// i've always been with you

[croibhristeoir]

Who: Lancer and Saber
Where: Lancer's hotel room
When: Evening of the 28th
Summary: No one knows how emotions work.
Rating: T for totally dorky.
Log:
[Saber seemed upset since their discussion regarding Sola and Diarmuid's own curse. No, perhaps 'upset' wasn't the right word. 'Distant'? No, knights should have been distant to an extent. It was just how they worked, wasn't it?]

[Wasn't it?]

[He had felt notably more at ease since confessing everything about Fionn and his curse, but was that normal? As Saber had said, they were once adversaries. And Lancer did still want to see their fight through to whatever conclusion it would have, of course.]

[But they were all in the same metaphorical boat. So should knights not align themselves with each other to ensure their own safety as well as that of the ones around them? Adversary or not, he trusted Saber enough to watch his back as he would hers. Lancer was absolutely set on being the only one to defeat Saber. If that meant fighting with her against any human, Servant, or Shadow that tried to do so instead of him, fine. He was her left hand once and would gladly act as such again without a second thought.]

[For now, however, he had to focus on figuring out just what had upset her or simply how to fix it. Unhappiness didn't suit someone like her, someone Lancer respected as ally and adversary both.]

[It was through that logic that a pair of fluffy slippers apparently found their way onto the bed--it was easy to tell Saber liked lions. Easier, with an actual lion cub constantly looking to trip up Lancer no matter what he did there.]

[On the table was a thin glass vase with two flowers in it. It was perhaps a little too sentimental, but he'd passed by a flower shop on his way back as it was. And Diarmuid had a special appreciation for yellow and crimson roses; they had been his signature, in a sense.]

[The former Servant himself could be found in the kitchen, doing a whole lot of work and occasionally referring to a cookbook lying open on a nearby counter.]

[Adversaries or not, nothing was stopping them from enjoying themselves once in a while.]

Comments

[ex_cashcow493]

[ She takes that as a cue to start speaking. ]

When I entered the hotel room this afternoon, I was told I had a package. That was when I discovered the sword. Archer went to great lengths to procure such a magnificent blade. He is not the type to tolerate duplicates of things, so I can rest assured knowing there is nothing identical to this within the world. Not even in his treasury, unless he chose to base it off of something that has never been discovered by mankind or gods.

[ A pause. ]

He did this to keep his word. He has fulfilled every promise save for our duel, but he has left this place. What am I to do? Prepare my body for when he returns? To fight him then?

I just wanted to thank him.

[croibhristeoir]

[Lancer didn't say anything for a moment or two--maybe Archer really wasn't entirely the arrogant idiot he seemed. Which was admittedly something of a surprise.]

...I don't think Archer will break his word. If he planned to fight you, I can only believe he'll eventually challenge you. Even if no one can say exactly when or where.

[ex_cashcow493]

It is frustrating that he left without saying goodbye.

[croibhristeoir]

...Then think of that as a reason that he will surely return.

[ex_cashcow493]

Ah!

[ That was an interesting way to think of it, as she turns her attention fully upon the man. ]

You are right. He will return. He must have grown bored of waiting for my wound to heal, so he will return when I am ready to duel him.

[croibhristeoir]

[Lancer smiled at that, seemingly glad that Saber's mood had improved even slightly.]

I can hardly imagine he'll stay away for too long.

[ex_cashcow493]

Shall we enjoy the peace while we have it then?

[croibhristeoir]

That might be the best option, yes. In a place like this I can't imagine we'll have it for too long.

[ex_cashcow493]

Possibly not.

[ And then she notices something foreign on the bed. ]

What is that?

[croibhristeoir]

Hm?

[Oh. Oh, he'd actually forgotten about that.]

That's, er...actually...just something I sort of stumbled on today that I thought you might've liked.

[ex_cashcow493]

[ Crossing over the room to look at the pair of slippers, she just stares at them intently, as if they were a foe on the field of battle. ]

Ah. [ Reaching out to gently touch one with her hand. ] What are they doing here?

[croibhristeoir]

Well, as I said, I thought you might have liked them. So I...decided to get them for you.

[ex_cashcow493]

A gift?

[croibhristeoir]

I...suppose so, yes.

[ex_cashcow493]

[ It struck her as odd, fingers finding themselves tangling up within the mane of the stuffed lion, that Lancer of all people would bestow such kindness upon her. ]

Did Shirou... [ She must know if he's set Lancer up to do this. ]

[croibhristeoir]

...Did he what? I said I hadn't spoken to him recently, didn't I?

[ex_cashcow493]

It is just that I thought... well, I assumed that you must have... [ Words sure were difficult. ]

I thank you for the gift, Lancer.

[croibhristeoir]

I'm not sure I understand, but I suppose you're welcome.

[ex_cashcow493]

If you must know.. I am curious as to how you knew I would appreciate such an item.

[croibhristeoir]

I'd assumed by now that you liked lions.

[The giant kitten wandering around was a hint.]

[ex_cashcow493]

Yes, but an item such as this? What purpose does it serve?

[ WINTER'S COMING. DID YOU BRING YOUR COAT? ]

[croibhristeoir]

I...well, er...it...

[YOU FLUSTERED YOUR WAIFU, SABER.]

[ex_cashcow493]

[ Well, time to find out. She's sitting her bum on the bed properly and with as much regale manner as a king holds themselves to, gently pulling on one of the slippers. ]

Ah. It feels soft. [ Glancing over towards Lancer. ]

... Did you get yourself a pair as well?

[croibhristeoir]

I...didn't really think of that, no.

[ex_cashcow493]

I will trial these and tell you if they are suitable for yourself. Will that be alright?