It was one of those rare free days at Thors Military Academy, the kind that Fie liked to spend lounging on rooftops or napping in the shade of a big tree. But today was different. Today, she had a mission. She wanted to get close to Laura, in a physical sense, even if it was just a little bit.

Fie wasn't sure how it came to be this way, but she craved physical connection, yet had a hard time asking for it. This was also why she loved taking naps with others, because of the closeness and feeling of security. She recalled falling asleep leaning against her dad, or Xeno, or Leo back in the Jaeger days.

Back to Laura, there was something about her calm confidence and warm-but-dignified presence that Fie couldn't resist. She admired Laura's strength, her patience and grace, and the fact that she was so different from Fie and yet they seemed to get along so well now.

But being Fie, she wasn't about to walk up and just ask for it. She had to play it cool. Subtle.

Dinner was done, and everyone was sprawled out in the Class VII dormitory lounge doing their own thing. Machias and Jusis were debating over some book, Emma was sipping tea and reading, and Alisa was talking to Rean about something that had her waving her hands dramatically. Fie had been watching it all from her usual perch—the armrest of a nearby chair—arms crossed, looking like she wasn't paying attention to anything in particular. But her sharp eyes kept flicking toward Laura.

Laura was sitting on one of the couches near the fireplace, her posture as poised as ever. A thick book was open in her lap, and she seemed utterly absorbed. Occasionally, the flickering firelight caught the soft glow of her sapphire eyes, and Fie found herself zoning out just staring.

This was the perfect opportunity. Everyone else was doing their own thing, and it wasn't like Laura was going anywhere. Fie could just sit down next to her. That was all. Simple.

Fie tapped her fingers against her armrest, glaring down at her boots as if they were to blame for her hesitation. Still, she couldn't just sit here forever. If she waited too long, someone else might grab the couch or start a conversation with Laura, and the chance would be gone.

Fie hopped down from her perch, hands shoved casually into her jacket pockets as she strolled toward the couch. She stopped in front of Laura with the most nonchalant expression she could muster.

"Hey," Fie said, her voice low and even.

Laura glanced up, her calm demeanour unwavering as she closed the book slightly, marking her spot with a finger. "Hello, Fie. Did you need something?"

"Nope," Fie replied, rocking back on her heels. "Just… thought I'd sit here for a bit. If that's cool."

Laura blinked, her gaze flicking to the empty space beside her before returning to Fie. "Of course. You're always welcome."

Fie shrugged, like it was no big deal, and plopped down on the couch. She deliberately sat close enough that their knees almost touched, but not quite. It was close enough to feel Laura's warmth, though. The warmth of her new friend.

Laura didn't seem fazed. She simply adjusted her book and resumed reading.

Fie leaned back, stretching her arms along the top of the couch. She glanced around the room, trying to look as casual as possible. But every few seconds, her eyes darted back to Laura. The way the firelight danced across her hair, the way her expression softened as she read—it was almost unfair how effortlessly cool she was.

After a few minutes of silence, Fie cleared her throat. "What're you reading?"

Laura looked up again, tilting the book slightly so Fie could see the cover. "It's a historical account of the War of the Lions. The writer provides a rather detailed perspective on Emperor Dreichels' strategies."

Fie raised an eyebrow. "Sounds heavy."

"It is," Laura admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips. "But I find it fascinating. There's a lot to learn from the past."

Fie hummed in response, leaning her head back against the couch. "Bet it's nice having the whole couch to yourself when you read, huh?"

Laura frowned slightly, as if confused by the comment. "I don't mind sharing. Why do you ask?"

Fie shrugged, hoping the movement would hide her nervous fidgeting. "Just figured you might like your space, y'know. Big sword, big personal bubble."

Laura chuckled at that, a soft sound that made Fie's chest feel annoyingly warm. "You're not intruding, Fie. If I wanted to be alone, I wouldn't be sitting in the lounge."

"Fair," Fie said, trying not to smile.

Encouraged, she let herself relax a little more, shifting closer until their knees finally brushed. It was subtle—just a light touch—but enough to make Fie's pulse quicken. Laura didn't pull away, though. She didn't even seem to notice.

Fie glanced sideways, watching as Laura's eyes drifted back to her book. Once she was confident Laura wasn't going to call her out or pull away, Fie folded her arms and closed her eyes.

Mission accomplished.