The sun is beginning to set, painting the skies above Trista in hues of orange and purple. After classes and training, Class VII has been enjoying the peacefulness that comes with being back at Thors. Now, most of the group has retreated to their own routines. Fie, however, was on a quiet mission—one she's determined to accomplish without being obvious.

Fie leaned back against one of the tall trees in the courtyard, staring up at the clouds lazily rolling across the sky. Her thoughts kept wandering back to earlier that day when Rean—ever the "big brother" type—had patted her on the head after a sparring session, grinning and calling her "impressive as always."

The head pat was, quite frankly, great. Not that she'd never admit it out loud. But now the gesture was stuck in her mind like a burr.

As well as the possibility of Laura doing the same.

The image of Laura, calm and composed with her kind yet steady demeanor, patting her on the head in a show of affection was way too appealing.

Still, Fie didn't want to just ask. That'd be way too embarrassing. She had to be subtle about it. Play it cool.

Standing straight, she stretched with a yawn and decided she'd figure out a plan on the fly. That had always worked for her before.

Laura was seated on the grass near the edge of the courtyard, her longsword resting at her side as she wiped down the blade with practiced care. The way the evening light reflected off the polished steel gave her an almost ethereal look.

Fie spotted her immediately, as though her eyes were naturally drawn to Laura these days. Taking a breath, she wandered over, hands in her pockets, her casual demeanor firmly in place—on the outside, anyway.

"Yo," Fie said, her voice light as she came to a stop near Laura.

Laura glanced up, her lips curving into a small smile. "Hello, Fie. Finished for the day?"

"Mmhm." Fie dropped down onto the grass nearby, sitting cross-legged and leaning back on her hands. "Figured I'd get some fresh air before it gets too dark."

Laura nodded approvingly, turning back to her sword for a moment. "That's wise. It's easy to forget to slow down and appreciate moments like this."

Fie watched Laura silently for a second, then glanced away as her mind started working overtime. Okay, how do I do this? She couldn't just blurt out "Hey, pat me on the head." That'd be ridiculous.

Instead, she decided to ease into it.

"Training again, huh?" Fie asked. "You never really stop."

Laura let out a soft laugh, still polishing her blade. "Discipline is important. It's part of how we grow stronger."

Fie tilted her head and smirked faintly. "You're already strong enough to make most people cry, you know. Maybe even Rean."

Laura looked at her, amused. "Rean's strength shouldn't be underestimated… but I appreciate the compliment."

Fie tapped her chin with her finger. Okay, next step. Compliments back. That should help.

"You're pretty amazing, though," Fie said, keeping her tone light and matter-of-fact. "You always know what to say. And do. And you're, like… solid."

Laura blinked at her, raising an eyebrow. "Solid?"

"Yeah," Fie muttered, waving a hand. "Reliable. Steady. Like a mountain, or something."

Laura's laughter was warm and genuine, and Fie felt her face heat up slightly. "A mountain? That's a rather grand comparison."

"Fits, though," Fie replied with a shrug. She fidgeted with a blade of grass for a second before adding in a mutter, "Wish I had that kind of presence."

Laura's smile softened as she regarded Fie thoughtfully. "You do, in your own way."

Fie glanced up. "Huh?"

"Your presence," Laura clarified, placing the cloth neatly beside her longsword. "It's not like mine, but that's what makes it special. You're dependable, in a quiet and subtle way. You're someone we can all count on—someone I can count on."

Fie looked away, suddenly feeling warmer than the evening temperature warranted. "I'm not that great…"

"You are," Laura said firmly, the sincerity in her voice impossible to deny.

Fie scratched the back of her head awkwardly, biting back a smile. Alright, this is it, she thought. Time for the final step.

With a loud, exaggerated yawn, Fie spread her arms and stared at the sky, shuffling a little bit closer to Laura. "Man… it's been a long day. I could just doze off right here."

Laura chuckled softly. "Is that so? You do have a habit of falling asleep anywhere, I suppose."

"Mm." Fie shifted, turning slightly so that her head was tilted just right in Laura's direction. If Laura was paying attention, she'd totally pick up on it.

Silence lingered for a beat too long. Fie peeked one eye open, only to see Laura watching her curiously, clearly not catching on.

Come on, Fie thought. It's right there. Just pat my head already.

"Fie?" Laura said finally, tilting her head. "Is something wrong?"

"...Nope," Fie replied, forcing herself to sound casual. She shut her eyes again and muttered, "Just… tired. Real tired."

Laura hummed softly, as though considering something. Then, to Fie's surprise, she heard the faint rustle of Laura shifting closer.

A moment later, she felt it—a warm, gentle hand resting lightly on her head.

Fie's heart skipped a beat, but she willed herself to stay still, fighting the urge to grin. Yes! Success.

"If that's the case, feel free to rest here. I'll remain with you," Laura said softly.

Fie let out the smallest sigh, allowing herself to lean just slightly into Laura's touch. "Well, if you're offering…"

Laura's hand lingered for a moment longer, her movements gentle and affectionate as she patted Fie's head a few times.

Mission accomplished.