, sometimes she would have a sudden urge to have her head patted... which is something she wouldn't openly admit to him.
"How about we eat them on the train?"
"That's the plan." Fie turned back to face Rean. "Should we get going?"
"We still have some time, but the sooner we get there the better."
"So we can spend time with each other much earlier, huh~."
If he wasn't flustered earlier, he totally is now as his palm met his face.
"W-wait! I meant so we can settle in the inn we're staying a lot sooner!"
"Hmmm." She smirked as she eyed the flustered man. "All right, I guess you mean at night then."
"Ah... fine, fine. We'll have it your way tonight."
"Victory." She gave a V sign with a triumphant smile.
"Let's get going then, Rean."
"Yeah." Grabbing his luggage near the bench before putting back his back on it.
"Oh yeah, I can carry either bag for you."
"Huh?"
"We can carry half of the bags; I can either carry the sandwiches or the coffees."
Fie blinked a few times before grinning at the man.
"That's sweet of you."
"Ahaha... well, it wouldn't be fair to let your carry both of them. Especially since you bought one for me after all." Rean explained.
"You can carry the coffee then."
She gave the paper bag that had their coffees to her partner.
The aroma of the coffee inside the bag had a pleasant scent. One that would surely wake anyone up. Rean hoped that it would still be warm once they arrived at the train so that they could enjoy their drinks together.
"Ready to head out?" Rean asked.
"Ready when you are." Fie simply replied.
The couple smiled at each other with snacks and luggage in hand before exiting out of Central Square and heading to Crossbell's Station Road. Taking their time, they enjoyed walking together and chatting up a bit before they nearly arrived at the station.
The duo arrived at the station, attendants and inspection officers were roaming around inside of the building as they performed their various duties. Attendants were handling the ticket booths while the inspection officers were checking who boards the trains as well as checking the belongings of the passengers. Not that it would be a problem for them considering the number of people who were planning to board the trains.
"It looks like some of them are planning to have their own vacation." The instructor mused, looking at another couple with luggage in hand.
"Yeah. But at least we won't have to worry about getting some alone time later." The bracer grinned as she took a few steps forward to the ticket booth. "Let's go, Rean!"
The black-haired man's heart skipped a beat; crimson hues appeared on his face as soon as he saw the young girl's face. Her smile never failed to make him flustered, or at the very least, get him to blush.
"Right!" He replied before walking towards his partner to the booth.
"Can we have two tickets for Calvard?"
"Certainly." The attendant smiled. She took out two tickets in a drawer, giving the tickets to the man. "Here you go, sir—" The woman paused as she looked at the man's visage intently as if she saw him before. "Ah! You're Rean Schwarzer, the Ashen Chevalier!"
"O-oh. You know me?" The surprised man chuckled nervously. He didn't expect the attendant to react like that. He knew that some people would recognize him, but he never expected to get that kind of reaction from her.
"Of course! Everyone in Crossbell knows that you and your comrades helped the SSS with getting back our independence. We can't thank you enough for what you did." The attendant beamed how thankful she is.
The two of them discussed Crossbell's independence. But Rean being... Rean. He brushed off all of the compliments and praises that he was showered.
While this is happening, a small frown was present on Fie's face. Feeling a bit jealous that the attendant has Rean's full attention. Tugging his sleeve, the man met the girl's optics.
"Rean. The tickets." She reminded him.
"Oh. I almost forgot. Thanks for reminding me, Fie." Rean took the tickets from the counter. "Sorry, but we really should be going."
"I'm so sorry for taking up your time!" The woman apologized before taking a good look at the petite girl at the man's side. "Excuse me, but are you, Sylphid?"
The woman redirected her attention from Rean to Fie.
"Yeah." She answered with a slight nod.
"Ohmygosh! Are the two of you dating?! I heard the rumors, but I didn't expect to actually see you two together." The attendant asked excitedly.
Both of them sweatdropped at that. Rean scratched his cheek; he could chuckle for his response. As for Fie... she had other things in mind, a smirk present on her pale visage.
"Yeah we are." The silver-haired girl hugged the man's arm, causing the said man to fluster up by the sudden action. "We're planning to spend some time in Calvard since it's been a while since we've been together."
"Aww, you two are so adorable together." The young woman complimented the couple.
"I know, right?" Fie agreed wholeheartedly, a smile still attached to her face.
Glancing to the nearby clock, the duo only had a few more minutes before their train departed. "Haha. Thanks for the tickets, but we really should be going."
"Alright. Sorry again for taking so much of your time." The woman once again apologized to the pair, bowing her head at the couple. "I hope both of you enjoy your trip to Calvard."
"Thank you. I'm sure we will." Rean thanked the woman with a smile.
"Yup, thanks for the tickets."
Thanking the attendant one last time, the two-headed for Platform 1 where their train to Calvard awaits.
With their luggage and meal with them, they passed the inspection and boarded the train. Looking around inside, the two spotted a free spot they could take before taking their seat.
The conductor of the train began making his rounds for punching the tickets. No issues arise as he continued to perform his duties, now taking the tickets of the duo before punching it. He made small talk with the two after recognizing who they were.
After talking about Calvard and sharing some of the best hot springs and tourist spots there. He continued to punch out the ticket of the other passengers.
"That conductor sure knows a lot of good hot spring spots. I'm getting excited just thinking about it." The young man said. The thought of being able to experience the hot springs of Calvard made the young man's excitement quite apparent.
"I take it you're gonna try to experience all of them?" Fie asked.
"Well, if we're free, then yeah."
"I'll join you when you do that then. That herbal spring sounds like it'll help both of us a lot."
"Yeah, I have a feeling our fatigue will quickly disappear." Rean opined. "Oh yeah, wanna drink our coffee while we wait for the train to depart?"
"Sure."
Rean took out their drinks from the paper bag. Giving the other drink to his partner who was sitting in front of him. The young man could still feel the heat coming from the cup. He took a quick whiff to take in the aroma of the coffee. If Machias was here, he would probably lecture him about coffee for 30 minutes. Just the thought made the man chuckle a bit.
"If Machias was here, he would probably give us a lecture about coffee, huh." Fie mused, taking a sip of her drink.
Rean couldn't help but laugh at that.
"What's so funny?"
"Ahahaha. It's nothing, Fie. I was just thinking the same thing actually." Rean explained why he suddenly laughed.
"Well, we are in sync. I'm not surprised we thought of the same thing." She chuckled for Rean to chuckle back.
The two drank their coffees in silence before the voice of the conductor was heard through the speakers. "Excuse me, we will now be departing from Crossbell Station. I repeat we will now be departing from Crossbell Station. This train is bound for Altair City in Calvard. "
"It looks like the train's about to leave." The bracer thought out loud.
"Fie."
"Yeah?"
"I'm looking forward to this trip with you." He smiled at the girl. His fuchsia orbs meeting her chartreuse ones.
"...me too." She mumbled, a faint blush, present on her cheeks.
The two were excited to finally spend some time together. After everything that has happened in the past few months, they deserve a break together and relax. Not thinking about work, but thinking about what they should do for the whole week they are together.
Slowly, they felt that the train has started to move and left the station.
"You wanna eat them now?" Fie showed the paper bag that was holding their bread to the man.
"Sure. I was getting a bit hungry anyway."
"Gotcha." The girl took out their meals from the bag. Placing her tuna sandwich at her side before giving her partner's sandwich to him. "Oscar made an eastern type bread. Said he wanted your input."
"Oh. Well, I'm happy to help, but I don't know if I can give anything useful." Rean admitted as he took the bread from Fie.
The bread was flat as a pancake but had a pleasant scent of garlic and other spices mixed in. On closer inspection, the bread had perfectly toasted edges and some herbs on top of it. It was no exaggeration that Rean's mouth was watering from the aroma coming from the eastern bread.
"This looks good." He blurted out, eyes glued to the bread.
"Hehe, I can tell. You look like you haven't eaten in days with the way you're staring at it."
"Let's dig in."
Nodding in agreement, Fie took a bite of her tuna sandwich with Rean taking a bite of the new bread.
Suddenly, Rean's mouth was assaulted with an intense yet gentle flavor of garlic, mixed with the various spices in it, which he presumes to be eastern spices. The crispy texture of the edges made the bread even more delicious, he doesn't even know if it's bread anymore with the way he was attacked by so much flavor.
"This is really good! It's like I'm eating a full meal. The spices have a mix of strong and mild flavors but aren't overpowering each other." Rean commented between bites. "I can honestly say, if it's available at the bakery, I'll be happy to try some again."
Fie smiled as she watched Rean eat his bread. The petite girl couldn't hide her joy from watching him eat his meal with a certain shine in his eyes. "I'll be sure to tell that to Oscar."
Before the man could finish the bread, he got up from his seat and presented the half-eaten bread to his partner. "You wanna try, Fie? I don't mind sharing."
"Sure. Why not?"
As soon as those words slipped past her lips, Fie took a small bite.
"You weren't kidding. This is really good." She said, still chewing her bread with widen eyes.
"Thanks for buying this for me, Fie. It was a great treat." Rean thanked the girl with a smile.
"No problem." She said, returning the smile with her own.
After finishing their drinks and meal, the two sat in comfortable silence. Looking at the scenery, passing by trees and mountains on the way to Calvard. Before long, Fie started to doze off, waddling back and forth on her seat.
"Um... Fie? Do you want to take a nap? I can take care of your luggage while you get some sleep." Rean began. "It'll still be a few more hours until we arrive."
The girl tried to fight back a yawn but was defeated as it slipped past her once again. "You might be right. Maybe I should get some sleep."
Standing up from her seat, she seated next to her lover and rested her head on his shoulder. Before Rean could say anything, she has already dozed off.
Without much to do, Rean sighed before smiling. This really made it feel like how it used to be, and he couldn't ask for more. Closing his eyes, the Chevalier soon fell asleep himself. Hopefully, the two wouldn't miss their stop due to their little nap time.
