"We are now approaching Altair City. Altair City. We would like to thank all passengers for their patronage and cooperation. While disembarking, please ensure no belongings are left behind." A voice in the train's speakers announced their proximity to their destination.
Rean slowly opened his eyes upon hearing the announcement. The young man didn't even realize he had fallen asleep. Turning his head to his side, he sees Fie; sleeping peacefully on his shoulder. Her sleeping face was too cute for someone who gets easily flustered as he is. He contemplated whether he should wake her up or not, but since they are nearly at their destination, he chose to wake up the sleeping girl.
"Fie." He called her name, shaking her shoulder gently. "We're about to arrive, Fie. We need to get ready."
The silver-haired girl opened one of her eyes slowly as she removed her head from her partner's shoulder before a yawn slipped past her. "Are we there yet?" She said, rubbing her eye with her gloved hand.
"We're almost there." Rean chuckled. "I didn't want to wake you up, but I had to since we need to get ourselves ready once the train stops."
"You ruined my beauty sleep," Fie grumbled, faking annoyance at the man before her lips curled into a smile. "But I'll forgive you since it was you that woke me up."
"Thank you then." The instructor smiled at the girl.
The bracer smiled back with a slight tint of pink on her visage. Standing up from her seat, she returned to her original spot to sort out her luggage before they departed. Seeing his partner get ready, he prepared to depart as well.
A few more minutes passed when they felt the train slowly coming to a stop. As the other passengers began to stand up, so did the couple.
Luckily for the two, there weren't many passengers on board, so they managed to exit out of the train with ease. The pair made their way out of the station to quickly see the outside. It was their first time to be together in Calvard, after all.
Once they were outside, they were greeted by a gentle breeze that caressed their cheeks. Seagulls and other birds flew through the baby-blue sky as the bright sun rained down its light upon them. The scent of the sea filled their noses as they took a whiff of the air. It was a familiar scent that was similar to the scent found in Ordis and Jurai.
Their eyes wandered a bit, eyeing their surroundings to get a feel of the area, even though they won't be staying for too long.
"The air here feels just like when I was with Crow in Jurai two weeks ago. I can tell it's a port city now; the sea breeze feels like I'm back in Jurai, or maybe in Ordis." The black-haired instructor said with a chuckle. Remembering how he spent his weekend two weeks ago with his fellow Chevalier.
"Yeah... Wait." Hearing about information she wasn't aware of, Fie turned to the man. "You never told me about that. What did the two of you do that you needed to be in Jurai?
Fie presented a half-lidded look to her lover, which Rean could only sweatdrop at her attempt of an interrogation. He does tell her everything about what happens in his daily life and vice versa through their ARCUSes. But he never expected her to react like this for not telling her what occurred during his stay in Jurai.
"Well, I talked with Crow the day before I went to Jurai. He told me he was going to be busy since he needed to help some of his colleagues. He didn't really say anything specific, but it sounded like he needed some help. So I decided to lend him a hand." Rean explained with a wry smile.
"Hmmm." Fie closed her eyes and turned her back against him. "Okay. I thought you guys were planning to have a date when you went there."
"W-WHAT!?"
The tone she used made it difficult if she was joking or not. Crow was his partner; he has acknowledged that more than once, but he never saw him in that kind of light! And Fie should know that both Chevaliers did not swing that way. Considering the look Crow gives when he talks to a woman. Or, in his case, when he looks at Towa.
"I only helped with half of his tasks! Why would you even think that?!" He definitely lost his composure with the way he was acting.
The petite girl couldn't help but laugh at her partner's current state. She finds the way he was so defensive amusing. Of course, Fie already knew that he didn't see his friend that way. But when a former classmate gave the girl a certain book, she couldn't help but think of the 'what ifs'.
"Thank Dorothee for that. She gave me a book that sounded a lot like you and Crow." She simply said, turning to face him once again. "It... was an interesting read."
Pink hues emerged from Fie as she glanced away from her partner's gaze. Rean facepalmed at the one Fie was implying; he just hopes that she isn't too deep in that kind of genre. Since Dorothee's area of expertise is targeted towards... a certain audience.
"Please don't be influenced by her writing too much..."
"Well, I'll try." She grinned.
"All right then..." He sighed in defeat before looking around the area.
His fuchsia eyes spotted a bus that just arrived near the station. The man took out his ARCUS to check the time.
[04/ 20/ S. 1207]
-16:27-
"Let's take the bus to Longlai, Fie. If we don't go soon, we won't have time to check some tourist spots if we want to get there before nightfall." Rean pointed at the bus with his thumb, luggage at the ready once he hears her answer.
"Kay." Fie nodded her head in response.
The instructor smiled at her answer; the two walked towards the bus with their luggage. The pair were asked about their destination, and they answered. They were told they would arrive approximately around two hours or so. The two sighed since they wouldn't be able to go sightseeing, and they needed to sort out their baggage at their inn once they arrive.
"I guess we'll have to settle for tomorrow to go sightseeing." The black-haired man said with a sad smile.
"That's fine. We can spend some together once we arrive at the inn." The petite girl smiled and patted his back. Reminding him that they're staying at Calvard for a week.
This improved the mood of the instructor as a genuine smile formed on his face. "Haha. You're right. I almost forgot about that."
"Let's go take our seats first. The others can't pass if we don't."
Rean glanced at her left side, only now realizing that passengers were waiting for them to take their seats. The man apologized for standing in the middle before he took the nearest seat. The sleepy girl chuckled before she sat right next to her partner.
Once all the passengers were seated, the bus departed from the station and was now heading towards Longlai.
The pair conversed in small talk as they waited for their arrival at their destination. Fie told her partner that she brought her Vantage Master deck along if he wishes for them to play later. Rean's eyes sparkled at the idea of playing with Fie. They never really had the chance to play a lot during the Great Twilight. And even after that was over, a new threat emerged that made it difficult for them to play.
The petite girl mentions how she played against Sara and Toval and hasn't been defeated since. The competitive fire inside of the instructor flared up, knowing that she was undefeated. This gave him even more motivation to win against her.
They didn't even notice the eyes that were locked onto them. They certainly didn't have any hard feelings about the two; if anything, the other passengers were surprised the famous Ashen Chevalier would actually come to the Republic. But with how sharp Rean's senses were, eventually, he felt their eyes staring at him.
His calm and collected persona was still in effect, despite him feeling a bit uncomfortable. Of course, the only person who was able and will always notice his unease would be his partner. Placing her gloved hand on top of his right and gave it a light squeeze.
"Don't let their looks bother you. Just focus on me and relax." Fie said, looking at his fuchsia optics with a smile.
"O-okay."
Just her smile was enough for him to forget about the stares. It didn't calm his beating heart, though; it was beating at a ridiculous pace. But she was the only person who can make his heart go at an erratic pace, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
Slowly calming down, Rean gently tightened his grip on Fie's hand, returning her smile with his own. The young girl's smile widened as she rested her head on his shoulder. No words were needed to be spoken; the two enjoyed the silence that accompanied them as they watched the scenery from the bus's window.
"Rean."
"Yes, Fie?"
"How are you doing at the academy?" Fie asked, her head still rested on his shoulder.
"Huh? Didn't I talk about it yesterday?" Rean raised a brow, wondering why she would ask again. "But to answer your question. It's been normal; nothing really happened that I haven't told you already."
"I know. But still, you might accidentally let something embarrassing slip~." She smirked. "But if that's what you say, then okay."
"Um... okay?"
Before Rean could question her, a ring on his ARCUS caught his attention. Taking it out of his pocket, he opened it to receive a message from one of his students.
"Kurt? Wonder what he needs..."
"You should check it out." The silver-haired girl closed her eyes just in case it was something private.
Kurt Vander: Good day, Instructor Rean. I am sorry for messaging you when you should be spending some time with Fie, but your friend— Instructor... Crow said to message you about calling him tonight.
Rean Schwarzer: Don't worry, Kurt. We haven't arrived at our inn yet. And noted. By the way, how's your first day with Crow as your instructor?
Kurt Vander: About that... he said he will tell you everything tonight.
The young instructor's uneasiness came back at him as he read his student's message. He wonders what happened that he needed to call his fellow Chevalier to find out what had occurred today.
Rean Schwarzer: Got it. I'll be sure to call him later then.
Kurt Vander: Understood. I wish you a pleasant evening later, Instructor. I hope your time in Calvard helps relieve that stress of yours.
Rean Schwarzer: Haha. I hope so too. To you as well, Kurt.
With that last message sent, Rean closed his ARCUS unit and placed it back in his pocket.
"Was it anything urgent?" The bracer asked as she opened her eyes.
"No. Kurt just messaged me about how Crow wanted to talk later." The instructor responded.
A 'hmm' noise came out of Fie, a half-lidded look accompanying her.
"Uh, Fie? Is something wrong?"
"Are you sure there isn't anything going on between you and Crow?"
"Are you still hang up on that?" Rean lowered his head, not knowing what to do to make her stop thing something is going on between him and his friend.
"I'm joking." She smirked as she closed her eyes once again, patiently waiting until they arrive at their destination.
A sigh of relief graced his lips before he stroked her silver locks. She purred at his gentle touch, enjoying her privilege of being someone special to him. If people didn't think she was catlike, then this should be proof enough for them. A smile was etched into his face; he really is lucky to have her by his side.
A smile was etched into his face as he saw that his partner was enjoying it. With how close they were, the instructor can smell her scent. It was no exaggeration that she can calm the man down with a simple touch, but her floral fragrance was intoxicating that made his cheeks flushed.
"So, how do you like it?" As if she was psychic, she knew that he took a whiff of her as another smirk crossed her face.
Rean scratched his cheek nervously. "H-haha. It feels like old times."
"...oh." The girl didn't expect that answer. She can't say she didn't feel the same. Rean's scent always puts her at ease, and she missed his familiar scent so much during their time apart.
Rean chuckled, but before he could continue stroking her hair. He felt the vehicle slow down.
"I think we're here."
"Mhm." She simply nodded.
She looked towards the window near her, her eyes widening. The cityscape was made up of numerous Eastern-style buildings; the atmosphere was far different from Altair. The area was surrounded by mountains and a nearby forest; it was a breathtaking sight for the young girl.
While Rean was looking at the city as well, he smiles as he notices the way Fie was looking at the Eastern-influenced area. He tapped her shoulder to gain her attention.
"We can take some pictures later. We need to get off the bus." Rean chuckled.
"Oops. You're right. Sorry about that, Rean."
"It's fine, Fie. I can't blame you for being mesmerized by the city. It really is beautiful."
"Yeah. It's kind of like Crossbell's East Street, but at the same time, it isn't."
The pair stood up from their seats, carrying their luggage before exiting the bus.
The moon was already in-display once they were outside. A cold breeze blew past them, sending chills through their body. The city wasn't completely dark since the lamppost outside provided illumination through the night.
"Amazing." Rean blurted out. His eyes glued at the city.
"Agreed."
The instructor almost forgot why they were here. Shaking his head, he reached out his hand towards his partner. "Let's get to our inn, Fie. I think there's a hot spring there."
"That's good to know. I know you're gonna take a dip in the hot spring once we arrive at the inn anyway." She gave her hand to her lover as he held her hand gently.
"Am I that obvious?"
"Yup." She grinned.
A chuckle came out of him as they walked together to find their inn. Strolling through the city, they took note of the various stalls that are opened. They were selling authentic Eastern snacks, accessories, and souvenirs. They promised each other to buy souvenirs for their friends and families. Fie asked Rean to help her find presents for her brothers, which the man reluctantly accepts, even knowing they might interrogate him... again.
They explored through the city until they stumbled upon an inn. The name of the building was written on a board hanging at the entrance. 'Hekizanrou'.
"Is this the place?" She asked, her hand still being held by the Chevalier.
"Yeah." He answered.
The two entered the building before making their way towards the receptionist.
"Excuse me, we have a reservation for a room here for one week."
"Ah, yes. You must be Mr. Schwarzer then?"
"Yes. Sorry, we were a bit late, we were strolling around the city for a bit before we arrived here. Longlai really is beautiful." Rean said with an honest tone in his voice.
"Thank you for saying so. That's quite a high level of praise coming from the Ashen Chevalier himself." The woman bowed before smiling at the man.
The woman had black hair that was tied into a bun. She was wearing a long eastern robe, which was light blue in color. She had expensive-looking earrings, and she was wearing makeup around her eyes and cheeks. He shook his head, realizing the woman knew about his title.
"You've heard of me?" He asked, scratching his cheek.
"Why yes. We heard all about your exploits in the Empire. Rest assured that we hold no ill will towards you or your partner. If anything, we are glad you chose our inn. We will comply with all of your requests to the best of our abilities." The elegant woman bowed again.
"She seems really nice," Fie whispered, voice loud enough that only Rean can hear her.
"Yeah. I expected to have a rougher treatment, but I guess I was wrong." Rean whispered back.
"Well, if they try to treat you badly, I'll make sure they regret it." She stated with a mischievous smirk on her visage.
The young man sweatdropped at her last statement.
"I appreciate it, Fie. But I think we're good."
"You're no fun."
Chuckling at his partner, his attention returned to the receptionist as she faked a cough. "Sorry. Where were we?"
"Your key to your room." The woman gave the Chevalier the key to their room.
"Wait. We only get one key?" He asked, confusion apparent on his countenance.
"I assumed the two of you will be staying in one room. You two are a couple, after all." She smirked. Okay, she was definitely not your average receptionist after hearing that. "An old friend of mine told me about a silver-haired bracer; and that she was in a relationship with the Ashen Chevalier. Isn't that right, Miss Sylphid?"
"Yup. Surprise you heard of me."
'She must be talking about Zin...' Fie thought to herself.
The woman just smiled at her before taking out a pair of clothes from behind the counter.
"And I assume you two will be taking a soak in our springs. After using the springs, we suggest you use these yukatas we have prepared for our guests."
"W-wait! What about our second room...?"
"I don't see what's the big deal, Rean. We shared a room before, remember?"
The Schwarzer's cheeks suddenly flared up, remembering a certain memory and a memorable one that he had with his lover. Oh, Aidios, how he was an inexperienced man back then.
"True..."
"Someone's thinking of something dirty~" Her smirk made the man even more flustered.
"I wasn't thinking of anything of the sort!"
"Uh-huh~"
The petite girl continued to tease the man, causing his composure to slowly wither away. While this is happening, the receptionist smiled at the sight of the couple.
"If you so wish, we can bring your dinner after your trip to the hot spring, later. We would like to serve you our finest Eastern and Calvardian dishes." She interjected, the couple nodded at the info.
"Come on, we still have to sort out our stuff before we can take a soak."
"Y-yeah." Rean placed the key in his pocket. "Thank you again for the key."
"It's our pleasure to serve you both. We hope you have a wonderful time during your stay here in Longlai." She bowed one last time before going to the backroom to perform her other duties.
The couple headed to their room and unlocked the door. The room had an Eastern feel to it as it was decorated with Eastern ornaments. And instead of beds, they have two sets of mattresses with green duvets beside them. There was a coffee table in the far left corner with cushions laid out on the floor. Both of them thought that they would not have a problem in staying in these Eastern-style for a week.
They set their luggage in the room before taking out some spare clothes and placing them near the closet in the area.
The young bracer did some stretches before lying on the flooring. Her partner chuckled as he took a seat right next to her. Wondering if the girl would like to play a game of VM later after their bath, he asked.
"After we finish soaking in the hot spring, maybe we can have a match of VM? If you like to, of course."
Fie chortled; she sat up from the floor and hugged her knees against her chest. "You know my answer will always be yes, Rean."
"True, but it can't hurt to make sure, right?"
She nodded at that.
"But I suggest we eat our dinner first before playing."
As if on cue, the instructor's stomach growled. Causing him to laugh, a bit embarrassed at his stomach's sudden hunger.
"See? You won't be able to think straight on an empty stomach." Fie added as a smirk crossed her face.
"I guess you're right."
"Just don't enjoy the hot spring too much. I know how you can be whenever you take a dip on one. Remember during the Great Twilight when we're trying to purify the hot spring in Eryn?" The silver-haired girl snickered, remembering how the others called his partner a hot spring maniac when they were traveling the Empire.
Rean sweatdropped at the memory. He knows he can get a little... carried away when it comes to hot springs, but the memory reminded him that his friends and students often reminded him about how he really is a hot spring maniac comparable to even the Golden Rakshasa.
"Ok, ok. I promise not to go overboard."
"Because we still have six more days to go to the other springs, huh?"
"Ahahaha..."
Fie sighed before smiling at her lover. She already knew how things would turn out if the young man heard about anything related to hot springs. She's just glad they'll be able to spend some time together. The girl stood up and reached her hand to help the man get up.
"No time like the present. Let's go."
"Right you are, Fie."
The two exited their room and made their way towards the hot spring. The receptionist greeted a pleasant evening and telling them that there was a mixed bath one if they so wish to use it. With that information now known, Fie's lips curled into a playful grin.
"Look at that, Rean. We have a chance to get into the hot spring together~."
"Ahaha... looks like it. But I don't know if I can handle that."
"Why not?" A small frown present on her face. "You've already seen me in a bath towel. Don't tell me you forget all about what happened in Mishelam?"
"Of course I didn't forget!" The instructor exclaimed.
How can he forget that? It was a very special memory for both of them. Her tender touch, their confession to each other, and their first kiss. Especially what happened afterward, it was proof that they were more than family, more than friends. He can never forget that memory of theirs.
"Sorry, Fie. Maybe it's because we haven't seen each other in a while that I'm like this. I don't mind being in the hot spring with at all." He confessed, a warm smile appeared on his face.
"You don't have to apologize, Rean." She turned around, hiding the pink hues that flushed her cheeks. "But I'm happy to hear that."
Rean chuckled before making their way to the changing room, obviously in their proper changing rooms. Rean headed to the men's side, while Fie headed to the women's side to change their clothes.
The instructor was the first one to arrive at the hot spring. It was debatable whether it was good or bad, but no one besides the man was present in the spring. The steam in the air was a familiar feeling. Taking a step forward, he seated near a large rock, leaning on it as he enjoyed the spring's water.
"How does it feel?" A soft voice asked.
Fie arrived in her bath towel, her silver mane already damp because of the steam. She slowly placed her foot on the water, checking to see how hot it is. Nodding her head on the temperature, she made her way towards her partner, sitting right next to him.
"It feels great. I can already feel all the fatigue in me being washed away."
"That's good. I'm glad you can finally relax. Though it would probably have the same effect if it was any other springs, huh." Fie said as she leaned on the rock behind her. "Feels so good~."
Rean smiled; he was glad that she was enjoying herself. It gave him joy, knowing that she'll be by his side through the coming days. 'I'll do my best, Fie. I can't wait to spend my life together with you.'
"What are you smiling at?" She asked, noticing his smile.
"Nothing. I'm just glad you're having fun."
"Hehe, I'm always having fun when you're around."
"Ah..." A faint blush painted Rean's cheeks. Thankfully, the steam from the water made it less noticeable. "Me too. You always make my days a lot brighter. Thank you, Fie."
The girl was stunned for a sec; her eyes widened at his words. It was short-lived as she smirked and poked the man's forehead.
"You really like to say the cheesiest things."
"Well, that's just how I am." Rean chuckled as he rubbed his neck.
Her smirk morphed to a small smile; she buried her head in his chest. Despite what she said, it made her heart warm to know that he feels that way about her. "...and I love that part of you too."
"Eheheh."
Rean wrapped his arms around his lover. With one hand stroking her hair, the girl giggled as her body started to relax into him.
"This reminds me of the time it was just the two of us in Ymir back during the civil war." Fie stated with a hint of nostalgia in her tone.
"Yeah. Can't forget the time when the others left us when we were on the Fairy Spring."
"And I almost thought we could continue that night at Mishelam that day. Millium really surprised me when she popped up out of nowhere."
"I can't deny that. At least she, Jusis, and Roselia popped up when we weren't doing anything. It would have been bad if they spotted us doing... well, you know."
"Never thought you had a dirty mind before.~." Fie looked up to meet his partner's orbs. A smug smirk accompanying her.
"I don't have one."
"Hehe, don't worry about anyone spotting us. We have tonight after all, and you promised that we will have it my way tonight~."
Rean gulped at the implications but knowing his partner's playful attitude around him. He knows it will be a busy night for both of them. Not like he minds it as a wide smile crossed his face.
"I look forward to it then."
"Well..." Fie started; a heavy blush consumed her visage at an instance. "I can give you a small taste right now."
Fie stood up a bit a pecked Rean's cheek.
"There."
"Hahaha..." Rean could only laugh at her surprise attack. The steam couldn't hide the crimson hues that emerged from his face. "I'm kinda worried about later now..."
"Oh don't be~."
Her words definitely didn't put his worries away since he already has an inkling of what will happen later. And he prays to Aidios, oh really prays to Aidios, that what happens tonight stays in the inn, and he hopes it doesn't reach the ears of certain jaegers... scratch that. He hopes that nobody knows at all!
The two stayed in the spring for a few more minutes. Enjoying the bliss with each other's company. Rean would have stayed longer, but he was starting to feel a bit dizzy. Fie suggested to leave; for now, they still have the following days to enjoy the hot springs after all. Plus, it wouldn't do if they got sick because they stayed too long.
Both of them headed to their respective changing rooms and changed into their yukatas. The first one to get out of the changing room was the instructor. His hunger has grown as his stomach grumbled. He rubbed his belly, trying to soothe its emptiness.
The receptionist came back to change the towels at the women's changing room. And coincidently, she heard of Mr. Schwarzer's growling stomach. "Good evening, Mr. Schwarzer. Would you like us to send you both of you your dinner once you are in your room?"
"Ah. Good evening, and yes, we would really appreciate it." He smiled as he scratched his cheek. He guessed that she heard his stomach.
"We will send it to you shortly." She bowed before stepping closer to the man. "I would also like to inform you. Your master— Yun Ka-fai was spotted here, in Longlai, but is now missing." She whispered.
The black-haired man's eyes widen; he was surprised to hear that. He wasn't surprised by the news; since he was already informed that his master went missing. No, he was surprised that this woman knew of his master. This was the final piece that proved that the woman was no mere receptionist, but at the same time, Rean was tired; the only thing he could do right now is put it in the back of his mind and accept her words.
"I understand." But he wasn't about to let her leave without asking one question. "Are you acquainted with Master Yun?"
"You could say that. But I'm acquainted with all sorts of Eastern martial artist. I just happen to stumble upon that information from one of my acquaintances." The black-haired woman stated.
"I see..."
"If you'll excuse me. Once again, I hope you have a pleasant evening." The woman bowed before heading towards the changing room in which Fie came out.
"What was that about?" Fie asked, now in her yukata.
"She just told me about how Master Yun went missing."
"Huh? Didn't you tell me something about that a few days ago? How does she know that..." The girl pondered, her expression far more serious than before.
"I don't know." The man frowned, a bit upset that he can't read the receptionist. His frown soon vanished and was replaced with a gentle smile. "But I'll think about that some other time. I've missed spending my time with you; I won't let something like that get in the way of us spending some time together."
"Rean..." She really can't get used to how he tugs her heartstrings. She tried her best not to let a blush consume her visage but to no avail. "I'm really surprised you've gotten this smooth in just a couple of months."
"Huh?!"
Shaking her head, she grabbed her partner's hand. "Let's go to our room. I know you're getting hungry."
"Haha. You're right about that."
They smiled at each other as they made their way towards their room. As soon as they arrived, Fie plopped her butt on the tatami mat, feeling a little dizzy herself. Her yukata gave her slender figure a touch of grace and elegance. Her clothes were long enough, but it didn't completely hide her toned legs. Rean's eyes were instantly glued to her, mixed with her messy silver locks; she was a sight to behold.
"Were you eyeing me?" She teased as she came closer to her partner and pocked his nose.
"O-oh... sorry. I didn't even notice. You're just... really beautiful." He confessed with pink hues on his cheeks.
"Oh..." Her own pink hues appeared as she stepped back. "...thank you, Rean."
A light chuckle slipped past him; he came closer to the girl and cupped his palm around her cheek. If people would think that Rean can only be bold because of his denseness, then they are certainly wrong. He was completely aware of his actions; a gentle smile was proof of that. This caused the petite girl to get flustered, her cheeks turning beet-red.
"R-Rean...!"
Before Fie could let out another word, her lover's face came closer. She closed her eyes as she waited for a kiss, but it never came. Instead, she felt him touch her face.
"There. I finally got rid of that lint that was bothering me."
...
"...huh?"
"There was a piece of lint that got stuck between your hair. It was bothering me a bit so I removed it for you. Seriously, Fie. You really need to take care of your hair."
It was official. He may have gotten bolder with his flirting and actions. But it seems there is no cure for the dense. And Fie's reaction... let's just say she wasn't too amused by it.
She glared at the man, a glare that can make even lions freeze. Rean felt a shiver in his spine, but being the dense person that he is, he doesn't know the reason for the glare.
"Um... did I do something wrong...?"
"I take it back. You didn't learn anything from the past months." She pouted, looking away from his gaze.
"W-what?!"
She sighed as she turned her head to face him. "You can't read a girl's heart at all, you dummy."
Rean sweatdropped. He really must be dense if he forgot about what Fie taught him back then. "I'm sorry if I did something to upset you. I didn't mean it."
Forgetting what she told him earlier in the day. He moved his hand towards her head and patted her. An apologetic smile on his face. "I promise to read your heart better."
Eyes widening, she was sure he would apologize, but the way he said it made her heart melt.
'Not any girl's heart, but only mine, huh... He really is making it difficult to stay mad at him'
Her lips curled into a smile as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the headpat. "Fine. That's a promise, okay?"
"I promise."
A knock on their door startled them that stopped the headpatting. A feminine voice spoke behind the wooden frame.
"Excuse me. Mr. Schwarzer, your dinner has arrived."
"Got it!" Standing up from his seating position, he opened the door.
He was presented with trays full of different Eastern and Calvardian dishes. Dumplings, stir fry noodles, prawn tempuras, and seafood curry. For dessert, there was two chestnut cake on another tray. Rean could smell a type of tea mixed with the cake. Speaking of tea, they were given a pot of green tea to wash their palette and to refresh them. Accompanying the tea was a bottle of Eastern alcohol called 'sake'.
Rean moved out of the way to let the woman enter the room. She placed the trays at the table in the corner. Performing a bow, she bids them a pleasant evening and hoping they enjoy their meal. With that, she leaves the couple.
"Wow. All of these look really good." Fie expressed as she walked towards the table.
"Agreed." Rean followed his partner as both of them sat in the cushions on the floor. Comfort filled his bottom as he sat on the comfy cushion.
"Are you read— "
GROWL...
Rean's words were cut short as his stomach growled. A faint pink tint flushed his cheeks as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Let's start eating, Rean. I'm hungry too." She chuckled with an understanding smile.
"Ahaha... alright."
The two talked about how their plans for the upcoming days as they ate their food. Obviously, Rean talked about the various hot springs in Longlai while Fie discussed the nearby forest in the city. She mentions that there might be new flowers that can only be seen in the area.
After eating for a bit, Fie eyed the bottle of alcohol before grabbing it with her slender fingers. A playful grin formed on her face as she looked at her lover's fuchsia-colored orbs.
"How about it, Rean? Wanna drink?"
"Fie. You know you're still not old enough to drink, right?" He said, eating the dumplings on his plate.
"Boo..." Fie whined. "How about I pour you a glass instead?"
"Oh... that seems fine. Thanks, Fie." He smiled, thanking his partner.
Fie opened the bottle and poured a glass of sake for him. As she poured the alcohol, a fruity, nutty, or even floral aroma filled their nostrils. It was clear as glass, and it almost seemed like water. If it weren't for the aroma of the drink, they might mistake it for water.
The instructor hovered his glass below his face as he took a quick sniff of the drink. It definitely was different from drinks like a beer or wine. He took a small sip of the sake and was blasted with a familiar taste. It was slightly sweet, with the texture being smooth and light.
Fie gazed at her lover, a smile on her face as she watching him enjoy his drink.
"This tastes amazing! I always wondered how it tasted before."
"Oh? Have you had it before?"
"Not necessarily," He chuckled. "Master Yun would often bring this type of alcohol to our house for Dad and Mom back when I was training with him."
"I take it that your curiosity is satisfied then?" Fie asked.
"Definitely. I wish you could try some, Fie. This is fantastic!"
"Weeeeeell. You can let me take a sip~."
"Nope." Rean answered without missing a beat.
"At least I tried." Fie conceded as she ate her chestnut cake. "I'll settle for this and my tea."
Rean chuckled. He continued to drink his sake before taking a bite of his dessert. "This cake is delicious! I think this might be my new favorite cake flavor."
"Noted."
"Huh?"
"I'll try making this cake for you sometime." She said, her gaze focused on the cake.
Rean blinked a few times before it finally registered. "O-oh. That's sweet, Fie. But you don't have to do that for me."
Fie shook her head. "I want to, I missed cooking for you..." She confessed, looking at her cake lazily.
Ever since Rean complimented her cooking skills, she always looks forward when they were together. Seeing him smile and praise her cooking made her heart flutter, and all the practice she did made it all worth it. The thought of cooking for him every day once he becomes a bracer made her smile.
"Fie..." Rean stood up from the cushion and leaned forward to his partner. Rubbing her head as he smiled at her. "Thank you, Fie. I'm looking forward to it, and I'm sure it will taste great."
Her smile widened as her visage redden. Those words meant a lot to the petite girl, knowing he was looking forward to her cooking. She clenched her chest, her heart tightening at the sight of his smile.
'I can't let him down.'
"Let's finish our desserts and play some Vantage Master later." He suggested, taking another sip of his glass.
She simply nodded and the two continued to eat their meals.
The two engaged in a fierce battle of VM. With both of them having one win each, they refused to back down. The board was in Rean's favor, his Master card still having 12 health left and two Amoltamis and one Greon in the front row. Fie, on the other hand, has one Neptjuno beside her Master card, preventing Rean from eliminating her Master without taking the card beside it down. Her Master's health, though, only has 8 health remaining.
Despite the situation not in her favor, Fie's confidence was radiating from her. If the next card she draws is the one she wanted, she can turn the tables.
"Are you done with your turn, Rean?"
"Yeah. It's your turn, Fie."
She smiled as she drifted her hand towards her deck. She draws the top card of her deck, and a smirk crossed her face. She was about the take this game from him.
"Time for my comeback!"
Rean gulped at her declaration.
Her mana was now full; all the pieces were now in place. She first played the Reduce card on one of her cards from her hand. And as fast as lightning, she activated two Vanish cards towards her partner's Master, receiving 12 damage to his Master. With that, Fie took the match as the victor.
"I did it." Giving a V sign at her lover, a triumphant smile on her face.
"Wow..." Said Rean. It was the only word he could utter at that moment.
"I told you I can make a comeback." She cleaned up her deck as Rean did the same. "But I think that's enough of that game for tonight."
"I can agree with that. Our last two matches drained me a lot." He sighed as he leaned back, using his hands as support.
Fie smirked as she got up from her seat and came closer to her lover. Wrapping her arms around his neck, her lime-green eyes gazing into his fuchsia orbs. She leaned her face closer until there were only a few reges away.
"I said we had enough of that game; I never said we can't play some other games." Every word that came out of her made the young man look at her in awe, her cheeks being dusted with pink.
"Fie..." Rean spoke her name. The name of his special someone.
He caressed her cheek, a blush formed on his face as he looked at his lover's shimmering orbs. His heart went pitter-patter as he leaned his face towards her. He might not be able to conquer his weakness of being easily flustered by her, but at least he can take action when he needs to.
"Rean..." Fie responded in kind, closing her eyes as she waited for his lips to connect with hers.
She can feel her heart pounding on her ribcage. If Rean was paying attention to the sound of her heartbeat, he would know that it was racing. But he didn't know; his gaze was fixated on her. If anyone would doubt the love they have for each other, then they sure as hell don't know what they're talking about.
But some things can never go as planned...
RING RING RING
A ringing tone coming from the table was heard. The pair looked at the lying ARCUS with expressions that gave away how they felt. An obvious frown made its way on Fie's face, and Rean; just sighed as their moment got interrupted by the caller. He couldn't fault the caller, though; they must have picked up a bad time to call, or maybe it was an emergency, he thought. Either way, Fie didn't feel the same; whoever called ruined their sweet moment together.
Rean looked at Fie with a concerned look; she sighed before getting off of him. He apologized, and she accepts it; it wasn't his fault that they were interrupted. No, it was the caller's fault. Fie doesn't usually get mad at anyone, but the fact remains that they got interrupted. After Rean's finished talking to the person, she is hoping she can give the caller a little... piece of her mind.
The instructor grabbed the ARCUS and checked to see who was calling him. He instantly pinched the bridge of his nose. Annoyance, exhaustion, and curiosity were in his visage. Seeing those emotions on her lover's face, the bracer took a peek on his ARCUS, only for her annoyance to be more obvious.
The caller's name was... Crow Armbrust.
A longer chapter since I couldn't find a good stopping point. And again, this will be my own take on the Calvard episode. So if I get some information wrong that's either because I made my own twists or I missed some information.
