The morning sun filtered softly through the academy windows, but Laura couldn't shake the lingering thought that something felt off. She hadn't seen Fie at breakfast, which wasn't unheard of—Fie liked to do things at her own pace—but this morning it gnawed at her a little. When she knocked on Fie's door earlier, Fie's muffled voice came through:
"I'll see you at school, don't worry. Go on ahead."
Laura let it be at the time, but something in the tone—low, almost strained—had stuck with her. Now in class, her eyes naturally drifted toward Fie a few times. Fie was in her usual seat, sprawled out lazily with her arms crossed on the desk, but there was no mistaking the subtle signs if you knew what to look for. Her foot tapped rhythmically on the floor, a restless, agitated motion. Her shoulders were tense despite her usual slouch, and every now and then, her gaze sharpened in irritation as if distracted by something invisible.
Laura's concern grew. She'd seen this before. The way Fie adjusted her position constantly but never seemed comfortable, the faint crease in her brow, the little sighs she let slip. It all painted a familiar picture: Fie was having a rough time with her period again.
When the final bell rang and the classroom began to clear out, Laura took her time packing up her things, all while keeping an eye on Fie. True to form, Fie hadn't budged yet. Her head rested against her hand, her eyes trained on the surface of the desk, unfocused. When the last of their classmates filed out, Laura stood and moved to her.
"Fie?"
At the sound of her name, Fie let out a quiet, grumbly whine—almost a pout. "Laaura…" she dragged out, her voice sounding uncharacteristically soft and, dare Laura say, a little helpless. With an exaggerated sigh, she pushed herself up, only for her foot to bump sharply into the leg of her desk.
"Ah—owwwie!" Fie groaned dramatically, holding her foot for a second before glaring at the offending desk.
Laura couldn't help it; a small laugh escaped her lips, though it was fond and full of sympathy. "Are you alright?"
Fie huffed, her cheeks faintly red, before making her way over to Laura. And then, quite suddenly, she closed the distance and wrapped her arms around Laura's middle in a hug. It wasn't one of her teasing, lighthearted hugs either—this was warm and lingering, Fie leaning fully into her. Laura blinked in surprise at first but quickly settled into the embrace, resting her hands lightly on Fie's back.
"This sucks," Fie muttered against her shoulder.
Laura didn't need to ask what this referred to. Her voice was soft and understanding as she replied, "I'm sorry, Fie. Is there anything I can do?"
Fie squeezed her a little tighter before answering, voice quieter now, almost timid. "I want you to spend time with me tonight. Just you. Don't pay attention to anyone else. Only me. Will you…do that for me?"
Laura felt a familiar warmth bloom in her chest at the quiet vulnerability in Fie's words. She gently pulled back just enough to look at Fie's face. Fie was pouting slightly, her green eyes looking up at Laura as if daring her to say no.
Laura smiled warmly and raised a hand to pat the top of Fie's head. "I'm all yours, Fie. You don't even have to ask."
Fie blinked at her, her expression softening into something more content.
"Would you like to walk back to the dorm together?" Laura asked, shifting her bag over her shoulder.
Fie nodded, the motion small but decisive. "Yeah." Without waiting for Laura to move first, Fie reached down and took her hand, intertwining their fingers. The gesture was natural but held a quiet weight to it that Laura couldn't help but notice.
As they exited the classroom, Laura matched her pace to Fie's, keeping close to her as they walked the quiet halls. The sunlight outside had dimmed just slightly, casting a calm, golden glow that seemed to suit the moment. Neither of them spoke, but the silence was comfortable. Fie's grip on Laura's hand was steady, not too tight but far from casual.
Every so often, Laura would glance over at her—at the faint color still lingering on Fie's cheeks, at the way her free hand occasionally moved to press lightly at her stomach, betraying the discomfort she must have been feeling. Laura squeezed her hand gently in response, wordlessly offering reassurance.
Fie noticed, of course. "You're being extra nice today," she muttered, though her voice was soft, not accusatory.
"Because I care about you," Laura said simply.
Fie's expression flickered—something quiet and affectionate passing through her eyes before she looked away. "Thanks."
As they reached the dorms, Laura held the door open, letting Fie step inside first. Fie turned to face her, still holding onto her hand as if reluctant to let go just yet.
"See you in a bit?" Fie asked, tilting her head.
Laura smiled. "Of course. I'll come find you soon."
With that, Fie finally released Laura's hand, heading up the stairs to her room with a quiet but noticeable bounce in her step that hadn't been there earlier. Laura watched her go, a fond smile playing on her lips.
Just me, huh? she thought to herself, her heart feeling inexplicably full. Well, Fie, I'm more than happy to be just yours.