Tea for a Snake
Disclaimer: I do not own Fate/ franchise.
It was a rowdy night.
Yes, a festival was being held near the Emiya household. Emiya had gone with Sakura, and Rin was still in London. On such an easy-going night, Taiga wasn't realy up for houseguard. Lazily eating a rice-cracker just a little past six wasn't really something she wants to do on such a lively occasion.
Turning her head upwards, she looked at a blond girl.
"Saber, go watch the house for me."
"No."
It was a coy response, but Saber doesn't really want to stay home either. So much delicacies in the wait and Saber wasn't really too keen on missing out. Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Taiyaki, All of the above combined. Shirou have told her that festivals in Fuyuki are close-to-perfection, and her mind had been resolved to atend.
For great justice! She always thought.
"I'll treat you to an expensive sushi restaurant next time."
"Deal."
With a simple persuasion, the great will of the king of knights was shattered. Looking back, Saber regretted that action, but she's now stuck with a promise for Taiga to take her to an expensive sushi restaurant.
Sighing, Saber brewed tea.
Bitter.
She forgot that Shirou usually brewed the tea. She needs to start cooking from now on, or things will get ugly. She wondered, was she really capable of living a normal life? She is just a bundle of mana taking a physical shape. As soon as the magic is gone, she'll also be gone. It was only through the use of a heaven's feel that she can do what she can right now.
Watching a boring sit-com, that is.
"I didn't know the king of knights like to watch sit-coms."
Saber knew the voice without looking up.
'Rider, you're awake."
"I was not sleeping to begin with. I have just finished reading an interesting book, and I'm feeling rather thirsty. Where's Shirou?"
"He's out with Sakura."
"That's nice." Rider smiled. "So they really do spend some quality time, I guess that's perseverance for you."
"I'm rather mad that he chosed Sakura over me."
"Because you'll lose a wallet?"
Saber nods.
Rider smiled groggily. Sweat began trickling down her forehead. Poor Shirou, she thought. Saber only view him as a walking wallet and a free meal ticket. Still, Rider couldn't be in the right either, since she's pretty much thought of him the same way Saber did. If she is not the servant of Sakura, she'll be gone in an instant.
Settling for a mediocre entertainment, she sit beside Saber.
"Care to pour me a cup of tea?"
"No, do it yourself."
Rider laughed merrily. Standing up, she poured herself some tea before sitting down and drank it.
Bitter.
"...Who made this tea?" Rider said reluctantly. Placing the cup on the table, she looked at Saber who is getting slightly red. Gazing shortly at her, she can see that Saber is embarassed. Pressing further would be mean, but... hey. "So, I take it that you brewed the tea yourself?"
Saber wasn't really keen to answer, and gulped her cup of tea again.
Bitter.
"N-No. I didn't made this bitter tea. Must be Shirou losing his cooking skills."
"I see." Rider grinned before moving her face towards Saber. "So this bitter tea was made by Shirou, yes?"
Saber nods reluctantly.
Rider, pleased with this development begun nodding with understanding in mind. "So I see that the King of Knights is also the King of Liars. For shame, Saber. Did Merlin taught you to lie to your people as a king?"
"N-No, I just—"
"So did you brew the tea?"
"Y-yes."
Rider giggled before picking up the glass of tea. Emptying the content inside her mouth and trailed out of the room. After sliding the door, she looked back. Her eyes focusing on Saber's as she gave her the most sincerest of smile.
"It was delicious. Thank you for the tea."
She strutted off, leaving Saber rather speechless.
"..."