"Are you sure you're okay with this?"
"For the last time, yes. If I wasn't I wouldn't have made the suggestion, would I?"
"I know that!" Laura protested, "...But even so, Rean did say this might be the only chance we'll have for a few weeks. I would be more than willing to wait if that's-"
Laura cringed as Fie let out a miserable groan, "Just let it go already! You're the one going on a date with Rean tomorrow, not me. Stop being dumb! You aren't waiting. We aren't going on a big group date. And we aren't gonna push the whole thing back for a couple months until we have more time. Got any more bright ideas to offer?"
The Arseid couldn't help but shrink back at the aggressively deadpan look Fie was shooting her. To escape that flat stare she raised her hands in surrender, "Alright! You win! I won't say anything more on the topic."
"Thank the Goddess."
Laura couldn't help but hesitate, "That being said..." She almost faltered as the other girl resumed her dirty look, "...I am curious why you were so quick to suggest I go first?"
Fie let out a sigh, "It's 'cause I had a feeling you'd enjoy it more. Don't get me wrong I'm sure I'll have a lot of fun when I go on a date, but I don't really see it as that big a deal. A date isn't all that different from the normal times we spend together, right?" She gave an easy shrug, "I guess that's just my jaeger background speaking."
On a purely pragmatic level she knew Fie to be right, but even still that was a somewhat depressing outlook to the Arseid. Hopefully in time the former Zephyr member would learn to feel the same nervousness and excitement that she was currently feeling.
The two girls stopped as they reached their destination – Le Sage Boutique, "I can't believe you offered to help me find a dress for tomorrow."
"Thought it'd be fun. Plus I'm kinda curious to see how you'll look in a fancy dress. I bet it'll be pretty hot."
"Are you going to get one for yourself?"
"Nah. Dresses aren't my style."
Laura's eye twitched. And she thought they were hers? "You really should get one for your date."
"Nope. Not happening."
Her eye twitched again. Fie seemed entirely convinced that she would be getting away with an answer like that. Did Fie think she was the only one who wanted to see her partner in a dress?
Laura decided to drop the subject... for now.
"So are we gonna go in or not?" Fie asked impatiently as the two girls continued to stand in front of the clothing store.
"I guess... we should. I must admit, I am a little nervous about this. I've never done anything like this before."
"Me neither."
On one hand Laura was entirely unsurprised by Fie's lack of experience with something like this given her background and personality. But on the other it also presented a question to the girl, "So why did you come with me then?"
"Well..." The silver-haired girl gave a dangerous looking smile before she opened the door, "I might not know anything about this junk, but they might."
Laura gaped. The store was completely full of people. And it was all people she knew. Monica, Ferris, Bridget, Vivi, Linde, Colette, Becky, and even Rosine. And all of them had matching grins on their face as Fie shoved her into the shop.
"Wh-What is this!?" The swordswoman asked tentatively once she got over her shock. Despite being confused she couldn't help but feel there was something extremely dangerous about the situation she now found herself in.
"We're gonna help you get ready for your date with Rean!" Ferris answered with a bright smile.
Fie gave her a pat on the back, "Originally I only asked Vivi and Colette for help, but I guess word gets around, doesn't it? Oh well. I'm sure you'll have a ton of fun with them."
"We're gonna give you a total makeover!" Colette cheered, which caused a few of the other girls to also make excited noise.
Laura gulped. While she had little experience with this, she was savvy enough to understand that a situation like this was extremely perilous. It might even be deadly for her. P-Perhaps she should make a hasty retreat?
With hope the Arseid took a hesitant step backwards towards the door, only to wince as she heard the damning sound of said door being shut and locked. Turning in shock she beheld her arch-nemesis standing there with an impish smile on her face, "Nuh uh. You aren't leaving after I took the time setting all this up, are you?"
With panic creeping in Laura quickly considered her two remaining options. She was fairly confident she could escape before the horde of excited girls dragged her off to a terrible end, or at the very least fight them off long enough to make her escape. It would almost certainly end terribly with a lot of property damage, but it might be the more preferable of the choices.
Because it was either that or she simply surrender herself to this horrible fate. Doing so might cost her her entire day, her pride, her mira, and her dignity, but at least it would end with her ready for the date. Was it a price she was willing to pay?
Well... There was a third choice. It was more of a continuation of the second, but it was a lot more palatable to the warrior than merely surrendering was. It would still lead to an unfortunate end for her, but at least she wouldn't suffer alone.
That alone made it the most worthwhile plan in her mind.
Fie's eyes widened. The girl was sharp and had likely realized Laura's intent, but despite her prodigious agility she still wasn't quick enough to dart out of reach before she was captured in a strong grip. The girl struggled, but Laura ensured there was no escape.
Forcing a bright smile onto her face she turned towards the other girls, "While I am certainly g-grateful for the help, I have a favor to ask of you all." With an ungentle shove she pushed Fie forward while still maintaining her grip, "Although she's not the type of person to ask for help I know Fie is in need of assistance for her own date. Do you think you could take the time to help her too?"
"N-Nah. I already know what I'm gonna do when it's my turn. Y-You guys don't need to go out of your way for me. We should just focus on Laura now, right?"
Laura was confident. A feeble excuse like that had little chance at saving the annoying gremlin from her counterattack. Given the way Fie intensified her struggles it seemed she realized it too.
"Fie too!?" Vivi exclaimed in excitement. She took a step forward.
"I have no plans for today. What say you, girls?" Bridget added with a smile. She took a step forward.
Despite being a squire of the church's secret organization Rosine had a delighted look on her face like the others, "It's only right we offer our assistance to both of them." She took a step forward.
Even though she had already mentally accepted this terrible fate Laura couldn't help but feel intimidated by the slowly approaching wave of girls. Maybe it still wasn't too late? Although she said no words the pointed look she sent to Fie was loud and clear – Either they worked together to escape or embrace the mutually assured destruction they were currently headed for.
Despite her own fear the Zephyr member shot her a resigned smirk before relenting in her attempts at escape. The answer was just as clear as the message.
Mutually assured destruction.
Laura only had a brief moment to process that decision before the two were overtaken by the wave of girl flesh and everything went to chaos.
"H-Hey! W-What are you doing!?"
"We need to know what we're working with, obviously. So hold still while we undress you!"
"But the changing rooms!?"
"Don't be silly. It's just us girls here, right? No need for modesty!"
"I-I can take my own clothes off thank you very- W-Watch where you're grabbing me!"
"We need to figure out your sizes, obviously! Hehe... You're a growing girl, aren't you?"
"S-Stop that! You don't need that information! F-Fie, save me!"
"Wow. It must really suck being so busty that other girls want to molest you. How terrible. I feel so bad for you."
"Aww, you don't gotta be jealous. I'm sure you'll grow soon enough, and even if you don't your plenty cute just the way you are. In fact why don't I molest- take your measurements too!"
"...Dammit. This sucks."
"Alright girls! Let's go find the cutest underwear we can!"
"What!? But I only need a dress!"
"Nonsense! You can't wear a cute dress without other cute things to go with it! Try these ones on!"
"B-B-But that's...! It's practically nothing! You can see through it!"
"Pretty hot, right? I'm sure Rean'll love it! Now hurry up, I'm sure the others will have plenty of other ones for you to try too!"
"Other ones...!?"
"...See? That wasn't so bad. And you look really hot like that!"
"Are we done yet? I'm ready for a nap..."
"Nope! We haven't even gotten started on the dresses! Check out this black one? Isn't it super sexy?"
"How about this blue one? It matches Laura's hair really well!"
"This white one is pretty cute. I'm sure it'll make you look quite radiant."
"This one matches Fie's eyes!"
"How about this-"
"Don't we get a say in the matter!?"
"Hush. The adults are deciding. If you have time to complain you have time to start putting this one on. We need to see how these look on you before we make our decision."
"...A-All of them?!"
"All of them."
"A-Alright, I think this is one right. How does it look?"
"Hmm... Nah. It's too long. Try on another."
"...How about this one?"
"Too tacky. Go again."
"...Now?"
"Eh... It's not terrible, but..."
"..."
"Oh. That one looks great!"
"W-Wait, really?! Does that mean we're done?"
"Done? Are you kidding? We still need to find you some good heels!"
"And makeup! Can't forget the makeup!"
"Jewelry, obviously."
What about accessories? I think Fie would look great with a hat!"
"W-Wait! We don't need anything like that!"
"Shush. Alright girls, we still have so much to do and it's already starting to get dark. Let's get to it!"
"Yeah!"
"Noooooo...!"
Laura couldn't remember the last time she felt like this. Her body was too tired to listen to her. Her wallet was completely empty thanks to the many bags in her hands. Her dignity was irreparably ruined.
"So we agree we should never speak of today again, right?" Beside her her partner in crime looked just as haggard, if not more so. Once the other girls learned the jaeger had never worn heels before they forced the poor thing to practice until she could walk in a straight line.
Laura was too kind to admit it out loud, but seeing the normally agile and graceful Fie trip and fall flat on her face was the funniest thing she had seen in a very long time.
Instead she just let out an exhausted sigh, "Agreed."
"Oh, wow. You look... wow."
Maybe all the trials and tribulations she had gone through the day before was worth it in the end, as the slack-jawed look Rean gave her was completely alien to the boy. She wasn't much of a fan of the tight blue dress she was currently wearing. Nor did she enjoy her heels, the light coat of makeup on her face, or the singular necklace she had chosen to wear out of all the jewelry forced upon her.
But if that was what it took to get Rean to look at her like this again then it was something she would gladly suffer through.
...Eventually, perhaps. She still needed time to get over the trauma.
With an awkward cough he recomposed himself, but no amount of work could hide the light dusting of pink on his face, "You look amazing. Starting to feel like I might be a little under dressed."
"Hehe. Don't worry about it. You look quite handsome yourself." She replied honestly. Sure she was envious that Rean didn't go through the terrible ordeal she and Fie did, but he had clearly put forth the effort in dressing up smartly with a nice red dress shirt and a pair of slacks. The shoes were new too.
There was only one thing Laura disliked about his effort, and try as she might she couldn't stop herself from frowning as she gazed upon it. Rean clearly noticed her expression as he rubbed the back of his combed head sheepishly before fingering the fake glasses on his shirt that had drawn her ire, "...Sorry. If you want I can leave it here."
With a sigh she shook her head, "It's less than ideal, but I understand why you're bringing them. I want tonight to be just about us, after all." Their date wouldn't be much fun if people were to recognize their beloved Ashen Chevalier wherever they went.
For tonight Rean needed to belong solely to her.
A clap of the hands drew her from her thoughts, "Alright, that's enough of the heavy stuff. I want the two of you kids to have lots of fun tonight." Fie announced with a huge grin on her face. The annoying girl tilted her head in thought, "Oh, and don't do anything I wouldn't do, got it?"
"I doubt we need to worry about that." She shot back, causing Fie to shrug easily, "Still, you are right about one thing. Shall we be off?"
His only response was to smile, nod, and hold out a hand. She returned the smile even as she grabbed hold of the offered limb.
The walk to the train station was a quiet one, but it was the peaceful kind of quiet. She couldn't help but color a little as some of the residents of Trista and the academy spotted them and began to whisper to each other. With their current attire and hands interlocked there was no doubt in any mind they were going on a date. But that was fine to Laura. Let them gossip.
This time she was able to resist making a disappointed noise when Rean slipped on his glasses at the station, changing him from the Rean she knew and loved to one that appeared almost alien to her. Still, she'd bear it for now – hopefully their date would take them to a place away from prying eyes where he could truly be himself.
And as much as it bugged her, the simple disguise did prove to be surprisingly effective as despite a few curious glances – almost certainly because of their fanciful attire – nobody seemed to recognize Rean as anything more than a random young adult headed to the capital. The respite afforded to the two as they sat comfortably while waiting for the short journey to Heimdallr to finish was a nice one.
"Is there anything you want to do tonight?" He asked at last.
Laura furrowed her brow in confusion, "I was under the assumption you had everything planned out already?" While she wasn't adverse to just enjoying the city spontaneously she had been expecting something a little...
"That's not it at all." He reassured quickly, "I have a plan, but I'm open to changing things around if you have an idea of your own." He paused before giving a helpless shrug, "...Fie's already told me she wants to be in charge when her turn arrives."
"That girl, I swear..." She shook her head in exasperation, "Well, you don't need to worry about me. I trust your judgment. But that just leaves one obvious question..." She didn't ask it, but that's because there was no need to.
What were they doing then?
"I thought we'd try something different tonight." He answered at last, "I'm not sure how well it'll turn out, but when I was looking for ideas I was reminded of something Jusis told me a long time ago."
"We're nobles." His words surprised her, "...we might not act like it and I definitely struggle to accept it at times, but it's true. Jusis once told me I should wear my nobility with pride. But given recent events I'm not sure how much longer that will be possible..."
"You want us to enjoy a noble's date?"
He nodded, but despite that he looked apprehensive, "I know it's not exactly our style, but I figured it might be a good learning experience if nothing else."
"You're right. It's not what we usually do, but I must confess to being quite curious myself. I've found it rather... difficult to fit into Class I at times, so perhaps this will help. And if nothing else I am quite certain that present company will be enough to ensure tonight is a wonderful night regardless."
Despite herself she was still quite curious. Sure Rean had given a general answer, but he hadn't actually said what they were doing. What exactly did nobles do while in the capital?
"The Heimdallr Opera House..." She mouthed as the two stood before the massive building situated in the Garnier District.
"It's not exclusive to the nobility anymore, but it's definitely the kind of place where they tend to congregate." Rean answered from beside her, "And given how much Elliot and Machias love to gush about this place..."
"You don't need to sell the place to me." She giggled, "I am just as curious about it as you are. My only experience with performances like this was the operetta from last year. As good as that was I am sure a more professional show will be even better." She couldn't help but notice the large crowds migrating towards the building, "...The place seems packed. Will we even be able to get in?"
She got her answer in the form of two tickets that Rean pulled from his jacket, "These weren't easy to get, trust me. Seems like tonight is a pretty big show."
"In that case..." Laura smiled before reaching out her hand, "...Shall we head in?"
Rean returned her look with one of his own even as he took the offered hand before giving a light bow, "Very well, my lady."
"That was spectacular!" She gushed as the pair exited the theater together, "I can see why this place has such a sterling reputation. Class I's operetta was good, but the professionalism of this show was on an entirely different level."
"Yeah. The singing in particular was amazing."
"I must admit I wasn't expecting the show to be quite so long..." To accentuate the point Laura couldn't help but give a stretch. Privately she delighted in the way Rean's gaze focused entirely on her as she performed the action. One of the perks of wearing a tight little dress instead of her usual uniform or combat attire."
Rean must have realized she caught him staring as he glanced away with an embarrassed blush, "S-Still, you know what? As good as the show was I still prefer the concert we put on together."
"Definitely." What Class VII's concert lacked in raw musical talent was more than made up for by the bonds they shared together, "Maybe one day we can get together and do a repeat..."
"Yeah..." For some reason Rean's smile seemed a little forced. That was when she remembered one key facet of their concert:
Crow had played a vital role in setting it up. That thought caused her to wince, "R-Rean. I'm sorry-"
"It's fine." This time the grin he seemed her seemed more genuine, even if it wasn't quite at his usual level of vibrancy, "I can't let that failure keep me down forever. Crow would probably smack me if he knew."
Instead of replying immediately the Arseid took the – in her eyes – bold step of hugging Rean, "That may be so, but it's just the two of us here tonight. Don't ever be afraid of being honest to your feelings around me, alright?"
As surprised as he was, the swordsman was quick to relax into her embrace, "Thanks, Laura. I really appreciate it, but I'm fine. I swear it." Much to her disappointment her date began to pull away from the embrace all too soon, "U-Um, Laura? As nice as this is maybe this isn't the best place for it?"
She blinked. Just what did he mean by that? It was only after taking in her surroundings that she recalled they were hugging in the middle of one of Heimdallr's most affluent districts during the busiest time of day.
"Ahem..." She coughed in an awkward effort to regain herself. The laughter and comments from a few of the bystanders were no help at all to the red-faced blue-haired girl, "S-So... Where are we headed to next?" Personally she was hoping Rean would suggest dinner, as after such a long show she couldn't help but feel a little famished.
"How about dinner?" Aidios bless this wonderful man.
Contrary to her inner celebration she merely offered a placid smile, "Dinner sounds lovely."
"How about over there?"
Rean's gaze led her to what appeared to be an extremely upper class cafe, not unlike the ones they saw in Bareahard. While she wasn't adverse to trying out a place like that as it certainly fit their goal of a noble's night... "Wouldn't a place like that be rather... expensive?" Rean had already paid for the theater tickets. He didn't think she was someone who could be easily impressed by a show of wealth, did he?
"Haha..." He looked rather sheepish, as if he could read her thoughts, "You're right, of course, but if there's one positive from my work as the Ashen- my other job, it's that I have plenty of mira to spend on something worthwhile. And to me there's nothing more worthwhile than a night with you."
Between his kind words and the genuine smile offered she couldn't help but stammer a little, "V-Very well. J-Just don't plan on making a habit of it. We should probably head over there before it gets too busy."
The short trek was long enough for the girl to recompose herself. Something that proved to be a good thing as the cafe Rean had pointed out ended up being even more exclusive than they had expected, something which was proven by the employee standing guard by the door to keep people of lower standing away. Said guard was looking disdainfully towards them, which was understandable since while they were dressed up for their date they were still far below what she assumed was the average person to frequent this place, "Name?" He asked Rean in a bored tone.
Rean hesitated and she knew why. While the Schwarzer name was a well respected one and would ensure their entrance despite its lower status, it was also the name of the famous Ashen Chevalier. There was a very high chance that a scene would ensue if he gave himself away. Instead Laura took the initiative, "Laura S. Arseid and her date. Is there a problem?"
The guard glanced towards her before his eyes widened in realization at the given name. "N-Not at all. Head on in and take a seat. Someone will be there to take your order momentarily."
Despite herself she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction that her family name still held sway even in the heart of the empire.
The restaurant was even fancier on the inside, but thankfully it wasn't too garish for her liking. Instead she allowed herself to bask in the ambiance and music of the place even as Rean pointed out an empty table situated near the back wall of the place, which the two teens quickly took for themselves.
The menus themselves were fairly small, but each and every dish on it cost about as much as feeding the entirety of Class VII takeout from Kirsche's would. Definitely not something she'd allow Rean to do again anytime soon, but for now she would simply relax and enjoy the comforts of a fanciful meal at a candlelit table.
Actually, what she was really enjoying was watching Rean furrow his brow as he gazed down at the menu. It wasn't hard to guess what he was having difficulty with. "...I only recognize a few of these dishes." He admitted at last, causing her to let out a light laugh at his expense.
As funny as it was to see him flounder she was quick to come to his aid, "I think you'd enjoy the Sea Breeze Bouillabaisse."
Luckily, even though Legram was about as rural and out of the way as Ymir was, its close proximity to Bareahard ensured the Arseid family had a little more understanding of noble society even if she surely must have appeared as nothing more than a rustic bumpkin to the likes of Jusis or Patrick.
"Sea Breeze Bouillabaisse..." He echoed her suggestion slowly as he tested out the unfamiliar name, "Got it. Know what you're having?"
She gave a hesitant nod, "I think I'll be having the Shining Pepperoncino...?" There were a few other dishes that caught her eye, but she was fairly confident in her pick.
It was a good thing too as a server appeared almost immediately after her statement, causing her to abandon any thoughts of reconsidering. Rean earned himself a dirty look from the employee when he fumbled slightly announcing his selection, but that was his problem and not theirs. Since both of them were still a little over a year away from drinking age they settled with septetto tea to go with their meals.
"I'm a little surprised a place like this is still open." She admitted after the waiter had left. "I assumed after the war that places like this would have been targets of the reformists..."
While the restaurant wasn't exclusively for nobles it wasn't hard to see that most of the people seated in the building were from a higher social standing. There were a few out of place wealthy looking individuals that she assumed to be merchants, but they seemed to occupy a small section of the otherwise very noble place.
"It makes sense when you think about it. Chancellor Osborne and the Reformists only really care about curtailing the power of the noble families. A place like this doesn't really factor into that much, but taking it away would only agitate them further."
"I see. Keep them appeased with meaningless concessions while working to limit their influence on the things that actually matter." It was an effective tactic undoubtedly, but one that left the heiress of the Arseid Viscounty a little uncomfortable, "I wonder how father feels about this. I should like to pay him a visit at some point..."
"I think that's a good idea. If you'd like I'd be more than willing to come with you. Fie would say the same thing were she here."
Despite herself Laura couldn't help but snort, "While I do appreciate the offer and will undoubtedly take you up on it when the time comes, are you sure you should be the one suggesting that when you're so unwilling to talk to your own family in Ymir?"
"Ahaha..." His awkward laugh and the way he glanced away made her sure her shot had landed home effectively, "I mean I've been sending letters and..."
Laura rolled her eyes as he trailed off nervously, "It's... fine. I understand you need some time, but even still..."
Even though she believed her words entirely, she regretted saying them as an awkward silence descended over the pair. Thus she found herself grateful for the distraction that came with the arrival of their meals.
"Whew. That was pretty good." Rean admitted with a happy smile as the two made their exit from the restaurant.
"It was certainly a nice change of pace from our usual fare. As much as I hate to admit it I'm still unable to create a good meal like that. Same with Fie. And as much as I like your cooking I could do with a break from the Fish Burgers you seem to like making so often."
"I don't make them that often, do I...?" She watched as he furrowed his brow in thought. Barring some catastrophic memory failure he would soon come to realize that he had made that dish three times in the past two weeks, "...Oh."
She giggled at the face he made, glad that a little time and good food was enough to restore their mood after that earlier conversation. This was a night for fun, not somber and painful discussions!
"I'm surprised you ordered a second slice of dessert." He asked as the two approached the tram that would take them back to the train station and to home for the evening.
Laura glanced down at the fanciful box in her hand, "I figured I'd bring something back for Fie-"
"Oh. That's a nice gesture."
"...Alternatively, if she causes trouble for us I can simply choose to eat it in front of her later."
"Um..." Rean clearly wanted to admonish her for that comment, but he couldn't. He knew what kind of person that girl was. She was definitely going to cause trouble for them at some point.
Seeing his conflicted expression she couldn't help but take his hand into her free one, "Thank you for tonight, Rean. As enlightening as tonight has been I cannot imagine I would have enjoyed myself without you to share in the experience with me."
"I don't think you need to be thanking me when I had just as much fun, but you're welcome all the same." He gave her hand a squeeze much to her quiet delight, "I only wish we had more time together, but you know how it is."
Of course. Despite everything they still had classes the next morning. While someone like Fie might be willing to blow off her responsibilities and have a night in town the Arseid was a more responsible and mature individual, "Mmm. Let's go home."
Holding hands. It was such a simple act in the grand scheme of things, but it was one that she liked quite a bit. Despite having done so much more with the boy next to her, walking hand in hand under the darkened skies of Heimdallr was such a glorious feeling. Perhaps that was why she refused to break that connection when the two boarded the tram, and they remained connected even as they purchased their train tickets and boarded the late evening ride home.
With fingers still interlocked the two took their seats next to each other. Maybe it was because of the wonderful evening they had just shared, or maybe it was because at that hour the train wasn't very full, but the blue-haired warrior couldn't help but feel a little bold in the moment as instead of sitting she elected to lay down, with her head resting comfortably on her boyfriend's lap. He began to stroke her hair, probably an instinctive reaction from all the times when Fie forced him into it. Despite herself she couldn't help but enjoy the feelings.
"Hey, Laura?" Rean's question caused her to tilt her head upwards to gaze at him.
It seemed she wasn't the only one feeling bold after their date as he took the opportunity to lean down and kiss her. The moment was brief and he pulled away far too quickly for her tastes, but it still ended with her feeling wonderful, a feeling which only grew when he spoke, "...I love you."
Yes, she decided at last. Although she would always be a warrior first and foremost she could see herself growing to enjoy a life like this. It was truly a shame the train had people in it as his actions left her wanting so much more.
It was deep into the night by the time they set foot into Trista, but that was no problem for the two lovers. It was just a short walk through the darkness before the two of them reached their shared apartment.
"I'm surprised all the lights are off."
"Do you think Fie already went to bed?"
Rean could only shrug at her question even as he opened the door and the two entered. After a brief detour to hide away her extra dessert the Arseid followed Rean to their room, only to find the swordsman standing over the bed, "...She isn't here either."
He clearly sounded confused, but she was quick to figure out the puzzle. While she had no idea where Fie was, it was clear to her their younger companion had left to ensure the night belonged solely to her. Silently she sent her thanks to the surprisingly thoughtful girl.
On one hand the reason they had returned when they did was because they had classes the next day and getting their rest was an important piece towards that goal.
But on the other hand while she greatly enjoyed the moments they had to themselves during the night they had been all too fleeting for her tastes. Now they were together in the safe confines of their own home with nary a distraction in sight?
She shoved Rean onto the bed.
He rolled over to stare at her, but the confusion on his face died a quick death, either because of the intense look she was shooting him or more likely the fact she was already hard at work getting her dress off.
They were going to be extremely tired tomorrow, but that was a price she was more than willing to pay.
Here's a little something extra for you all. I don't usually write side stories, but the urge to write this upcoming scene after trying out the terrible new Trails gacha was just too much. I hope you all enjoy!
"Oh look! There she is!"
Rean had spotted Laura about the same time Fie had, and together the two of them approached the other girl. As unusual as it was seeing her sitting on a bench by her lonesome the truly strange thing was that she had her orbment in hand and was focusing intently on it. The only thing he could think of as they reached her... "Did you break it again?"
"No!" Laura answered hotly, "And why would you even assume that!? That's something Fie should think, not you!" With a deep breath and a final glare she calmed down enough to answer, "Some of my classmates introduced me to a new game that can be played on our orbments."
"Uh... What?" Fie wasn't sure if she was more surprised by the answer itself or that Laura seemed so invested in it. Since when was the Arseid a gamer?
"It's really fascinating!" The older girl gushed, "It's set during a made-up war called the Northern War, but we're all in it!"
"W-Wait, what do you mean by that!?" The lone male asked, "We're in a game?!"
Laura giggled, finding amusement in their confusion, "Yes, see." She turned her orbment around to show them the screen.
And indeed it was clearly a picture of Laura. Alongside it were a bunch of stats that meant little to the two of them. But what really caught their attention... "Why is your title 'The Musician'?"
"Ah..." The noble girl shrugged, "I'm not sure on that myself, but I think they mixed a few of our titles around."
"So they gave you Elliot's job? What did they give him then?"
Laura fumbled with her ARCUS for a few seconds as she tapped through some menus. Eventually she reached the character based on the boy in question-
"Pffft!" She tried to maintain her usual composure, but it was an impossible feat, "Hahaha!"
Fie and Rean shared glances at her unexpected outburst. Seeing as they were getting no answers by standing there both of them circled around so they could view the screen for themselves-
Elliot Craig, The Icy Maiden.
Yep. That would do it. Both the swordsman and the former mercenary joined their friend in uncontrollable laughter.
Eventually Rean was able to get his faculties under control, "I feel bad for Elliot, but..." Or perhaps it was merely a temporary reprieve as another fit of giggles burst from his mouth, triggering equal reactions from the others.
"T-Think you and the other boys would get all horned up seeing him in a cocktail dress?" Fie's question exacerbated the situation further even as the boy in question grimaced at the mental image.
"What about me? Did they screw me up?" The silver-hair girl asked minutes later once they were well and truly calm.
Once again Laura fumbled through a few screens before a picture of a very familiar girl appeared before them. "The Witch's Follower? Does it think I'm Celine or something?"
Rean glanced her way before tilting his head thoughtfully. Laura let out a considering hum. Fie pouted, "I am not a cat!"
"O-Oh, look!" The Arseid was quick to change the subject, "It seems Alisa is Sylphid now."
"W-What!? That's it! You'd better hold me back Rean, 'cause I'm about to head over to Roer to get my title back!"
He didn't hold her back, but he did place a hand on her head gently. That was enough to calm the moody girl.
"As for you, Rean..." Oh good. He didn't want to ask but he was pretty curious himself, "...It seems like they didn't mix you up with anyone, but for some reason they're calling you The Grey Knight?"
"The Grey Knight? I mean I can't say I'm fond of the Ashen Chevalier, but isn't that kind of..."
"Lame?"
"Thank you, Fie."
Laura couldn't help but snicker at how Rean looked like he had swallowed a lemon, especially as her button tapping revealed a surprising truth, "And yet they kept the title of Azure Chevalier... on Towa."
Had they not already laughed themselves hoarse and their feelings on Crow were still so raw they might have laughed even harder at that one. The thought of sweet adorable Towa as a terrorist leader...
"W-Well... This is certainly something, I suppose?" He looked towards Fie for support but the other girl gave a confused look before shrugging, "...We were going to the Old Schoolhouse, did you want to-"
"Wait! I-I mean yes, I would, but there's something I need to ask you first." Both students stared in surprise at Laura's outburst, especially as the normally poised girl looked away meekly before shuffling awkwardly in her seat, "...I hate to ask, but can I borrow some mira?"
"Uh..." Rean was shocked. In all the time they'd been together he'd never heard Laura ask for mira. Not even Fie had done such a thing! "I don't mind, but why?"
The situation got a lot weirder when Laura blushed before gazing down at her orbment "...I want to unlock Rixia Mao."
"Rixia Mao!? But you've never met her before, right?" Thoughts of his encounter in the Geofront still lingered in his mind. That she was a part of this was weird enough, but why would Laura...?
"It's a special limited time offer! I can unlock her character for one hundred and fifty thousand mira!"
Rean gaped, "One hundred..."
"And fifty thousand!?" Fie finished, practically shrieking. "That's crazy! With that mira Rean could buy me an Evergreen and an Abyss Shadow, and still have enough left to buy himself a Proxy Puppet!"
The boy in question pouted, "...That doesn't seem fair."
"I'm sorry!" Laura cried, "But it's a great deal! It says it's eighty-four percent off!"
The other two stared blankly at her before glancing at each other and back to her. Fie elected to speak for the two of them, "Starting to think this is a big scam. Look, Laura, lots of shady companies do stuff like this. They jack up the price before lowering it back down to a less insane but still overpriced number so they can claim it's on sale. Nobody is dumb enough to fall for that-"
"I got her! I got her!" The three were broken from their conversation as Vice-Principal Heinrich walked by with the biggest grin on his face, "It only took half of my year's salary, but my beloved Rixia is with me forever!"
"I guess I'm wrong but it still kinda feels like it proves my point."