Happy (slightly late) birthday to our favorite bracer (sorry, Estelle)


"Let's do this again. For my 20th birthday."

Rean thought back to that night in Mishelam two years earlier. Those were the words Fie had said to him while they rode together on the large Ferris wheel that towered over the resort, rivaled only by the mysterious (and troublesome) Castle of Mirrors. Rean agreed to it at the time, but his dense nature didn't catch the hint that Fie had turned 18, meaning it was actually her birthday. He embarrassingly only learned that fact after confessing his love for her later that evening. This made their promise not just a forgettable, throwaway suggestion that people often have with their friends, but something much more significant. A celebration of both her birthday, their relationship, and in the spot where it all began was something he was determined to follow through with.

And so, after night had fallen on a much needed and relaxing day together, Rean and Fie found themselves at the base of the Ferris wheel to make good on their promise from two years earlier.

Sitting across from each other inside the passenger car, they began the slow ascent to the top. While Fie thought this was nothing more than a nostalgic ride on a theme park attraction, Rean had something else planned to make it more special. Nervous about things going right and how Fie would react, Rean calmed himself by thinking back to the last time they rode together. Back then, he had made a comment about how Fie was young, offending her in the process.

"Ugh… I'm not a kid anymore, okay? Quit treating me like one."

"You'll regret it one day, Rean."

Looking at her now, he realized just how right she was. In those two years since, she had grown into a mature and confident woman. The view of Mishelam below them was beautiful, but Rean wasn't sure it could compare to the one sitting across from him. He couldn't help but wonder if living with someone like Sara allowed her to cause a growth spurt through sheer force of will.

Even so, Fie wasn't quite as mature as she would like everyone to believe; her unending love for headpats brings back the image of the little Fie that slept on park benches back in their days at Thor's.

But Rean thought it best not to point out this contradiction.

"…What are you doing?"

Rean snapped out of his thoughts and realized he had been staring at Fie the whole time.

"N-nothing! I was just thinking about how this might be the last time we'll be able to see each other for a while."

Fie sighed in annoyance. "Way to live in the moment, Rean."

"I'm sorry… I just can't help but feel worried about you given the situation in Calvard right now."

Fie gave a reassuring smile. "Oh, you don't have to worry about me." Fie said as she puffed up her shoulders, "You're looking at B-rank bracer, Sylphid!"

Rean chuckled at her display, feeling a bit relieved. She really had made tons of progress, both as a bracer and as a person. He was excited to see just how far she could go.

"Besides," Fie said, "I'm working with Zin and Elaine. They are two of the strongest people I've ever met. Trust me when I say we'll be fine."

"I've heard a bit about Elaine. She beat Sara's record for the youngest A-rank bracer, right?"

Fie giggled. "Yup. Now that I'm 20, I can finally buy her a drink for knocking Sara down a peg. We all know how much she needed that."

"…You know, I can't even disagree with that."

The pair shared a laugh at the expense of their former teacher. Rean swears it was out of love and respect.

"I'm glad that you have a friend in Elaine. I'm sure it helps to have someone like that around when you're on a tough job." Rean said.

"Yeah, she's pretty fun to talk to." Fie's expression changed to her patented mischievous smile, "She's got a childhood friend she's clearly crushing on. You should see how flustered she gets when you bring it up."

Rean sighed. "You just can't help yourself, can you?"

The pair stopped their conversation and took in the view as their passenger car was nearly at the top of the Ferris wheel. A glance in any direction would reveal a different but equally breathtaking scene: the light-covered rooftops below them that shone through the blanket of darkness, the enchanting glow of the towering castle across from them, and even the star filled expanse above them that stretched as far as the eye could see.

Rean's nerves returned as they at last reached the top. The time had come for the surprise he prepared for her. Looking down near the lake, he saw that everything was going according to plan. At just the right moment, he turned to Fie with a beaming smile.

"Happy birthday, Fie."

"Huh?" Fie responded with a confused tone before something caught her attention.

The night sky above the lake beside them burst into color as fireworks were launched from below. Fie's eyes widened as she watched the explosive display, their position at the top of the Ferris wheel offering the best seats in the house. Rean couldn't help but watch Fie's reaction, the childlike wonder in her eyes letting him know right away that it was all worth it. Not wanting to miss the whole show, he finally peeled his eyes away from her.

Even Rean found himself looking on in wonder. The fireworks were even better than he imagined, though maybe he should have expected as much considering who made them. But before he could catch more than few moments, he was caught off guard by two hands grabbing his shoulders. He turned his head in surprise, having only a moment to realize he was looking into Fie's gaze before she brought her lips to his.

Rean's eyes widened at the unexpected sensation. Fie must have realized that he wasn't ready as she pulled back and looked at him apologetically.

"S-Sorry…" Fie said, a huge blush on her face.

"Don't be." Rean responded before pulling her back in for a deep kiss. He didn't care that they were missing the rest of the show he prepared for them, and he was pretty sure she didn't care either. Time seemed to stand still until the last explosion echoed throughout the darkness, the ensuing silence bringing them back to reality. They slowly pulled away from each other, and Fie reluctantly returned to her spot across from Rean as the passenger car made its descent.

With reality further setting in, Rean looked across at Fie and realized she justifiably had some questions.

"How did you…?" Fie asked, unsure of where to begin.

Rean smiled back at her. "I…may have asked a personal favor of someone to make sure the fireworks went off right when we got to the top. And as for the fireworks themselves…" Rean paused, not exactly sure what to say next.

"They were just like the ones the Boss and Xeno used to make for me when I was in Zephyr." Fie interjected.

Rean nodded. "I contacted Xeno and Leo because I wanted to do something special for you. I knew it was risky given their status and how overprotective they are, but I felt it was something I needed to face at some point anyway, so why not now? They were a bit hostile at first, but they respected what I was trying to do. Eventually they told me about the firework shows you loved as a kid, and then I remembered how we watched fireworks together on that night two years ago. It seemed like the perfect fit."

Fie was speechless. Rean wasn't sure how she would react to hearing about him working with Xeno and Leo without her knowing about it. He started feeling nervous again, wondering if what he did was wrong. Did he make her upset? Was this all a big mistake?

Fie closed her eyes as the passenger car finally stopped at the bottom of the Ferris wheel. After what felt like an eternity, she opened her eyes and smiled.

"Thank you, Rean. Today couldn't have been more perfect." Fie said, her eyes and voice communicating complete sincerity.

A wave a relief hit Rean. Of course Fie wouldn't be upset about something like that. How stupid could he be?

Realizing that they were holding everyone up, Rean and Fie stepped out of the passenger car and onto the pavement, stretching their legs after a long and emotional ride. Fie yawned in her usual catlike fashion, expressing her desire to go to sleep.

"Ready to head to bed?" Rean asked.

"Yep." Fie said, yawning again before her expression changed back to her mischievous grin, "But before we sleep, we're gonna make some fireworks of our own."

Rean nearly did a spit take. "S-Seriously?!"

Fie didn't respond, giggling as she took Rean by the hand and led him back into the night.