Title: Cliché
Author/Artist: Yukari Rin
Character(s)/Pairing(s): SaberShirou-ish?
Fandom: Fate/stay night
Rating: K
Notes: Hyorin's Christmas gift. Putting a TWT notice on this just in case.
Disclaimer: Fate/stay night and related properties belong to TYPE-MOON and related parties.

The night was growing steadily into early dawn - the deep blood red of the sunrise lasting longer than it normally did. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning... Saber couldn't remember exactly who she had heard that from, or why it had stuck so tightly in her memory, especially since the sea was so far off. She shook her head gently, feeling the blonde locks too short for her usual style brush against her cheeks. No use in thinking over something trivial, there was work to be done.

Work she couldn't quite do just yet, though, she reflected as she touched the wrapping on her arm. Not being able to heal as quickly had to be taken in stride just like anything else faced in battle. No use crying over spilled milk.

Again.

She closed her eyes and slide the door open, holding the tray she had brought with her in one hand. How different it sounded from heavy wooden doors scrapping against dirt floors covered with hay. Her gentle footfalls atop the tatami were much softer than steps taken while wearing heavy armor those hundreds of years ago.

Earlier, the moonlight had shone on her master's face; the gentle glow had made him look even more childlike. The only thing taking away from his innocent expression had been his furrowed brows, which were still furrowed hours later.

He was too full of concern for those around him. It would be the death of him, one day, Saber thought as she smoothly knelt down beside him. One day, when she would not be there to protect him. She placed the tray to her side and watched the labored breathing of his chest - slowly up, pausing, and down a bit faster.

She shook her head once more and carefully pulled the blanket away from his abdomen. No blush stained her cheeks, she had seen worse. His skin was speckled with colored patches - bruises in various stages of healing while more severed wounds still excreted pus occasionally when pressed with a stern touch.

His breath hitched and she quickly turned to see if he was waking. He squeezed his eyes shut tighter and swallowed. A line of sweat traveled down his temple, dropping down against his hairline into his already damp hair. Rin was a few rooms down; already well along her own road to recovery thanks in part to the stones she carried around.

Saber took a deep breath and lifted the washcloth from the bowl of cool water on the tray and squeezed out the excess before dabbing at his heated skin. He really should take better care of himself, and trust in her and her ability more. She was a Saber Class, after all. "You have much to learn, Shirou," she murmured to herself. "But you summoned me and accepted me, as I accepted you. I shall help you as much as it is within my power."