Unsung

Still though the silent dance was rather enjoyable, even if it involved her looking at her feet periodically making sure she didn’t step on his feet or trip over her own. It was nice to come and dance with a friend at least, even if she wouldn’t really admit to it. Perhaps she felt like it would be embarrassing at this point to say it out loud? She didn’t really know, that and she might be a tad afraid if he didn’t consider her as a friend either.

“ Oh, “ as soon as he stepped away from her personal bubble she couldn’t help but feel a little relieved to be free from that nightmare. Though that didn’t let her escape from his attitude apparently. “ So you did thought it was funny! “ Her teeth would grind against one another in her irritation as she glared daggers at him.

Watching him turn to leave she’d purse her lips for a moment before stomping over to a table. She was swift to grab two glasses filled with what was it, wine? She didn’t care much for the beverage, but it was something to drink to pass some time with more chit chat she guessed. The pinkette was already hopping her way toward the assassin to where he had wandered off to.

“ A - ssass - in! “

That alone was good enough for the swordsman, who had already taken a seat.

And just after he had managed to sit down... there she was.

“Ah-- so you decided to follow after all? Hm. I can’t complain.”

     No-- how could he? In a way, he was actually kind of glad.

Especially when she revealed that she had brought alcohol as well.

“But... yes, you’re right. There’s no better thing to do than drink when relaxing. ... What is this, wine? Ah, well. Next time, we’ll be drinking sake anyways. But for tonight, it’s a Western taste during this Western-style party.”

     And with that, he’d pour himself a glass-- taking a sip as well.

... It really wasn’t that good to him, either. He forced a small smirk at the flavor. And while it wasn’t to his liking, he’d continue to drink anyways. Drink as much as he can to get drunk-- not that he could get drunk anyways-- and drink some more.

“... Hm. Saber. I just realized...”

@swallowcutter

One of the advantages of being a machine was being blessed with a wealth of information. If she did not understand something, a whirring of gears and a check of her data banks quickly resolved the issue. However, knowing something paled in comparison to actually experiencing it. But coming from a world scarce of humans, there was little she could experience in the first place. She treasured what she could, at least. But here, things were different. Here, she could meet a samurai! Her excitement could not be contained once her initial scan of his clothes ad weapons had been completed.

 “Incredible… a swordmaster, in this day and age. Seto would have loved to have met you.” After she had explained what he was, of course. But all boys loved big guys who fought with sharp weapons, right?

It was just because he was a Japanese samurai. Simple as that.

“Hoh... for your friend? ... But I simply cannot teach my moves to someone for such a simple reason. Nor am I a good teacher, if I’m to be frank.”

     At least, he didn’t think he was. He’s never taught someone before.

“ I would not collapse on the dance floor! I’d just be…hovering over it….Or something… “ She’d mutter at the end looking to the side while pursing her lips. All the more saying even she wouldn’t know how well she’d be holding herself up after producing blood from her mouth. It wasn’t as if she was falling to the ground everytime! Sometimes she just got too excited or caught off guard and there was just…blood flying out…

“ Guh – “

“ I’m gonna punch you in the gut the next time you call me a flower Assassin…! “ And that was a promise!

“... Is that so. Bide your time with it a bit longer, then. I’m enjoying this.”

     And now that she was too, he could enjoy it a little more.

Time would move on with a small silence between the samurai. A silence Kojiro also was enjoying. Not because Saber was loud or unruly (though she was indeed both of those at times), but simply because this wasn’t a mere prank anymore.

Dancing with a woman was nice, indeed.

“... Alright. I’ve had my fill.”

     Breaking away from the other after around half an hour (though he would have thought it to be much less), the Assassin kept his smile-- but directed it aside.

“I should say... as I didn’t expect you to actually put up with this, I’m quite pleased. So thank you for indulging me with this opportunity.”

“I mean it, too. ... That aside, the night air calls to me. I’ll be heading out to the balcony, now. If you’d like to accompany me, feel free to do so.”

♚♔♚ – Since the Grail’s presence had been made obvious in the city to those that could sense it, Saber had been acting as a sort of guardian. She sought the cup, but knew not what would bring it to appear; though she could work on the assumption that the defeat of other Servants brought it to life. Still, without confirmation, she would not fight another.

And so she avoided the Servants she sensed, at least for the moment. Those of the Three Knight classes would undoubtedly be targeted first. She’d done a good job of it, or so she’d thought.

Though, resting beneath a bridge, a presence quickly became known to her and her gaze turned in kind.

Presence Concealment. An Assassin Skill. While she could sense him, she did not stand from her resting place against the wall. Not yet.

“So you found me, Assassin? I suppose I should have kept moving after all. I’d ask if you’re seeking the Grail, but that isn’t what’s driving you to meet me, is it?”

     The Assassin’s form materialized in to view a few feet away-- the man standing in a casual manner, an idle smirk imprinted onto his features. By all means, he was pleased.

Pleased to see a familiar face, and pleased for this opportunity.

“I’ve been searching for other Heroic Spirits in general... those who wish to seek the Holy Grail would surely stir-- just like you have. ... What better chance is there? To clash against other warriors such as yourself.”

“Something I’ve been deprived of for so long, you see...”

     And with this encounter, his wish had already been granted.

     Thoughts of exquisite sweets and fanciful meals danced around her mind on clouds of pink and gold, lovely imagery only to be matched by an even lovelier taste.

     “Perfect! Let us have a celebratory feast, then.” She holds out her arm, fully expectant for him to take it, but retracts too quickly for anything to be done about it. “Oh! Kojiro…”

     Something has caught the Queen’s attention – something apparenty so grand and important she MUST stop EVERYTHING in order to look at it, eyes sparkling and fingers tingling with the wish to reach out. But she merely points.

     “Oh, look at that puppy! Are dogs not the sweetest? Ah, it makes me miss my puppies in France…” In line of sight of her outstretched finger (which now has retracted so that she may cup her cheek in adoration) an extremely large canine walked in a nearby park.

... So she was a dog lover? Hm. Following her finger’s direction, the Assassin nodded.

And then she again regarded him with that bright expression of hers.

“What do I think...? Hm. I don’t have much of an opinion.”

“I never owned a pet. The only animals I can recall were the wild beasts of the mountain I dwelt on-- though when I was young, I would rarely play with the stray dogs that ran about the fields.” Staring at the pampered pup, the man crosses his arms. “There were plenty of folk tales concerning dogs, as well...”

     “Hmm…?” Lids grow heavy at his inquiry. Truly, she let something so casual slip from her lips without thought, still adjusting to the new arrangement. But she could spin this easily, naturally, without a single twitch – yes, it was no accident for her to ask him what to do. A Queen’s words are never an accident.

     "Tut, tut! A minute in and you’re already acting unruly, Kojiro?“ She smiles playfully, lifting a finger to tap at her cheek in feigned consideration, as if deciding whether or not to send him to the guillotine for such disobedience.

Already he was quite confident this wouldn’t be so bad.

“Is that a fact? Pardon me. I’m still not used to serving another like this.”

“... Though, to be frank, I’m unsure of what we should do--”

     He’s cut off by a sudden feeling  of weakness rushing through his body. His body feels heavy-- and for a moment, he feels like falling over. ... That’s right. He couldn’t disobey an order, or else he’d grow weak. ... He had to rectify this, quickly.

“Ahh, actually, perhaps milady is hungry? We could go and get some food. ... I doubt my cooking skills are refined enough to fulfill a noble’s needs, so going out to eat would be a wiser idea, perhaps.”

     Her disposition shifts in the slightest. It seemed now was the time for listening and so she shall, hands clasped behind her back with her chin forward to eagerly receive his words.

     To serve her for three days, he proposes – rather, he says it in such a flat way it seemed as if this was something natural and unavoidable in the stream of time.

     …How funny.

     Her days of monarchist rule were long gone. The only ones who still acted as underlings to her word were her fellow Servants of French origin, none of which were here now. In fact, nobody in this city even seemed to recognize the gravity of the name Marie Antoinette. It was an interesting thrill, to be just another anonymous face in a crowd, free of royal responsibility and title. Yet Marie could not let go of that integral part of her identity.

     And so when he asks – no, that’s not right. When Kojiro deliberately hands over his unquestionable service, she pauses.

     “…Heehee, if you say it like that, doesn’t it feel like you’re the one ordering me around?” Said softly as the Queen steps forward. It seems there still lay lingering thoughts in her mind, as she takes another pause.

     “I want our relationship to be friends as equals, you know. But it looks like I don’t have a choice today… tee hee. Alright, Prince of Slayer, then, for three days I will be Marie Antoinette, your personal, fun-sized Queen–! ★” She grins widely then gives a formal curtsy, poised and practiced from years of repetition. And then she looks up to the samurai, expectantly.

Admittedly, her next words would be unexpected to the samurai.

... Friends as equals? That is what she wished? Hm. While he had never met royalty during his life, he had heard stories of them-- and this was unlike what he would have imagined one saying. Perhaps the French were simply different? ... Or maybe it was simply her.

Not that it mattered. As regardless, he had to serve her like a true servant.

This was unavoidable-- especially now that it was finalized.

“... My personal, ‘fun-sized’ Queen? Heh. Then likewise, milady...”

“This blade shall be yours to command. You have my word.”

     Bowing slightly, he only ceases once the other continues. And such a response elicits a quirked eyebrow from the samurai, who seemed confused by her question.

     She did not understand the man’s confusion.

“Friends, hm? ... Yes, I suppose we are. Though if you claim you can’t clarify more, then I suppose that’s all there is to it...” he’d ask again, however.