I guess so. It was totally by accident this time, though. Sorry.
[ She hovers for a moment at the end of the row of seats. He doesn't look angry to see her, exactly, but she still has the feeling that she's found herself someplace she isn't really supposed to be. She wonders if she should retreat and leave him to it... but for some reason, she finds herself making her way down the row to settle herself into the seat beside him instead. ]
... I can leave if you don't want me to see it. [ She says, having already sat down. But she does seem to mean it - she's not quite fully settled into her seat. ] But if I'm here again, I just thought there might be a reason.
[ She shoots him a cautious sidelong look, trying to gauge his expression. ]
[ His eyes follow her as she sits next to him. He feels a temptation rising in his chest to point out that there are so many empty seats that she doesn't have to sit next to him, but... ]
...No, you're already here. It's not like there's anything else running in this place, so as long as you don't mind watching this story properly this time
[ He looks back to the screen, resting his chin on his hand and sipping from his cup. Based on the loud slurping noise it makes, it's clear that it's completely empty save for the ice, but he keeps on at it anyway. The countdown is almost finished, and as it reaches the remaining ten seconds... ]
...Here. If nothing else, the popcorn's not bad.
[ Without looking at her, he hands her the large tub in his lap. His eyes remain fixed on the screen... his expression only able to be described as "bored", yet his attention doesn't drop.
It's funny, if you think about it. The last time Ai was in a theater, it was to watch her son's role in it... and now here she is, doing the same thing, but for her Servant rather than her son... her Servant, who in reality, has her held close in his arms. ]
In case it isn't clear, this is deep into a long line of parts of a single story, but I won't be explaining what you've missed. Piece it together yourself.
[ So, not quite an invitation. Maybe not quite a surrender, either. A quiet, begrudging acceptance, perhaps. Even so, she can't quite bring herself to take her eyes off the look on his face.
How many times must you see a tragedy play out to look so... bored of it all?
The thought makes her throat pull a little tight so she turns her attention to the popcorn he's plopped in her lap. It seems a little ridiculous to worry about refreshments in a dream, but... well, it's equally ridiculous to be sitting down to watch a movie in a dream, too. So she goes ahead and pops a piece into her mouth.
It really isn't half bad. ]
Don't worry. I won't ask too many questions.
[ Which is to say, she'll definitely ask questions.
As the lights dim, she turns her attention back to the screen. It seems as though she's not going to say anything else but just before the first thrum of music from the speakers: ]
I'll stay to the end too. ... even if it's a tragedy.
[ ... she could only be talking about the movie. Of course. ]
[ Even in a dream, Oberon can't bring himself to openly invite her to his side... honestly, if he doesn't want to be called "tsundere" or "gap-moe" then he should stop being either of those things. He has no excuse here, after all.
Still, his eyes drift to her at those last words... that last statement just before the lights dim and the movie begins. ]
...Thank you.
[ That she'll stay to the end... it means more to him than she realizes.
Still, as far as stories go, it must be quite a lot to Ai as the movie starts, immediately beginning with the assumption that the watcher is aware of everything that has been established. Proper Human History, Lostbelts, the imminent destruction of the planet... ah well, that's why you normally start at the beginning, after all.
A flying ship crashes through a wall of light and into the water just off of a fog-covered shore, and a group disembarks. Two young girls, one wielding a massive shield. An even younger girl, "Da Vinci-chan"... and lastly, a strange red-haired knight who appeared out of nowhere. They succumb to the fog and forget it all, and a glimpse of himself appears onscreen.
Yet it's only when a young blonde-haired girl appears onscreen does he speak up. ]
...this one's a real pain in the ass. You'll like her.
[ True to her word, Ai doesn't ask too many questions - she doesn't ask any at all, in fact, staying quiet all the way through the explosive introduction. She doesn't really follow any of the technical details but she doesn't think it's really necessary. The broad strokes is easy enough to grasp - a band of friends (or at least, allies) on some quest to save the world. It's the oldest one in the book.
And like him, it's only when the young blonde girl shows up on screen that she makes any noise at all. It's soft - a quick inhalation of breath. Almost like the sound of a girl who's just seen a ghost.
The recognition is twofold. That shade of blonde makes her think if only for a second - but no. The similarity is as surface level as it gets. There's no mistaking her for anyone, even if Ai's heart aches with the want to see it.
She feels familiar in some other way, too. A way Ai can't quite put her finger on just yet. ]
I guess you'd know from experience, huh? Since you're my Servant.
[ She shoots him a little grin. He knows he doesn't have any room to talk about anyone else being a pain in the ass, right? ]
[ For the first time since she arrived, Oberon grins. Oh he knows he can't talk in that regard... but since when has that ever stopped him?
Whether he likes it or not, he can't help enjoying himself when he's with her... whether it's by trading barbs or anything else, he finds himself with a genuine grin on his face. Not that it looks any different from his regular grin, though. ]
Of course.
[ His response is brief, considerate of the fact that the movie is still going, showcasing the antics that the now-trio get up to in this strange new place. For a story that they both know to be a tragedy, the tone remains relatively light-hearted... barring the presence of a pitiful nameless faerie that the group takes a liking to.
A pitiful nameless faerie... who in the end, succumbs to the Mors.
Followed by, of course... ]
I am Oberon, a Heroic Spirit summoned here by humanity, as well as the only Servant in this Lostbelt destined to help you. Oh, I also go by Faerie King Oberon. What do you think? Pretty cool, right?
[ ...at some point, his gaze turned to Ai. How incredibly unsuspicious! His act was perfect! Right? ]
[ Even though she knows this must be all real, on some level... it's hard not to just think of it as a movie. These are all strangers, after all, playing a part in some larger than life story she barely understands. No matter how much she tells herself it all really happened, she can't quite make herself believe it.
When Oberon appears, though, there's a thunk of surprise in her chest. Even though she'd known it was coming, seeing it still catches her terribly off guard. She's leaned forward a little without even realizing it, too.
For a moment, her gaze is very intent. But then her shoulders start to tremble and...
... is she... laughing to herself...??? ]
H-hold on a second, was that really your self introduction?! [ ouch ] How corny can you get? [ OUCH ] Jeez, you weren't even trying to be not suspicious... [ OUCH ]
You're not allowed to say that! You've been spoiled already! My act was perfect, damn it!
[ He's two for two on this shit now. What the hell!? Obviously it's going to be obvious as hell when you already know he's putting on an act! Think about his pride, damn it!
The movie continues with the group regaining their memories, but it's hardly important enough to pull away from what's clearly higher priority right now: making fun of how suspicious he apparently was. What is with the women in his life knowing exactly how to annoy him!?
In any case, he promptly slumps back into his seat and starts to sulk, sipping at his empty cup as loudly as he can make it while he pouts. ]
[ H-hold on, did that actually sting? Is he really sulking right now? Of all the things Oberon is, the very last one should be cute but jeez. What else is she supposed to think when he gets like that? ]
Well come on, you can see it too, right? [ She's leaning over, elbow propped up on the arm of his chair and chin plopped into her hand. ] You came on way too strong. You were way too eager to please. It doesn't suit you at all.
[ She bullied him a little too much, huh... okay, that's definitely cute. ]
Come on, don't pout like that. [ Sh...... she's holding out a piece of popcorn like she's going to feed it to him........ ] I'm a liar too, aren't I? Of course I could tell.
[ It did sting... but what really stung wasn't that this is the second time dealing with this, and he'd prefer to avoid turning this into a common occurrence. ]
It was their first time meeting me, and us Servants always have eccentric personalities. Besides, clearly it worked.
[ For most of them, at least. He's still not quite sure when exactly Ritsuka saw through him, but still!
...ugh, now the fact that he started sulking is just embarrassing. He shoots a glare at her, but it's completely lacking in hostility, and his eyes drift to the popcorn she's holding out to him.
...
...and responds by opening his mouth and snatching it out of her hand with his teeth, just barely missing her fingers in the process. ]
[ Once again, she's struck by the thought that she's ended up with an ill tempered stray cat rather than a bug. She wonders if the Ai of a few weeks ago - a few days ago, even - would be able to believe just how at ease she was sat right here next to him, teasing and poking fun like she is.
Which one of them changed first? She's definitely gotten a little more fearless but both of them know Oberon's softened as well. If he's the stray cat in his comparison, is this just domestication? ]
If it's any consolation, it'd probably work fine on a normal person. You're just forgetting I'm not exactly normal.
[ She gives his cheek a little poke... and then settles back into her seat for the movie. ]
Besides. I didn't like Fairy King Oberon all that much anyway. You might be a handful but I prefer you like this.
[ To think that so long ago, she'd been afraid he might bite out her neck... and now here they are, with him having done exactly that, but in a very different context. ]
...as if I'd forget that.
[ He frowns when she pokes her cheek... but he really has been domesticated, hasn't he? He doesn't even think bad of her for doing it, though it's definitely embarrassing. He sighs and sits back up, fixing his posture just as the the Ritsuka and Artoria in the movie exit the nameless forest and look out upon Faerie Britain. ]
Preferring me like this disqualifies you from being normal, but...
[ Not the nicest thing to say... but at the same time, he reaches for Ai's hand in order to take it in his own. ]
[ . . . She'd meant to make a joke, taking another playful swipe at him just for the fun of it, but his hand curling around hers suddenly silences her.
Which is ridiculous, really. His hands have been just about everywhere else they could be on her body, they've already crossed about every line they could have done - and here she is, warmly stunned into silence because he's holding her hand for the first time. But that's just it, isn't it? For all the lines they've crossed, has Oberon ever actually reached out to her like this?
So she doesn't answer right away. She turns her hand in his so their palms press together and she can lace their fingers together. Her hands really are a whole lot smaller than his, huh... ]
That doesn't mean I'll be giving you a free pass on your performance. [ More teasing - but her voice is surprisingly gentle. ] But that comes with being a fan of the real thing. I'm picky.
[ His larger pale fingers lace together with hers. He hums, acknowledging her words... but while his expression remains the same, the way his hand squeezes hers speaks volumes about how he feels.
Seriously, what the hell is wrong with them? They've literally just fucked yet here they are, going all soft over the simple gesture of holding each other's hand. ]
Yeah, yeah... do as you please.
[ His hand remains intertwined with hers, refusing to let go as their attention returns to the movie.
The Shield-bearing girl finding herself spat out of the forest and being accompanied by three green-skinned (literally) individuals, and a single intimidating white wolf that kept her safe... and then the main group's trudge towards civilization.
To Oberon's credit, he's not wrong, his act passes with the group. His earlier energy being dismissed as being merely excited to make a good entrance... though of course, to someone like Ai who knows he's a liar, it becomes that much more obvious. ]
"The point is, the character was inspired by an existing model... and that model must have become the base for my Servant form. Which came first? Who knows? Just another version of the chicken and egg problem."
"What about Titania, then?"
"Oh, she's all Shakespeare. There are no legends in faerie history of anyone by that name. The name "Titania" probably came from the Titans of Greek mythology. The Oberon in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is pretty self-centered, after all... you could never find a lady who would tolerate him, so Shakespeare had to make one up."
[ His hand squeezed hers a little tighter at that. ]
[ She'd thought that the feeling she was just watching a movie would dissipate once Oberon showed his face - but if anything, it's intensified. Maybe it's because he's so clearly not the Oberon sat at her side (at least not right now) but it feels much more like watching a coworker playing out their role in something she hadn't been cast in. The presentation doesn't help, either - no matter how many times she tells herself this is all real enough, the presentation is just a movie from top to bottom.
It's that name that finally really makes it click in her head. The one she'd heard before when she'd last been drifting through his dreams.
Another of those soft noises of recognition leaves her mouth without her meaning it to. She sits up a little straighter, back flat against the chair and tries her very, very best to keep her gaze fixed on the screen.
It's only when his fingers squeeze tight around hers that she can't resist it. She doesn't turn her head all the way for fear of catching his gaze but she steals a glance, if only to see what sort of expression he might be making. ]
[ Objectively speaking, his expression isn't much different from his normal look... but in this moment, his attention entirely on the screen, his eyes narrow and his lips curl downward.
He's seen this countless times before, he's never reacted like this then... but it's different now. The impossible lady who tolerates him, the existence of a woman who can love him, is sitting right next to him... hand in hand.
He grips as if to ensure that she stays real, that she doesn't fade like the memories after waking from a dream... ironic to say, considering that this is a dream.
It's undoubtedly a pained expression, the look of a being made to long for a love that can never exist... and yet against all odds, that love he so desperately sought is sitting next to him right now.
For all her insistence, for her command that he stay with her until the very end... she's not the only one desperate for the other's presence anymore. ]
[ She doesn't mean to stare. Really, she doesn't. But the moment she catches sight of his expression she knows without even having to think about it at all that she's never seen a look like that on his face before. It's tender - but in the way a bruise is tender, something that aches all the more when you make the mistake of touching it. She knows without even having to think about it that she's worn a face like that before herself.
After all - a person who could tolerate her, accept her as she is... she didn't believe they could ever exist either.
Even though she knows they must be pressed close together in reality - it's how she fell asleep, after all - she suddenly wants to do the same here, too. Anything that'll stop him from making that pained face.
But she stays where she is. Her thumb starts a slow, steady sweep over the back of his hand, but that's it. ]
I know Masters and Servants are supposed to be compatible but this is a little silly. [ She murmurs it low and warm, quiet enough that he can pretend not to hear it. If he needs to. ] We really are the same.
[ It's the feeling of her thumb on the back of his hand that reminds him... they're both holding onto each other, aren't they? He doesn't respond, graciously taking the option to pretend he didn't hear her that she provided, but his expression clearly softens as a result.
In reality, almost certainly, his sleeping form pulls her a little closer as well.
The movie continues, and Oberon's hand—which had begun to squeeze a bit too tight, considering how his hand dwarfs hers in size—eases up and holds hers more gently. How cheesy, he knows. Are their hands going to be connected like this for the rest of the movie? Embarrassing to think about, but... he doesn't mind.
Honestly, for how fake the Faerie King must be in Ai's eyes, the hijinks he gets up to are strangely genuine. His boisterous entrance into the Salisbury Tavern followed by multiple faeries expressing how glad they are to see him and that he's yet to pay any of them back... really just tracks as typical Oberon behavior, considering his freeloading tendencies with Ai. ]
"Hahahahaha. Will you all cut that out!? Stop pointing out how popular I am! I'm here with some important friends today! Save the money talk for another time, all right!?"
"...What was that about a ten-thousand year tab?"
"So, you're poor? Even though you call yourself a king?"
[ If there's one thing that's clear, he wasn't exactly lying when he claimed the blonde faerie girl—Artoria being her name—was a pain in the ass... at least, she certainly was from his perspective. Ai can only see her through the medium that is this movie, but her willingness to drag the Faerie King at just about any opportunity, coupled with Oberon occasionally even firing back, made it clear exactly what their dynamic was like.
After that, she'd find that while Oberon remained silent for most of the time... with his mood having improved, she'll have to deal with the occasional stray bit of brief commentary—mostly when a new character is introduced, at which point he would voice his feelings on them.
Conversely, despite his insistence that she doesn't ask questions, he graciously answers them to the best of his ability. He supposes that, in a theater devoid of presence aside from themselves, there isn't too much of a need to follow movie etiquette. (Not that he ever did in the first place.) ]
[ For all that she'd joked otherwise, she's restrained enough when it comes to questions - outside of an occasional reminder as to which name goes with which face (she's always been so bad with them, after all) she seems to be following things well enough. It's the feelings that matter more than the details, after all, and for as bad as she is with people's feelings in real life it's easier in movies where everything's blown up so huge and telegraphed so obviously.
So she sees it it a little more clearly than she expects to. Or maybe she's just projecting. When it's the two of them, it's probably both. But when she sees just how well liked the Faerie King is, even with all the freeloading and the sniping...
Yeah. She remembers wanting to be like that too.
Maybe if she'd had a friend like Artoria it wouldn't have all ended in blood. ]
Ah, I get it now. "Pain in the ass" just means she sees right through you, huh?
[ She shoots him a cheeky little smile, amidst another round of on-screen squabbling. ]
You're right. I do like her. Anyone who can take you down a peg or two is alright by me.
Edited (noticing an autocorrect typo half an hour later dwbi) 2024-04-29 05:30 (UTC)
[ He can't resist the urge to click his tongue at that. ]
Tch. It's a good thing she's not here, then. Handling you both at the same time sounds like hell.
[ So he says in spite of the fondness he holds in his heart regardless. She has no idea just how right she is... that she can see right through him. Though at the very least, he's fairly certain that Artoria's eyes were less flaying than his own in regards to seeing the truth. His eyes are cold and violent, her eyes meanwhile...
...well, they were just the eyes of a teenage girl, weren't they?
The story continues... the meeting of a radiant faerie who Oberon remains strangely silent at her appearance, a battle with a powerful Faerie Knight and the sacrifice of their red-haired bowman, the shield maiden's journey...
...a glimpse of the High Queen Morgan, of her court, and of her cruel and sadistic daughter.
It's a story of high highs and low lows... a peculiar city where everything is turned on it's head, an auction for an old man in a youngster's body that would result in all-out brawl... ]
...honestly, it's a good thing it turned into a fight. Seriously, what the hell was I supposed to do if the bidding ended like that?
[ What an incredibly tomboyish, feral child she was. She had a bad habit of self-deprecation, yet when she started going, she wouldn't stop. She'd speak her mind and she'd speak it loud, even if the end result would be a panicked red face after figuratively shooting herself in the foot.
She was the "protagonist" of this story. She hates to lose, she's clumsy, she has a clear interest in blacksmithing of all things, she stumbles but always gets back to her feet, her magecraft is all weirdly specific and specialized in either convenience, committing crimes, or explosives. Wait, those last two might just be the same thing...
...It's impressive, really, considering how many holes in her cheerful facade one can spot the longer they watch her. The glimpses of the frail, timid, pessimistic girl on the inside that can be seen more and more as the story progresses. ]
It's not just because she knows she's seeing the opening act of a tragedy - though that certainly doesn't help. She doesn't know quite when the tables are going to turn, just that they are. It's like the agonizing quiet before a monster pops out in horror movie.
But that isn't the thing that Ai almost can't bear to watch.
It's that girl.
She's so bright - so that nobody gets a chance to look any closer. She's always smiling - so nobody ever notices how worn thin her smiles are getting. She always gets back up when she stumbles - quickly, so nobody notices just how bad the fall had hurt.
She's too familiar. Ai can't help but have the thought that a girl like that would make an incredible idol.
Then she feels a little sick. ]
We'd be in even bigger trouble if we tried a trick like that here. I don't think our apartment's worth anything.
[ ... At some point during the proceedings, she's moved a little in her seat, scooching to the side to get as close to his seat as she can with the arm rest between them. Almost like something's unsettled her enough to warrant the increased proximity. ]
... She's already all sorts of worn down, huh?
[ She doesn't think she has to clarify just who. ]
[ He can imagine what her reaction would be to wearing an idol costume. If the bunny outfit was any indication, her face might burn so red she'd catch fire. ]
Hahaha. Never mind we'd be homeless. Let's stay away from auctions, shall we?
[ It's obvious who she's talking about, but it almost amuses Oberon to think about how those words are fitting for more than just one of the girls onscreen. Though in the case of Fujimaru Ritsuka, it's harder to see just how worn a person is when they themselves aren't fully aware of it either.
He squeezes her hand, reminding her that he's right there next to her, and that he isn't leaving. ]
...Oh, you have no idea.
[ Except that's a lie, because she does have some idea, doesn't she? Perhaps not the details, they haven't reached that yet, but... ]
If it turns out you were even a little mean to her, I won't forgive you, you know. [ She's just teasing. Probably. ] Kicking a girl when she's down is the worst thing you can do.
[ She flashes him a little smile then turns her attention back to the screen. More fights, more butting heads. More progress, more characters to keep track of...
... She's getting better at keeping the main cast's names straight even if she has to keep being reminded of everyone else. There's a lot to keep track of, okay?!
It's by the time Artoria and her friends are greeted by the rebel army that Ai speaks up at last with a proper question - even if she sounds a little unsure of asking it. ]
The girl from Chaldea... was she your Master too?
[ She doesn't look away from the screen as she asks it. ]
[ He playfully shoots back his retort. Not that he was mean to her, but he is also the villain here you know.
He answers her questions, reminding her who's who. Seriously, it's a good thing there aren't an abundance of Artoria-lookalikes out there in reality... her faceblindness is already bad enough, though at the very least, most of them have the same name.
He's briefly silent at that last question, though. ]
...Yeah. Even though she knew exactly who I am and what I was, I found myself being resummoned to Chaldea when everything was said and done.
[ He sips from his empty cup again before continuing. ]
The Last Master of Humanity... I suppose dealing with so many Servants all the time is bound to drive anyone loopy. She's annoyingly genuine to a fault, I seriously couldn't believe it when she summoned me after all that... and you know what she said to me? "Glad to be working with you again."
Dealing with just you is enough hassle. I can't imagine handling a bunch of other Servants, too.
[ Still, that unsettled feeling still makes a home in her chest. She's not jealous - that girl from Chaldea is, after all, just a girl - but... that's two other people now she has to try and fill the shoes of, isn't it?
At least Titania had the good grace to not be real. ]
I hope she's ready to be disappointed if she ever turns up here, though. [ Another huff - whatever that feeling is, she's winding it up into a joke to try and dislodge it. ] You're my Servant now.
[ "You're mine." ]
I won't give you up to anybody.
[ At that she risks looking at him, with one of those smiles that's just a little too pretty to be true. ]
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no subject
I guess so. It was totally by accident this time, though. Sorry.
[ She hovers for a moment at the end of the row of seats. He doesn't look angry to see her, exactly, but she still has the feeling that she's found herself someplace she isn't really supposed to be. She wonders if she should retreat and leave him to it... but for some reason, she finds herself making her way down the row to settle herself into the seat beside him instead. ]
... I can leave if you don't want me to see it. [ She says, having already sat down. But she does seem to mean it - she's not quite fully settled into her seat. ] But if I'm here again, I just thought there might be a reason.
[ She shoots him a cautious sidelong look, trying to gauge his expression. ]
no subject
...No, you're already here. It's not like there's anything else running in this place, so as long as you don't mind watching this story properly this time
[ He looks back to the screen, resting his chin on his hand and sipping from his cup. Based on the loud slurping noise it makes, it's clear that it's completely empty save for the ice, but he keeps on at it anyway. The countdown is almost finished, and as it reaches the remaining ten seconds... ]
...Here. If nothing else, the popcorn's not bad.
[ Without looking at her, he hands her the large tub in his lap. His eyes remain fixed on the screen... his expression only able to be described as "bored", yet his attention doesn't drop.
It's funny, if you think about it. The last time Ai was in a theater, it was to watch her son's role in it... and now here she is, doing the same thing, but for her Servant rather than her son... her Servant, who in reality, has her held close in his arms. ]
In case it isn't clear, this is deep into a long line of parts of a single story, but I won't be explaining what you've missed. Piece it together yourself.
no subject
How many times must you see a tragedy play out to look so... bored of it all?
The thought makes her throat pull a little tight so she turns her attention to the popcorn he's plopped in her lap. It seems a little ridiculous to worry about refreshments in a dream, but... well, it's equally ridiculous to be sitting down to watch a movie in a dream, too. So she goes ahead and pops a piece into her mouth.
It really isn't half bad. ]
Don't worry. I won't ask too many questions.
[ Which is to say, she'll definitely ask questions.
As the lights dim, she turns her attention back to the screen. It seems as though she's not going to say anything else but just before the first thrum of music from the speakers: ]
I'll stay to the end too. ... even if it's a tragedy.
[ ... she could only be talking about the movie. Of course. ]
no subject
[ Even in a dream, Oberon can't bring himself to openly invite her to his side... honestly, if he doesn't want to be called "tsundere" or "gap-moe" then he should stop being either of those things. He has no excuse here, after all.
Still, his eyes drift to her at those last words... that last statement just before the lights dim and the movie begins. ]
...Thank you.
[ That she'll stay to the end... it means more to him than she realizes.
Still, as far as stories go, it must be quite a lot to Ai as the movie starts, immediately beginning with the assumption that the watcher is aware of everything that has been established. Proper Human History, Lostbelts, the imminent destruction of the planet... ah well, that's why you normally start at the beginning, after all.
A flying ship crashes through a wall of light and into the water just off of a fog-covered shore, and a group disembarks. Two young girls, one wielding a massive shield. An even younger girl, "Da Vinci-chan"... and lastly, a strange red-haired knight who appeared out of nowhere. They succumb to the fog and forget it all, and a glimpse of himself appears onscreen.
Yet it's only when a young blonde-haired girl appears onscreen does he speak up. ]
...this one's a real pain in the ass. You'll like her.
no subject
And like him, it's only when the young blonde girl shows up on screen that she makes any noise at all. It's soft - a quick inhalation of breath. Almost like the sound of a girl who's just seen a ghost.
The recognition is twofold. That shade of blonde makes her think if only for a second - but no. The similarity is as surface level as it gets. There's no mistaking her for anyone, even if Ai's heart aches with the want to see it.
She feels familiar in some other way, too. A way Ai can't quite put her finger on just yet. ]
I guess you'd know from experience, huh? Since you're my Servant.
[ She shoots him a little grin. He knows he doesn't have any room to talk about anyone else being a pain in the ass, right? ]
no subject
Whether he likes it or not, he can't help enjoying himself when he's with her... whether it's by trading barbs or anything else, he finds himself with a genuine grin on his face. Not that it looks any different from his regular grin, though. ]
Of course.
[ His response is brief, considerate of the fact that the movie is still going, showcasing the antics that the now-trio get up to in this strange new place. For a story that they both know to be a tragedy, the tone remains relatively light-hearted... barring the presence of a pitiful nameless faerie that the group takes a liking to.
A pitiful nameless faerie... who in the end, succumbs to the Mors.
Followed by, of course... ]
I am Oberon, a Heroic Spirit summoned here by humanity, as well as the only Servant in this Lostbelt destined to help you. Oh, I also go by Faerie King Oberon. What do you think? Pretty cool, right?
[ ...at some point, his gaze turned to Ai. How incredibly unsuspicious! His act was perfect! Right? ]
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When Oberon appears, though, there's a thunk of surprise in her chest. Even though she'd known it was coming, seeing it still catches her terribly off guard. She's leaned forward a little without even realizing it, too.
For a moment, her gaze is very intent. But then her shoulders start to tremble and...
... is she... laughing to herself...??? ]
H-hold on a second, was that really your self introduction?! [ ouch ] How corny can you get? [ OUCH ] Jeez, you weren't even trying to be not suspicious... [ OUCH ]
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[ Oh god damn it. ]
You're not allowed to say that! You've been spoiled already! My act was perfect, damn it!
[ He's two for two on this shit now. What the hell!? Obviously it's going to be obvious as hell when you already know he's putting on an act! Think about his pride, damn it!
The movie continues with the group regaining their memories, but it's hardly important enough to pull away from what's clearly higher priority right now: making fun of how suspicious he apparently was. What is with the women in his life knowing exactly how to annoy him!?
In any case, he promptly slumps back into his seat and starts to sulk, sipping at his empty cup as loudly as he can make it while he pouts. ]
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Well come on, you can see it too, right? [ She's leaning over, elbow propped up on the arm of his chair and chin plopped into her hand. ] You came on way too strong. You were way too eager to please. It doesn't suit you at all.
[ She bullied him a little too much, huh... okay, that's definitely cute. ]
Come on, don't pout like that. [ Sh...... she's holding out a piece of popcorn like she's going to feed it to him........ ] I'm a liar too, aren't I? Of course I could tell.
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It was their first time meeting me, and us Servants always have eccentric personalities. Besides, clearly it worked.
[ For most of them, at least. He's still not quite sure when exactly Ritsuka saw through him, but still!
...ugh, now the fact that he started sulking is just embarrassing. He shoots a glare at her, but it's completely lacking in hostility, and his eyes drift to the popcorn she's holding out to him.
...
...and responds by opening his mouth and snatching it out of her hand with his teeth, just barely missing her fingers in the process. ]
Hmph. Whatever...
[ Like recognizes like, he supposes. ]
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Which one of them changed first? She's definitely gotten a little more fearless but both of them know Oberon's softened as well. If he's the stray cat in his comparison, is this just domestication? ]
If it's any consolation, it'd probably work fine on a normal person. You're just forgetting I'm not exactly normal.
[ She gives his cheek a little poke... and then settles back into her seat for the movie. ]
Besides. I didn't like Fairy King Oberon all that much anyway. You might be a handful but I prefer you like this.
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...as if I'd forget that.
[ He frowns when she pokes her cheek... but he really has been domesticated, hasn't he? He doesn't even think bad of her for doing it, though it's definitely embarrassing. He sighs and sits back up, fixing his posture just as the the Ritsuka and Artoria in the movie exit the nameless forest and look out upon Faerie Britain. ]
Preferring me like this disqualifies you from being normal, but...
[ Not the nicest thing to say... but at the same time, he reaches for Ai's hand in order to take it in his own. ]
...I suppose I appreciate that.
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Which is ridiculous, really. His hands have been just about everywhere else they could be on her body, they've already crossed about every line they could have done - and here she is, warmly stunned into silence because he's holding her hand for the first time. But that's just it, isn't it? For all the lines they've crossed, has Oberon ever actually reached out to her like this?
So she doesn't answer right away. She turns her hand in his so their palms press together and she can lace their fingers together. Her hands really are a whole lot smaller than his, huh... ]
That doesn't mean I'll be giving you a free pass on your performance. [ More teasing - but her voice is surprisingly gentle. ] But that comes with being a fan of the real thing. I'm picky.
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Seriously, what the hell is wrong with them? They've literally just fucked yet here they are, going all soft over the simple gesture of holding each other's hand. ]
Yeah, yeah... do as you please.
[ His hand remains intertwined with hers, refusing to let go as their attention returns to the movie.
The Shield-bearing girl finding herself spat out of the forest and being accompanied by three green-skinned (literally) individuals, and a single intimidating white wolf that kept her safe... and then the main group's trudge towards civilization.
To Oberon's credit, he's not wrong, his act passes with the group. His earlier energy being dismissed as being merely excited to make a good entrance... though of course, to someone like Ai who knows he's a liar, it becomes that much more obvious. ]
"The point is, the character was inspired by an existing model... and that model must have become the base for my Servant form. Which came first? Who knows? Just another version of the chicken and egg problem."
"What about Titania, then?"
"Oh, she's all Shakespeare. There are no legends in faerie history of anyone by that name. The name "Titania" probably came from the Titans of Greek mythology. The Oberon in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is pretty self-centered, after all... you could never find a lady who would tolerate him, so Shakespeare had to make one up."
[ His hand squeezed hers a little tighter at that. ]
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It's that name that finally really makes it click in her head. The one she'd heard before when she'd last been drifting through his dreams.
Another of those soft noises of recognition leaves her mouth without her meaning it to. She sits up a little straighter, back flat against the chair and tries her very, very best to keep her gaze fixed on the screen.
It's only when his fingers squeeze tight around hers that she can't resist it. She doesn't turn her head all the way for fear of catching his gaze but she steals a glance, if only to see what sort of expression he might be making. ]
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He's seen this countless times before, he's never reacted like this then... but it's different now. The impossible lady who tolerates him, the existence of a woman who can love him, is sitting right next to him... hand in hand.
He grips as if to ensure that she stays real, that she doesn't fade like the memories after waking from a dream... ironic to say, considering that this is a dream.
It's undoubtedly a pained expression, the look of a being made to long for a love that can never exist... and yet against all odds, that love he so desperately sought is sitting next to him right now.
For all her insistence, for her command that he stay with her until the very end... she's not the only one desperate for the other's presence anymore. ]
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After all - a person who could tolerate her, accept her as she is... she didn't believe they could ever exist either.
Even though she knows they must be pressed close together in reality - it's how she fell asleep, after all - she suddenly wants to do the same here, too. Anything that'll stop him from making that pained face.
But she stays where she is. Her thumb starts a slow, steady sweep over the back of his hand, but that's it. ]
I know Masters and Servants are supposed to be compatible but this is a little silly. [ She murmurs it low and warm, quiet enough that he can pretend not to hear it. If he needs to. ] We really are the same.
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[ It's the feeling of her thumb on the back of his hand that reminds him... they're both holding onto each other, aren't they? He doesn't respond, graciously taking the option to pretend he didn't hear her that she provided, but his expression clearly softens as a result.
In reality, almost certainly, his sleeping form pulls her a little closer as well.
The movie continues, and Oberon's hand—which had begun to squeeze a bit too tight, considering how his hand dwarfs hers in size—eases up and holds hers more gently. How cheesy, he knows. Are their hands going to be connected like this for the rest of the movie? Embarrassing to think about, but... he doesn't mind.
Honestly, for how fake the Faerie King must be in Ai's eyes, the hijinks he gets up to are strangely genuine. His boisterous entrance into the Salisbury Tavern followed by multiple faeries expressing how glad they are to see him and that he's yet to pay any of them back... really just tracks as typical Oberon behavior, considering his freeloading tendencies with Ai. ]
"Hahahahaha. Will you all cut that out!? Stop pointing out how popular I am! I'm here with some important friends today! Save the money talk for another time, all right!?"
"...What was that about a ten-thousand year tab?"
"So, you're poor? Even though you call yourself a king?"
[ If there's one thing that's clear, he wasn't exactly lying when he claimed the blonde faerie girl—Artoria being her name—was a pain in the ass... at least, she certainly was from his perspective. Ai can only see her through the medium that is this movie, but her willingness to drag the Faerie King at just about any opportunity, coupled with Oberon occasionally even firing back, made it clear exactly what their dynamic was like.
After that, she'd find that while Oberon remained silent for most of the time... with his mood having improved, she'll have to deal with the occasional stray bit of brief commentary—mostly when a new character is introduced, at which point he would voice his feelings on them.
Conversely, despite his insistence that she doesn't ask questions, he graciously answers them to the best of his ability. He supposes that, in a theater devoid of presence aside from themselves, there isn't too much of a need to follow movie etiquette. (Not that he ever did in the first place.) ]
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So she sees it it a little more clearly than she expects to. Or maybe she's just projecting. When it's the two of them, it's probably both. But when she sees just how well liked the Faerie King is, even with all the freeloading and the sniping...
Yeah. She remembers wanting to be like that too.
Maybe if she'd had a friend like Artoria it wouldn't have all ended in blood. ]
Ah, I get it now. "Pain in the ass" just means she sees right through you, huh?
[ She shoots him a cheeky little smile, amidst another round of on-screen squabbling. ]
You're right. I do like her. Anyone who can take you down a peg or two is alright by me.
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Tch. It's a good thing she's not here, then. Handling you both at the same time sounds like hell.
[ So he says in spite of the fondness he holds in his heart regardless. She has no idea just how right she is... that she can see right through him. Though at the very least, he's fairly certain that Artoria's eyes were less flaying than his own in regards to seeing the truth. His eyes are cold and violent, her eyes meanwhile...
...well, they were just the eyes of a teenage girl, weren't they?
The story continues... the meeting of a radiant faerie who Oberon remains strangely silent at her appearance, a battle with a powerful Faerie Knight and the sacrifice of their red-haired bowman, the shield maiden's journey...
...a glimpse of the High Queen Morgan, of her court, and of her cruel and sadistic daughter.
It's a story of high highs and low lows... a peculiar city where everything is turned on it's head, an auction for an old man in a youngster's body that would result in all-out brawl... ]
...honestly, it's a good thing it turned into a fight. Seriously, what the hell was I supposed to do if the bidding ended like that?
[ What an incredibly tomboyish, feral child she was. She had a bad habit of self-deprecation, yet when she started going, she wouldn't stop. She'd speak her mind and she'd speak it loud, even if the end result would be a panicked red face after figuratively shooting herself in the foot.
She was the "protagonist" of this story. She hates to lose, she's clumsy, she has a clear interest in blacksmithing of all things, she stumbles but always gets back to her feet, her magecraft is all weirdly specific and specialized in either convenience, committing crimes, or explosives. Wait, those last two might just be the same thing...
...It's impressive, really, considering how many holes in her cheerful facade one can spot the longer they watch her. The glimpses of the frail, timid, pessimistic girl on the inside that can be seen more and more as the story progresses. ]
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It's not just because she knows she's seeing the opening act of a tragedy - though that certainly doesn't help. She doesn't know quite when the tables are going to turn, just that they are. It's like the agonizing quiet before a monster pops out in horror movie.
But that isn't the thing that Ai almost can't bear to watch.
It's that girl.
She's so bright - so that nobody gets a chance to look any closer. She's always smiling - so nobody ever notices how worn thin her smiles are getting. She always gets back up when she stumbles - quickly, so nobody notices just how bad the fall had hurt.
She's too familiar. Ai can't help but have the thought that a girl like that would make an incredible idol.
Then she feels a little sick. ]
We'd be in even bigger trouble if we tried a trick like that here. I don't think our apartment's worth anything.
[ ... At some point during the proceedings, she's moved a little in her seat, scooching to the side to get as close to his seat as she can with the arm rest between them. Almost like something's unsettled her enough to warrant the increased proximity. ]
... She's already all sorts of worn down, huh?
[ She doesn't think she has to clarify just who. ]
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He can imagine what her reaction would be to wearing an idol costume. If the bunny outfit was any indication, her face might burn so red she'd catch fire.]Hahaha. Never mind we'd be homeless. Let's stay away from auctions, shall we?
[ It's obvious who she's talking about, but it almost amuses Oberon to think about how those words are fitting for more than just one of the girls onscreen. Though in the case of Fujimaru Ritsuka, it's harder to see just how worn a person is when they themselves aren't fully aware of it either.
He squeezes her hand, reminding her that he's right there next to her, and that he isn't leaving. ]
...Oh, you have no idea.
[ Except that's a lie, because she does have some idea, doesn't she? Perhaps not the details, they haven't reached that yet, but... ]
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[ She flashes him a little smile then turns her attention back to the screen. More fights, more butting heads. More progress, more characters to keep track of...
... She's getting better at keeping the main cast's names straight even if she has to keep being reminded of everyone else. There's a lot to keep track of, okay?!
It's by the time Artoria and her friends are greeted by the rebel army that Ai speaks up at last with a proper question - even if she sounds a little unsure of asking it. ]
The girl from Chaldea... was she your Master too?
[ She doesn't look away from the screen as she asks it. ]
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[ He playfully shoots back his retort. Not that he was mean to her, but he is also the villain here you know.
He answers her questions, reminding her who's who. Seriously, it's a good thing there aren't an abundance of Artoria-lookalikes out there in reality... her faceblindness is already bad enough, though at the very least, most of them have the same name.
He's briefly silent at that last question, though. ]
...Yeah. Even though she knew exactly who I am and what I was, I found myself being resummoned to Chaldea when everything was said and done.
[ He sips from his empty cup again before continuing. ]
The Last Master of Humanity... I suppose dealing with so many Servants all the time is bound to drive anyone loopy. She's annoyingly genuine to a fault, I seriously couldn't believe it when she summoned me after all that... and you know what she said to me? "Glad to be working with you again."
[ He lets out a sigh. ]
...well, not that it matters now.
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Dealing with just you is enough hassle. I can't imagine handling a bunch of other Servants, too.
[ Still, that unsettled feeling still makes a home in her chest. She's not jealous - that girl from Chaldea is, after all, just a girl - but... that's two other people now she has to try and fill the shoes of, isn't it?
At least Titania had the good grace to not be real. ]
I hope she's ready to be disappointed if she ever turns up here, though. [ Another huff - whatever that feeling is, she's winding it up into a joke to try and dislodge it. ] You're my Servant now.
[ "You're mine." ]
I won't give you up to anybody.
[ At that she risks looking at him, with one of those smiles that's just a little too pretty to be true. ]
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