The afternoon sun hung low over the dorms, casting warm streaks of light across the hallways as Laura walked toward Fie's room. After a busy morning of training, Laura found herself with unexpected free time and, to her own quiet amusement, the first thought that crossed her mind was checking in on Fie.

With a faint smile, she reached Fie's door and knocked softly. "Fie? Are you in there?"

There was a muffled sound from inside, followed by a pause. "Yeah. Door's open."

Laura turned the handle and stepped inside—and froze, blinking in surprise.

Fie was sitting cross-legged on the floor, a length of rope tangled across her lap. As Laura watched, Fie looped the rope expertly around her wrist, tugged it snug, and started securing a knot. It was a peculiar sight: Fie, calm and utterly focused, in the process of tying herself up.

"Fie, what are you doing?" Laura asked, her voice full of curiosity.

Fie glanced up, completely unbothered by being caught. "Practicing."

"Practicing?"

"Escape techniques," Fie explained as she pulled the rope taut. "Jaegers do this from time to time—just in case you get captured. Tying knots, escaping them, that whole jazz." She shrugged, her tone casual. "I'm not a Jaeger anymore, but old habits die hard, right?"

Laura tilted her head, impressed. "That's quite the skill," Laura said as she stepped closer, her gaze drawn to the intricate knots Fie was forming. "Would you like some help?"

Fie paused, looking up at her with a curious blink. "Sure, why not?" She held the rope out to Laura and smirked faintly. "Don't get any ideas, though."

Laura chuckled, kneeling beside Fie and taking the rope. "I wouldn't dream of it."

As Laura began tying the knots—slowly at first as she followed Fie's guidance—conversation drifted naturally between them.

"Do you ever miss it?" Laura asked softly, her tone careful. "The Jaeger life?"

Fie shook her head. "Not really. It's like… that part of me is always there, but I don't miss it. I more miss the people. My family. But I like where I am now—here, with all of you. You're my family now, too."

Laura smiled warmly at that, carefully looping another section of rope around Fie's arm. "I'm glad to hear it." She paused for a moment. "Have you thought much about the future? What you'd like to do after graduation?"

Fie tilted her head back slightly, thoughtful. "Maybe a Bracer. Helping people seems good. I know how to fight, and I like traveling. It makes sense."

"That does suit you," Laura agreed as she pulled the rope snug. "And you'd be incredible at it."

"What about you?" Fie asked, her green eyes curious as she watched Laura work.

Laura paused briefly, considering the question. "I'd like to become skilled enough to teach others the way of the sword," she said after a moment. "My father's teachings have meant so much to me. I want to pass that on—to inspire others to seek strength in themselves, the way he inspired me."

"That's very you," Fie replied with a small smile.

Laura smiled softly, pleased by the response. After securing the last knot, she glanced at Fie. "All done."

Fie tested the ropes, tugging lightly. "Not bad. But you forgot something."

Laura blinked. "Oh?"

Fie nodded toward the edge of her bed where a small cloth was resting. "The gag. Adds to the challenge."

Laura raised an eyebrow, amused. "Are you sure?"

"Mm-hm."

"Well, if you insist," Laura said, grabbing the cloth and leaning closer. She carefully tied it over Fie's mouth, making sure it wasn't too tight. Fie made a quiet, muffled sound—"Mmph."

Laura sat back, watching with intrigue as Fie began her escape attempt. Even tied up and gagged, Fie remained calm and methodical, her nimble fingers working expertly to unravel the knots. Every so often, a faint grunt could be heard as Fie shifted, but within minutes, the ropes slipped free one by one.

Laura clapped softly, a note of admiration in her voice. "Well done, Fie. I'm thoroughly impressed."

Fie tugged the gag off and stretched her arms with a triumphant grin. "Not bad, huh?" Then, with a teasing smirk, she added, "Managed to escape myself this time, my brave knight."

The words struck a chord, reminding Laura of the dream Fie had told her about days ago. Laura chuckled softly and, without thinking, replied, "Well done, my little fairy."

Fie tilted her head, looking at Laura with curiosity. "Little fairy?"

Laura froze for a brief moment, her cheeks warming. She opened her mouth to wave it off, but something stopped her. Fie had shared her dream without hesitation, despite the embarrassment. It wouldn't be fair to hide this, Laura thought.

Steeling herself, Laura cleared her throat. "Actually…"

Fie's interest piqued, and she leaned forward slightly. "What's up?"

"Ahem," Laura said softly. "Well, I suppose its normal for those that are close to one another to have nicknames. Just as you call be a brave knight, I have…from time to time, when thinking of you…referred to you as a little fairy."

Fie blinked, her expression unreadable. "Huh?"

Laura's heart raced, feeling uncharacteristically vulnerable. "I promise you, I do not mean it in a belittling way," she added quickly, a faint blush painting her cheeks. "I have the utmost respect for—"

Fie leaned back on her hands, a soft, amused smile tugging at her lips. "Relax, my brave knight. I don't mind being called a fairy, and I'm still little, so…it's fine."

Laura's cheeks deepened in color, but she managed to smile back.

Fie's gaze softened slightly, and she added in a quieter voice, "Actually, it's nice."

Laura looked at her, the warmth in her chest spreading. "I'm relieved you think so."

The room fell into a comfortable silence, the unspoken understanding lingering between them. Fie, ever unflappable, simply stretched out on the floor and let out a relaxed sigh.

"Anyways, you're not half bad at tying knots," she said, breaking the tension with a smirk.

Laura laughed, grateful for the shift in mood. "I'll take that as high praise coming from you."

As Fie reclined, looking perfectly content, Laura found herself watching her with renewed fondness.