Next chapter, since I'm noticeably making my chapters shorter in favor of giving more frequent updates.
One thing I'd like to say is a special thanks to Piterio. You have no idea how much I love reading long reviews and seeing people reflecting on my ideas. It's like my bread and butter as a writer. And since you wrote so much, I wanted to quickly address the concept. (Also I love the name "Girou" I'm going to keep that, if you don't mind :P ) Now to the notes of the servant and human combo, yes there will be references to those abilities in due time. There's a reason why we cannot see them now. As for Archer, you won't miss out on the antagonistic balance between the two, trust me. I would have loved to keep Archer the way he was, but I decided to do this little switch to play in a different angle. I hope you'll like this Archer, however, as I have much planned for him.
Another thing I'd like to say is a massive megahuge shout-out to Christy for drawing my babies. I can't show any of you her beautiful work yet, as it would be spoiling things, so for now, I'll have to gush over it privately with the Fate-Apophenia team. Also I added in the glasses, I hope you're happy, you thirsty Girou fanatic you.
-::fate/INVERSION::-
-:Chapter III – An Average Morning:-
"Unlike any other servant indeed," Rin found herself grumbling, shoving her face in her pillow. "No name, no clue who he used to be, not even a Saber class servant. I really screwed up, haven't I?" She had been rudely awoken by her alarm, only to be reminded, the moments her eyes opened, that she hadn't summoned the Saber class servant she had hoped for.
"Hey now, o'master of mine, you shouldn't talk about yourself like that." Rin lifted her head off the pillow and narrowed her eyes in irritation, only to be mildly surprised to see Archer carrying a tray, a steaming cup of tea on one side and a plate of what seems to be toast and eggs next to it.
She also took notice of his fashion. In place of his strange armor that he appeared in last night, he instead donned on a dark gray T-shirt and casual black pants, with a pair of black framed glasses and those ridiculous tacky golden earrings still present.
Blinking in surprise, she sat up, mouth slightly agape as he stopped in front of her bed. With a strangely charming smile, her servant set the tray in front of her before speaking, "As I assured you before, I am unlike any servant ever summoned in this war. If you so wish, I can begin combat this morning."
Rin picked up the cup of tea and didn't even glance over to him before responding, "No, that isn't necessary. By the way, did you clean the living room like I told you?" She took a sip from the tea, eyes widening with awe as the flavor filled her mouth.
Pulling the tea cup away from her mouth, she gawked. "This… is delicious…" She didn't even have a chance to continue her train of thought before she felt her chin being grasped by three fingers. Feeling her face being turned, she found herself eye-to-eye with Archer, his red eyes shining behind the glasses.
"I am happy you approve," he stated in a soft rumble. Rin immediately took notice of how close they were and how their noses were practically touching and she felt a pleasant chill run down her spine—no it was just a chill, she wasn't pleased or anything, it's not like this man was drop dead gorgeous anyways, and so what if he were, she wasn't into that sort of thing—before finally, through her haze filled mind, she swallowed the large lump that had managed to form in her throat.
When she didn't reply, he chuckled softly and released her chin. He didn't even comment on the loud gulp of air Rin took in when she realized she had stopped breathing, instead he went right into the next topic, "And yes, I did clean up the living room. Whilst I understand that, as such a magnificent servant as I am, I would appreciate not being asked to do such mundane chores. Now, finish your morning meal and get dressed."
Rin jerked her head up in shock, about to reprimand her servant for several breeches in conduct when she saw him smirk playfully, a cunning glint in his eyes as he retreated from her room. "You are attending class today, are you not?"
"Another gas leak, huh?"
Taiga mused aloud, enough for Shirou to hear her in the kitchen. He hummed in agreement, having stopped listening to the news broadcast awhile now. "Seems they're getting more frequent."
Taiga threw her hands in the air with a loud sigh. "That's all you have to say? No worry, no concern?"
Shirou glanced over his shoulder to give her a pointed look. "What's the point of worrying if it just leads you huddling in your blankets? Besides, I'm checking the gas valve every day, not to mention I'm careful with my surroundings."
Taiga huffed loudly, plopping her head in her arms as she laid on the table. "Geez, Shirou, can nothing phase you?"
He had to grin in return, shrugging lightly. "Ah, well, I think I stopped being surprised the time Dad adopted me."
The room suddenly became eerily quiet, with only the sound of boiling water and the news in the rambling in the background. Sensing the unease he accidentally caused his teacher, he sighed and scooped up a bowl of white rice. Setting it on the tray with the rest of the breakfast, he carried it in, setting in front of her. "Hey, you need to get going soon, right? Better not be late, then."
Taiga's sad face quickly changed to that of a bright smile. "Rrrrrrrrrright! Thanks Shirou!" Without missing a beat, she snatched the bowl of rice off the tray and chopsticks excitedly.
Shirou nodded in relief, glad he had managed to change the mood quickly. Talking about the fire that had happened ten years ago was always an uncomfortable one, since both of them had… rather odd experiences in the fire. Weird hallucinations and odd dreams caused by the fumes for Taiga and, well, nearly dying for Shirou, had the tendency to make any subject an odd one to finish without saying something strange or out of turn.
Not that Shirou was easily offended. Sure, he could be bothered by things, but he had what was more of a quiet anger that mostly came through his biting tongue and piercing stare. Despite that, it was only when someone forced themselves or whatever nonsense on him that he began to lose his cool. Talking about the past and something that couldn't really change, nor was it either party's fault, was just a concept of life to him.
Still, since his father's passing, the subject of fire had become increasing difficult to discuss. Perhaps it was a way of grieving for Taiga, or perhaps she did not wish to revisit something so horrific. Either way, he'd be happy to acknowledge her desire to avoid the subject as much as he could.
Ever since he inherited the small mansion from his late father, Shirou lived a rather solidary life. Taiga was one of the few people who bothered to visit him regularly, and he did appreciate her company, granted as long as she didn't just slouch around.
Besides, he needed an adult around him as long as he was a minor. Even if he was good with money (exceptionally good, according to Raizo, the legal owner of the estate), he had to abide by the rules placed within society.
He heard Taiga humming behind him before exclaiming, "Ooooooh! Shirou, you won the lottery again!"
"Figures." Shirou finished his own tray and came to join her at the table. "I'll have to pick up the prize money after school today."
"You're so lucky, Shirou~," Taiga sang, shoving a piece of egg into her mouth. "I'm surprised you haven't gotten phone calls from a bunch of pretty girls demanding your hand in marriage~"
"That's because I don't advertise my winnings," he replied. "I use your grandfather's name, remember?"
"Guess that explains why some many people are kissing up to him lately," Taiga mused, closing the paper and setting it to the side. She was about to put more food in her mouth when something clicked in her mind. "Oh, that reminds me, Shirou! There's a meeting I need to get to before class!"
"Huh, really?" He watched as she practically shoved as much food as she could in her mouth, not even bothering to chew before shooting up to her feet. She wobbled a bit, groaning about being dizzy before scampering off to collect her shoes and coat. Shirou stood up more slowly, watching her hop onto her moped.
"Shirou, make sure you get to homeroom on time, okay?" she called over her shoulder before promptly speeding off. Shirou sighed, shaking his head. Honestly, she was like a giant kid sometimes. Although…
"I probably shouldn't diddle daddle."
