The sun was just beginning to set, casting golden hues across the academy grounds as Laura sat in the lounge, quietly polishing her sword. The rhythmic motion of the cloth over the blade was meditative, her thoughts calm and content. That was, until the sound of the front door creaking open and hurried steps echoed down the hall. Laura looked up, and her eyes immediately widened in concern.

Fie stood in the doorway, looking every bit like she'd been through a storm. Her usual outfit was slightly disheveled, her jacket scuffed and dirtied. Bandages peeked out from beneath her sleeves, a faint mark of blood on one near her elbow. There were small cuts along her cheek and temple, and her stance, though casual, betrayed a faint stiffness.

"Fie!" Laura quickly set down her sword and rose to her feet. "What happened to you?"

Fie blinked, her expression as cool and nonchalant as ever, though Laura could see the fatigue lingering in her green eyes. "It's nothing. Just ran into some trouble."

"Trouble?" Laura repeated, a note of worry creeping into her voice. She crossed the room and gently rested her hands on Fie's shoulders, studying her injuries more closely. "This doesn't look like 'nothing,' Fie."

Fie sighed, clearly not in the mood to make a big deal out of it, but seeing the determination on Laura's face, she relented. "Fine, fine. I'll explain."

Laura guided Fie to the nearby couch and sat beside her, hands folded in her lap as she waited expectantly. Fie leaned back against the cushion, tilting her head slightly as she began.

"I was in Celdic earlier," Fie said, her tone casual, as though she were recounting what she'd eaten for lunch. "There was this merchant—some guy who deals in textiles, I think. Anyway, a group of Jaegers were trying to kidnap him. Seems they were hired by some rival group or something. Doesn't matter."

Laura's eyes widened further. "Jaegers? You fought Jaegers today?"

Fie gave a small shrug. "Yeah. I couldn't just let them take the guy. He was scared out of his mind. So I stopped them."

"You stopped them?" Laura echoed in disbelief. "Alone?"

"It wasn't that big of a deal," Fie said, waving a hand dismissively. "They weren't that skilled, just brutes for hire. Took me a little longer than it should have, though. Got clipped a couple of times." She gestured to the bandages on her arms. "But I'm fine now. Treated myself already."

Laura frowned, her brows knitting together. "Fie… you shouldn't have faced them on your own. That was dangerous."

"I've faced worse," Fie replied, her tone softer this time. "I know what I'm doing, Laura."

Laura was quiet for a moment, her blue eyes searching Fie's face as if trying to find the hidden strain beneath her confident exterior. Finally, she let out a slow breath. "Even so, you're important to me, Fie. I don't want to see you coming back injured like this."

Fie's expression softened, and she glanced away, rubbing the back of her neck. "I get it. I'm sorry. But really, this isn't a big deal. I promise."

Laura shook her head with a small, exasperated smile. "You're incorrigible sometimes." Then, with a more serious look, she added, "At the very least, let me check your bandages to make sure they're done properly."

Fie rolled her eyes but didn't argue. "Fine. If it'll make you feel better."

Laura stood up and quickly retrieved a first aid kit before kneeling beside Fie. With practiced care, she gently unwrapped one of Fie's bandages, revealing a clean but slightly reddened cut. "You really shouldn't downplay this," Laura murmured as she cleaned and re-wrapped the wound. "Even if you're capable, you still have people who worry about you."

Fie looked at her quietly for a moment before a small, rare smile crossed her lips. "Thanks, Laura."

Laura smiled back, relieved to see Fie's usual spirit return, even if just a little. She sat back on the couch beside her, setting the first aid kit aside. "I'm glad you're alright. But please, promise me you'll be careful."

"I'll try," Fie replied with a teasing lilt, though her expression showed she understood. She leaned back and let out a small sigh. "It's weird, though."

"What is?"

Fie's eyes drifted to the ceiling as she spoke. "I'm not a Jaeger anymore. And I don't miss that life… but sometimes it feels like no matter where I go, the past follows me."

Laura looked at her, thoughtful. "Your past may always be a part of you, Fie, but it doesn't define you. What matters is what you choose to do now."

Fie turned her head to look at Laura, her green eyes softening. "You always know what to say."

Laura smiled warmly, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. The quiet was comfortable, filled with unspoken understanding between the two. Finally, Fie stretched and stood up, though not without wincing slightly.

"Alright, I'll stop worrying you now. I'm fine, see?" Fie gestured to herself.

Laura raised an eyebrow. "You should rest, though. I'll bring you tea later."

Fie smiled faintly. "Alright, alright. Thanks, Laura."

Laura chuckled as she watched Fie leave the room, feeling that quiet warmth settle in her chest again. She really is remarkable, Laura thought to herself, smiling softly as she picked up her sword once more.

But even as she resumed her work, her thoughts lingered on Fie—her strength, her stubbornness, and the unspoken care between them that seemed to grow stronger with each passing day.