It had only been a couple months since he and the rest of Class VII had been forced to leave Trista, and with him being asleep for an entire month it should have felt a lot shorter to him. And yet as Rean walked through the evening streets of that town he couldn't help but feel as if it had been a literal lifetime ago. It was as if a part of him had finally been returned after so long.
More than the town and academy itself was the people involved. The liberation of Trista had left the citizens in a jubilant mood and a spontaneous party had erupted in the place. Both the citizens and the students who hadn't managed to escape the academy were joyously welcoming old friends as everyone celebrated the night away.
And yet as happy as everything made him Rean couldn't help but find himself too distracted to take pleasure in the celebration. That was entirely thanks to the conversation he and his classmates had had with General Craig, Captain Claire, and Captain Lechter just as the festivities were beginning.
Everything was in position for the Imperial Army to launch its assault on Heimdallr the next day, in what would almost certainly be the decisive battle of the civil war. Class VII and the rest of Thors had been asked to assist in the assault by using the Courageous to slip around the city and liberate the Karel Imperial Villa where both the Imperial Family and Governor Regnitz were being held.
But of greater importance to Rean was the fact his sister was also a prisoner there.
Rescuing Elise had always been one of his biggest priorities since that bloody day in Ymir shortly after waking up. And yet now that the opportunity had finally arisen he couldn't help but find himself feeling anxious.
With tomorrow promising to be the most decisive day he was all but certain that his confrontation with Crow was near at hand. With his friends at his side and the professor putting the finishing touches on Valimar's tachi Rean knew he was as ready as he could possibly be, but at the same time he had a terrible suspicion that nothing would ever be the same after tomorrow.
How was he supposed to enjoy this festival celebrating a return to normalcy in Trista when one of his friends still wasn't there to enjoy it?
Rean blinked when he realized his musings had carried him right outside of the town. In the far distance he could see the lights of Heimdallr glowing bright in the night sky, but his focus was a lot closer, "Hey, Valimar."
"Hello, Rean."
"I came to see how you were holding up." While that hadn't been Rean's original intent with his aimless wandering, it was something he had wanted to do anyways. He hadn't been expecting his Divine Knight to offer to provide security during that night, but it had and he was grateful for it all the same. While the swordsman wasn't expecting the Noble Alliance to try anything while they should be busy preparing their defense of the capital, it wasn't something they could completely ignore either. He let the robot know as much.
Valimar let out a laugh, "Not a problem. Perhaps you and your friends have influenced me to some degree. Each and every one of you have come a long ways to take this place back. I simply wish for you to be able to dedicate this evening to celebrating that achievement."
The way Valimar talked and laughed... "You know, looking back, I never figured the day would comer when I'd be able to have a natural conversation with you like this. You've changed a lot in that regard. You've gone from sounding mechanical to... dignified, I suppose."
"I've been working to gradually recover my memories over time. And while still fragmented, I am now able to recollect specific memories from my past."
"R-Really?" That was news to Rean! "Does that mean you remember some of what happened before you went to sleep in the old schoolhouse?"
"Correct. I went to sleep 250 years, 128 days ago... and my previous Awakener was a man known as Dreichels Reise Arnor."
That revelation should not have surprised Rean considering what he had witnessed in the Spirit Shrines, but he hadn't realized just how much he was walking in the same footsteps as Erebonia's most decorated leader, "It's kind of eerie how similar our paths are. What kind of person was he, anyway?"
"He was an open-minded, composed, and driven man." The robot intoned with a hint of warmth in its mechanical voice, "Full of bravery and daring, and in some ways, an enigma; yet for those he met, he was ever kind and merciful. He had dignity in measure with his stature, and still at times, one could see in his eyes the glimmer of a child's."
"He was really something, wasn't he?" It made sense. The man was famed for being one of Erebonia's greatest heroes. Of course he had to be special. Still, as someone who found himself somehow following in his footsteps... "Hearing you talk about him, I don't know if I could be anything like he was. But maybe if I were, I'd be able to do more for everyone..."
"There is little meaning in striving to be something you are not." Valimar's interruption prompted a confused noise from his mouth, which led to the machine elaborating further, "Since my awakening, I have watched over you. I have seen you grow as a person. Dreichels found success in playing to his strengths. You, though different, possess strengths no less great."
"Just as he attracted his own supporters, so too have you gained those who would choose to stand by your side and no other. Take pride in those who would become your sword, form not even kings can buy the loyalty you have earned."
Rean was rendered mute by Valimar's impassioned speech. The Divine Knight even used the same words Laura did about becoming his sword. And it wasn't just her, either. There was Fie, of course, and the rest of their classmates, plus all the other allies they made along the way. He always knew just how blessed he was to have such wonderful friends even if he still wasn't sure how something so great had come to pass, but to hear the robot praising it as his greatest strength...
"Thanks, Valimar." The sheepish swordsman said at last, "You're right. I should focus on improving myself as I am rather than try to become someone I'm not. Seeing as how I'm fighting for my future and to bring home my friend, it wouldn't make sense to be anyone else, would it? Oh, yeah. It sounds like the tachi will be done by morning. So if you're up for it, I think we should test it out tomorrow. I'll be counting on you."
"I shall do all within my power."
Even as Rean walked away he couldn't help but keep reflecting upon Valimar's words. The robot was right. He wasn't Dreichels the Lionhearted. He was Rean Schwarzer. He would never be a great hero like the man before him, but that was fine as it wasn't something he needed to be.
What he was was a simple student who was fortunate enough to have made many great friends during his time at Thors. It was with their support that he had made it this far and it will be with their continued support that he would continue to progress further. With them at his back how could he possibly ever fail?
"Can you please pass over the spade?"
"Yup. Here you go." It was a simple enough request so Fie saw no reason to not comply. After spending a brief moment handing the tool over to Edel the young gardener returned to her current task.
Once everyone dispersed after the big meeting she had wasted little time in heading off to the garden to check on her plants, just as she had told Rean and Laura she planned to do. Both had freely offered their assistance, but while their company was always nice having too many gardeners in one garden tended to lead to problem.
Plus she had a feeling she wasn't gonna be alone anyways.
Once she had found out that Edel had been present at the academy she was confident that her plants were thriving, and sure enough they were. Not only that, but the club leader was already present and hard at work tending to her garden once Fie arrived. Not that that stopped the first year from joining in, naturally.
Their battle earlier in the day mattered little as she was able to truly reunite with the kind second-year. And such a reunion naturally came with few words as the two instead set to work on their garden. It didn't take long before they were finished with what little maintenance needed to be done.
"So how was your trip across the Empire?" Edel asked afterwords, "Not even the occupation could keep us from hearing about the exploits of you and your classmates. You must have seen some remarkable sights?"
"Mmm. I did, but I think I'd rather show you than tell you about em." Edel tilted her head in confusion, prompting Fie to grin as she reached into her jacket. Out came a small bag, "Been collecting seeds from the places I've been visiting. Got some Snowdrops from Ymir, Honeysuckles from Roer, Primrose from Legram, and a lot of Daylilys from the month I spent near Celdic."
Edel let out a gasp of delight, "What a wonderful idea! Are you going to plant them now?! Would you like my assistance!?"
The silver-haired girl couldn't help but let out a small laugh at her friend's enthusiasm, "I was kinda hoping you'd say that."
With Edel's assistance it didn't take long for her entire assortment of seeds to find homes in the ground. Not everything would bloom at once given the current wintry climate, but she was confident that at least the plants from Nortia would grow relatively quickly given Trista's more mild climate. The others would be a nice spring surprise to ring in their second year as students.
Once all the seeds were in the ground Fie rose from her spot before wiping off a little stray dirt that had gotten onto her coat. A glance at the time confirmed she still had a little while before she was gonna meet up with the others at the dorm, "Think I'm gonna walk around for a bit."
Edel let out a giggle, "Of course. Don't let me stop you. I am sure you have missed this place quite a bit." The older girl wasn't wrong. While Fie had come to the realization that her true home was where her loved ones were, she couldn't help but feel a special fondness for the town and attached academy. She would easily admit that she had indeed missed this place.
"And one last thing?" It seemed that Edel wasn't done speaking as she called out just as Fie began to depart, "If you see Vivi can you tell her that I am looking for her. I was hoping that she would have shared the same urgency for her flowers as you, but it appears she has gotten distracted along the way..."
Although those words were spoken with nothing but kindness, Fie couldn't help but shudder. Despite her sunny appearance Edel could be downright terrifying when she wanted to be. Fie almost felt sorry for the pink prankster.
...Almost.
While Fie hadn't been lying when she told Edel her plans to walk around, she had done so without any actual destination in mind. She considered headed back into the town, but nixed the idea after realizing that was the way she would be headed later on. Instead the girl simply picked a direction and began walking aimlessly.
Her feet took her in the direction of the Student Union building, and with a mental shrug the jaeger turned student made her way in. Immediately she was beset by the smell of warm food and the sounds of excited students. Normally she was a fan of peace and quiet, but right now the hustle and activity felt just right to her.
Among those she spotted was a pair seated together that caused her to grin evilly. Even though she wasn't hungry she didn't want to make a nuisance of herself by not getting anything, so the girl contented herself with a simple hot cocoa. Drink in hand she finally approached the table where her target sat.
"Hi, Fie! Finally decided to ditch Rean and Laura and go for the threesome with twins ending? I'm down for it-"
"Vivi!"
"Fine, fine. No threesomes... yet." Vivi only grinned wider as her twin continued to redden, "However if you were to-"
Whatever the annoying trickster wanted to say died on her throat as Fie finally decided to enter the conversation, "...Edel's looking for you."
"Urk!" Vivi's grin remained, but it appeared to have frozen on her face. "H-Hey, sis? Remember how we always liked to pretend to be the other and spend time in our clubs-"
"Denied."
"W-Wait! You can't deny me like that. You're my most favorite and beloved sister. Surely you won't throw me to the wolves like that, right?"
Fie merely sat there quietly sipping her drink while watching the comical drama unfolding before her. Watching her annoyingly boisterous friend turn into a wreck at the thought of her imminent demise?
These are the moments that made everything they had done worthwhile.
While Vivi was still frantically looking around for an escape to her grim fate and Linde was merely shaking her head in exasperation the grinning Fie made a stealthy escape as soon as her warm beverage was emptied. Not wanting to head back outside quite yet the girl instead picked a direction she rarely ventured as her next destination – the stairs.
She could count the number of times she had gone up to the second floor on one hand and still have a finger or two to spare. She knew a bunch of clubs were on this level, but they were the lame clubs that she had no interest in. The only reason she had ever really ventured this way was when Rean needed to report something to Towa and the rest of the student council.
And yet she couldn't help but find herself a little curious when the sounds of girlish giggling reached her ears as soon as she reached the top step. Following the noise she soon discovered it came from the first room. Inside was Emma and her club mate.
That's right. If her memory was correct this was the book... something club? Reading? Tasting? Writing? Something like that.
"H-Huh?! Fie? W-What are you doing here!?" A bright-faced Emma questioned as she tore her gaze from whatever it was that they had been reading in an ominous looking book.
The silver-hair girl shrugged at her friend's question, "Dunno. Kinda came up here on a whim. You alright? Looking kinda red..."
"A-Am I? Haha..." The witch laughed nervously, "I-I'm perfectly fine!"
"She's like that because she just read spicy excerpt from my book." The other girl proclaimed proudly, "Why don't you give it a read?"
"Uh..." Emma was frantically shaking her head, "Not really a fan of books, sorry."
Instead of being put off the girl only smiled wider, "That's because you just haven't read the right books! Here!" In her outstretched hand was a copy of the book the two girls had been reading. "You should read the start of chapter seven. It's extra juicy! I think you'll like it!"
"I don't think this is a good idea..." Emma's plea went unheard as a curious Fie took the book in her hand.
And so she began to read.
"I can't believe that everything is pretty much the same as when we left!"
Laura could only smile serenely at her friend's enthusiasm, "That's a good thing, I believe. That everything is as we remember it shows that our memories of this place haven't been clouded by nostalgia."
Monica hummed happily in agreement. That her fellow swimmer was all but bouncing in joy as the two toured the pool together reminded the Arseid that Class VII weren't the only ones who had been eagerly fighting to return to the academy. Even if they were the vanguard this mission had been one for all of Thors, and it was all of Thors who celebrated the success.
And why shouldn't they? Laura had no idea what to expect when she first arrived in Trista that warm April morning, but now she could safely say that it had been the most important half-year in her life. She would always respect the Arseid School and its commitment to mastery of ones chosen style, but there was no doubt in her mind that Thors had offered her something entirely different.
Thors had allowed her to expand herself beyond her comfort zone, showing her that there was so much more to life than simple mastery of the sword. It also enabled her to meet and learn to understand so many different people with different backgrounds from all walks of life. People that she never would have cared to associate herself with had she remained in Legram or attended a more sheltered academy like St. Astraia instead.
But of greatest importance to the blue-haired girl were the bonds she had forged at this academy. Bonds strong enough to endure a Civil War without yielding a rege. To say that she would be willing to die for those she had come to love would be a disservice to them because as far as she was concerned there was no need for such drastic declarations – Time had proven over and over that as long as they were together they would always find the strength to overcome whatever obstacle lay before them.
"It's a shame we can't go swimming right now." Laura found herself nodding silently in agreement. The pool was practically beckoning to her in that moment, as if it knew just how long it had been since she was able to enjoy the water.
...No, the accident in Legram did not count.
"Consider that as extra incentive to get through tomorrow unscathed. I am sure both Klein and Casper are as eagerly awaiting the moment as we are."
"Yeah..." She noticed that Monica was biting her lip nervously, "Just... be careful, alright? We all know how awesome Class VII is, but it's looking like tomorrow will be really dangerous. Promise me that you won't get hurt, alright?" The once-timid girl looked up at her with determination, "I still haven't gotten to challenge you to a fifty arge race yet!"
Understanding the seriousness of the request Laura placed a reassuring hand on her friend's shoulder before giving a gentle squeeze, "Of course. I promise that nothing will stop me from accepting your challenge. Just be warned: I know how much you have improved over the year and have no intention of holding back on you."
"That's just how I want it!"
After a few more minutes of pleasantries Monica left citing a desire to visit her classroom and other friends. Laura watched her go before exiting the pool herself. Briefly she glanced over at the room for the fencing club before shaking her head. It was a tempting idea, but right now there were things she wanted to do that weren't training.
Plus, sparring alone no longer held much appeal to the swordswoman.
Exiting the building she glanced over at the adjacent garden, but didn't see the mop of silver that she was looking for. What she did see, however, were the other two members of the Gardening Club having a conversation. What was unusual was the fact that Vivi looked to be sweating bullets while Edel appeared as serene as ever in comparison.
"I-I wasn't blowing you off, I just... had to help my sister with something!"
"Of course you were. But your flowers need help too. Now that you are here I assume you have the time to tend to their needs?"
"Ahaha... O-Of course!"
An unusual conversation, but not one that concerned Laura. Instead the Arseid began walking in the opposite direction towards the field. Although she had no clear destination in mind she was content to wander around aimlessly for a little while as she reacclimated herself to the school and its surroundings.
The dominant sight as she descended down the ramp – naturally – was that of the parked Courageous taking up much of the field, but that wasn't the direction she was headed. Instead she found herself walking towards a gathering of students not far from where Jusis and the rest of the Riding Club was busying themselves with the horses at the stable.
Of the students arrayed only one truly caught Laura's interest. That one was Patrick, the de facto leader of Class I and Rean's rival. She admittedly wasn't sure what to think of the younger son of Lord Hyarms. First impressions were difficult to overcome, but according to Rean the noble boy had mellowed out significantly in the months since...
"Laura Arseid." The boy greeted upon noticing her arrival, "I wish to let you know that my class has been unanimous in our decision to take up arms and fight on the front lines tomorrow."
The swordswoman found herself nodding in approval, "That's good." She had admittedly been quite impressed at his emphatic support for their mission. That he had been so quick to lend both his support and that of his followers did seem to support Rean's assertion that he had turned over a new leaf-
"The brigands who are holding Lady Elise and the Imperial Family in captivity will rue their actions soon enough!"
Laura couldn't help but laugh nervously... Perhaps Patrick's intentions hadn't been quite as altruistic as she had believed. Either Rean had completely missed that part or was simply choosing to ignore it while hoping it went away.
Deep down a small part of her wished the Hyarms luck in his seemingly impossible goal. He would certainly need it.
"I-I am sure that Rean and his sister appreciate your assistance." Hopefully he didn't notice the nervous stutter, "I am looking forward to fighting alongside you should the opportunity arise."
"Indeed. It is something that should have occurred long before now. It is truly tragic that the creation of Class VII prevented you from joining Class I where you rightfully belonged."
Laura politely chose to interpret his words as praise towards her and not a slight against the class that she was quite glad to be in. With his piece said Patrick returned to his prior conversation, which Laura discovered was on the topic of what would happen to their families when the Noble Alliance lost the war.
Despite not placing much stock in her nobility she couldn't help but silently contemplate the issue. Fortunately neither her nor her father had provided any support towards the alliance so there would be no direct consequences for the Arseid family, but any action taken against the noble system would indirectly affect her family.
While she wasn't well-versed in politics the answer she came up with was that the war probably wouldn't affect her father much at all. Even with the nobility cowed she didn't think the Imperial Government could enact such total reform as to affect lesser nobles like the Arseids or Schwarzers who merely governed smaller regions in the Empire. Most of their focus would probably be on the Great Houses as they were the ones with the authority and force to challenge the government directly.
Either way, it didn't matter much to her. Both her father and herself strongly believed that the role of the Arseid family was to serve as protectors – both to Legram and to Erebonia as a whole. Even were they somehow to lose stewardship of their hometown that role would not change much.
Deciding that the ongoing conversation no longer held much interest to her she quietly chose to depart. While it was still a little early for their planned rendezvous she found herself a little too eager at the prospects. Hopefully the others wouldn't be too far behind.
Walking sedately towards her destination she took in the ongoing celebrations. How could anyone possibly argue against the righteousness of their cause when their success led to celebrations such as this? It wasn't even just the students who rejoiced as even the people of Trista – who should have had no real stake in the entire war - looked ready to continue partying well into the night.
It didn't matter to Laura what goals you espoused. If oppressing innocent bystanders was your way of achieving it than you were quite obviously in the wrong.
Those thoughts carried Laura through town and before she knew it she found herself standing in front of her final destination. Despite being such a plain looking building it was one that caused her to smile brightly. She allowed her hand to linger briefly upon the door before finally opening it and walking inside.
That building? Class VII's dormitory.
Given he was a few minutes early Rean expected to be the first one into the building, but to his surprise discovered that wasn't true, "Laura?"
"Oh? Hello, Rean." The blue-haired girl turned her attention away from whatever it was she was looking at in the dorm kitchen to glance at him. Given the disgusted look on her face he could only assume it was something that had long since expired.
...Best to just not think about those things for now. Was it wrong that he found himself hoping that Sharon would resume her role as dorm maid once the war ended so she could take care of the nasty stuff that had accumulated over two months?
She must have noticed his initial surprise at her presence as she was quick to continue, "I have only been here for a few minutes. I suppose I was feeling a little impatient." That was a sentiment that he could certainly understand.
A companionable quiet descended over the two as they waited for their final companion. Fie – despite her lackadaisical nature – was usually rather punctual so they figured it wouldn't be long until she arrived. That hope began to fade as the clock soon informed them that it was fifteen minutes after the time they had agreed to meet up. "Maybe she's taking a nap somewhere?" Laura suggested dubiously.
He was just beginning to consider going out and looking for her when the situation resolved itself as the door opened and in entered the girl in question. She was breathing a little heavily which indicated that she had sprinted the entire way, "Sorry I'm late." The girl muttered sheepishly as she entered.
"Where were you?" He asked, partly out of concern and partly curiosity.
"Got distracted with a book."
Laura made a surprised sound, "I didn't know you read books?"
"Wow. Way to make me sound like an idiot."
"N-No! That's not what I meant!" The blue-haired girl frantically tried to back step.
Seeing her flustered state Rean stepped in, "What she was trying to ask is I don't think we have ever seen you interested in a book before."
The shorter girl let out a shrug, "Guess I just needed to find the right book. Emma and Dorothee introduced me to something fun."
Rean felt a shiver go down his spine.
"Oh, really?" Laura must not have gotten the memo as she looked curious, "I find myself curious-"
He was quick to cut her off with a loud and very nervous laugh. "Haha... Perhaps we should get going? We're late enough as it is, right?"
"I... suppose so?" The Arseid seemed confused, but moved to comply regardless.
Rean made a point of shooting a look to Fie clearly warning her to drop the subject. It was bad enough she had seemingly been corrupted already. Laura was pure and innocent! She didn't need whatever horrors Dorothee had concocted!
The grin she shot him in return was unsettling to say the least.
The plan they had made for that evening was to stop in and check on their rooms together. The others would probably follow suit at their own leisure, but for now it was just the three of them. Together they made their way up two flights of stairs, bypassing the boy's floor in lieu of starting off with the top.
Since her room was the closest to the stairs Fie took initiative and scurried to her door. None of the rooms were locked as all of them had expected to simply return home after a day of classes, but as the girl entered her room she let out an exhale of breath, "Good. Looks like nobody messed with my stuff."
Indeed, Rean found himself in agreement as he followed her into the room. It was messy and chaotic, but he could tell that it was Fie's unique brand of messy and chaotic. This was definitely the room he remembered.
The owner of the room approached an unmarked crate before digging in, "Gonna need this, a few of these, and some of these, and-"
"What are you grabbing?" A curious Laura asked as she approached.
"Explosives. Traps. More grenades. Anything else that might be useful." Fie replied even as she continued pulling items out, "Haven't had a chance to restock lately and some of this stuff is stupidly hard to find while on the run. Gonna be nice having Micht's shop available again."
With a box of deadly goodies in her hand Fie nodded to them and together they crossed the hall into Laura's room. In comparison hers was still quite neat and organized, as befitting a girl like her. As she entered the room approached one of her uniforms hanging neatly by her bed. She reached out a hand and touched the fabric, "It won't be long before we are wearing these again, will it?"
"Hopefully." While there was no denying that his travel clothes were both more comfortable and warmer, there was something special about the red uniform that marked them all as members of Class VII. There were only eleven people in the entire world with those uniforms, after all. Even Fie gave a grudging nod in support of that statement, which was high praise from someone who normally loathed trying to dress up like that.
After another moment with her clothes Laura pulled away before circling the room with her eyes. She didn't approach anything, but the smile on her face spoke volumes. After examining everything she nodded to the pair of spectators, "Alright, let's go."
"That's it?" He asked, "Not going to grab anything?" Fie had grabbed an entire box of stuff, after all.
"I already have everything I need." She reaffirmed.
"Yeah, yeah. Not all of us were so lucky as to live in our homes during the month away, you know?" Fie grumbled in obvious annoyance.
And yet her words only caused Laura to grin wider, "I did offer you a place at my side when we all separated that day. You only have yourself to blame for ending up in a windmill."
"Hmph. My fault for being responsible, huh? Never gonna look out for the others again."
It took considerable willpower for him to not reach over and pat the pouty girl on the head. Instead he opted to lead the way out of Laura's room before he could reconsider such temptation. With the two in tow he made his way back down to the second floor before taking a right turn.
While their destination was his room, he couldn't help but hesitate as he gazed upon the room opposite of his. It felt like only days ago when Crow's room had been so lively and loud. The annoying trickster who constantly pestered him each night while somehow living a double life as a terrorist mastermind...
He was brought out of his depressing thoughts by a reassuring hand on his shoulder. His gaze met Laura's as she stared back at him with concern. On the other side Fie had slid up to take his other hand in her gentle one, "Don't worry." He reassured the duo, "I'm fine. I know what I need to do."
He wasn't sure if they were convinced considering he wasn't even entirely sure he was convinced, but it was enough for them to release their hold on him – a feeling he admittedly found himself missing. Doing his best to put on a mask of confidence the young swordsman turned back to his bedroom and pushed the door open.
His room was just as he remembered it. Like Laura before him he couldn't help but feel something inside him as he gazed upon one of his spare uniforms. Next to it on his table was a picture of his family alongside a now pointless letter to them he had been working on for a few nights. Propped up against the wall was his original fishing rod.
The sound of someone sitting on his bed drew Rean's attention away from his stuff, "...What are you doing?" He asked a Fie who had unsurprisingly been the one to make that move.
"What do you think? Gonna sleep here tonight."
"And where is Rean supposed to sleep?" Laura asked with her hands on her hips.
"Here, of course." The former jaeger stretched out across his bed like a cat would, "You too. It'll be a tight squeeze with the three of us, but we can make it work."
The Arseid narrowed her eyes with a faint blush on her face, "We shouldn't do that! We need to be well-rested for tomorrow!"
"Oh?" Fie grinned widely, "I only said we should sleep together. Dunno what's going through your mind right now to make you think we won't be getting plenty of rest..."
"I..." Laura's blush was now all-encompassing. Rean was starting to worry for her well being. "I-I know that!"
Wanting to take pity on the poor girl he spoke up, "I guess I don't mind if you want to sleep with me." One advantage of Crow being gone was it meant he had the entire half of the floor to himself. There should be no worries about someone discovering them that night.
That and he felt the need to reward Fie for a relatively wholesome suggestion. He had assumed the girl would say or do something to tease them at some point while in their rooms.
"Great, cause I'm feeling too tired to go back to my room. Don't even have the energy to grab some pajamas. Guess we're sleeping naked tonight, huh?"
...Dammit. He spoke too soon. Laura stepped forward to argue the point, but Rean had a feeling he knew how that was going to end. She didn't like being left out and she especially didn't like losing.
It was going to be a very long and difficult night to be Rean Schwarzer.