Disclaimer: I know I said it in the first chapter, but nonetheless. I don't own anyone except Tomoko and her family. Kei and her family belong to Lang Noi and Saber belongs to those who work on the Fate franchise. I just write for fun, not for profit.
The theme this time is from Today's Menu for the Emiya Family, being the ending song of Collage by Sangatsu no Phantasia. The cooking show was actually my first series of the Fate franchise to date, so I have a lot to be thankful to it for. It's one of the many reasons I started this story in the first place. :)
On the other hand, the song that Tomoko plays in this chapter is from a recommendation chiefladylightyay on Tumblr gave me, being the ending theme to the video game Phantom Star Online. Simply titled Can Still See the Light, even though I never played the original game, the song was too good for me to ignore. So, here it is.
Please enjoy!
Chapter 2: Knight Turned Waiter
"Tomoko-chan, you're not pulling my leg, right?"
"I don't think I can, Papa. Do you even see me doing that?"
"No," Papa snickered softly into his hand. "Of course not."
He was obviously getting some mileage out of this.
Saber, being the odd duckling of the group so to speak, glanced between us with a raised eyebrow. Thankfully, aside from that mentioned gesture, her facial expression was cool enough to not give out any sense of nervousness, something that was honestly appreciated with everything else that could've and in another place, probably would've happened.
Then again, I was kinda glad Mama, Papa, and Sakumo-jichan were all taking this as well as they could be. No yelling included. Just curious, searching stares and open mouths. "So," Sakumo-jichan started first, "Tomoko-chan, you found a magic circle in the middle of the family storage house and then somehow summoned…"
"Saber," the Knight filled in politely with a raised hand.
"Saber," Sakumo-jichan finished with a polite nod of acknowledgement in return, before turning back to me, "from said circle, and she's going to be living with us from now on?"
"If that's okay?" There wasn't really any other way to word the response. I wasn't as blunt as Kei and Kakashi, nor was I as dorky as Obito. Rin was a good role model in this regard, but she wasn't here. She was at the hospital and/or on a date with her Uchiha dork of a boyfriend. Right now, it was just me. And Saber was here, and she was going to stick around for… how long? "I mean…"
Out of some kind of feeling, I glanced over at Saber. I was not expecting the voice to suddenly echo in my head.
Tomoko, if you prefer it, give me an order and I can act on it. Her emerald eyes focused in on me, and I already knew she was serious. Do not be scared, this is simple telepathic communication. Please, an order.
S-Saber, I understand what you're saying, this is just a bit sudden…! I took in the quietest breath I could. Yelling out now wouldn't help anything, and my family was still waiting for me to answer. Not to mention Saber herself. What had I gotten myself into with this magic circle? The last time someone talked to me in my head…
My heart still missed Hisako.
A-And before anything? None of this about orders. Just… just see this as a favor, Saber. Not an order.
She blinked slowly at me. Favor? As in a request?
Yes, a favor. Or request. Whatever you'd like to see it. Because you're human just like me, Saber, not just a Servant. I don't want to order you around when you deserve some respect too. So, if it's alright with you, please don't word things like that. Don't say things in a way that feels like you're someone lesser than me. Because you're not. I want to get to know you as an equal, not someone subservient to me. I took another breath before smiling softly at her. So please, Saber. For now, just work with me and my family. They're good people too.
Tomoko… A bit of softness that I could only call "fond surprise" leaked into the reply before the conversation proceeded to be politely cut. Saber turned away to face the others, her expression back to the calm one from before, but at that one moment, it felt like I was the only one who could see the tiny twitch of her lips upwards.
I concentrated on the remnants of that link and thought the words.
Thank you, Saber.
I didn't get a reply, but the gloved hand discretely reaching over to touch my forearm under the kitchen table was a sweet enough gesture.
Outwardly, I turned to the adults and nodded. "I mean, Mama, Papa, Saber isn't a bad person. She's… kinda loyal to me—excuse my apparent incompetence at explaining, Saber, I'm not that good under pressure—" I quickly gestured an apologetic wave with my hands just to catch her nod with acceptance at me, thank goodness, "but she has a good head and lots of strength on her hands. She could help us out with the family business in exchange for staying!"
"With the cafe, you mean, Tomoko-chan?" Mama looked thoughtful as she glanced between Saber and I. Her eyes, even with the slightest hint of crow's feet poking at the edges from the age, focused in on the knight. "Hm. We could use the extra help…" She glanced Saber over once before smiling. Mama must've already made mental measurements for clothing creation purposes. "Saber-san?"
"Ma'am, Saber is alright," Saber corrected politely with yet another nod. "And your daughter speaks the truth. I can assist in whatever you are thinking of. Not to be arrogant, but I can lift much weight, and can use a sword if needed."
"Hoh?" Sakumo-jichan looked interested now, and Papa's minute leaning into the table spoke the same message. "What kind of swords?"
"Broadswords, lances, or katanas," Saber articulated her right wrist for extra emphasis while smirking lightly. "I prefer longswords myself."
"If not for my daughter being here, I'd be tempted to ask for a small spar myself." Oh gosh. It was hard to miss the shit-eating grin Papa had on his face, and I felt myself gulping. Please, let there be no fights, please let there be no fights. "But." He slumped back into his chair as the grin faded.
"Dear?" Mama said, inclining her head.
"Papa?" I echoed, a bit more uncertain.
Papa sat up and smiled again, and this time I could feel my shoulders relax because I knew it was his Papa-smile. The same grin he had when he found me again in the New World with Team Minato. The grin that reminded me that he was still a human in spite of the ninja background. The grin that still reminded me that he was my Dad before the Unscatched Hero. "No spars today. You're a part of this house now. Since Tomoko-chan took you in, summoning or not. She seem to find good people." He glanced at me with that same smile. "Another stray, huh, hime?"
My face was already taking on heat once the weight of those words sunk in. "Um." I stumbled. "Yes?" Then it hit me and I turned to Saber, trying not to panic. "N-Not that you're a stray or anything, Saber, you're fine! If you don't want to be here, I could try finding you an apartment or something, or maybe, a different room, or—"
"Pft."
I blinked. Saber had turned her head away, one of her gloved hands covering what looked to be her mouth area, and her shoulders were shaking. Were my ears fooling me? Did I hear… another snicker? In the same day? "S… Saber?"
"My — pft — apologies for laughing, Tomoko." Saber turned around, and the small smile on her face was unmistakable. It wasn't crooked and dorky like Kei's, or silly like Obito's. It was a small, serious gesture that spoke of so many things that I didn't understand simply because of our limited interactions together. The only things I could parse from it was warm affection and gratitude. Huh? "You do not need to worry so much. I am alright with staying with you and your family. So long as you all accept me."
Excuse me, what. Did she just pull the classic modesty thing? "O-Of course I'll accept you!" Why wouldn't I, was the thought that was left unsaid. To the adults, I tried to tone my voice down with a smaller, "if everyone else is okay with another housemate?"
Mama smiled and reached over to squeeze my right hand. "We already took in Sakumo, dear. And Kakashi's out there in the world. There's nothing wrong with another 'stray.'" She paused before turning to Saber with a sheepish jerk of her head. "Well, I apologize in advance, but it's a fitting title?"
"I do not mind, ma'am," Saber filled in, looking satisfied. "And I am willing to work to pay rent."
"Please, Saber," Mama was smiling brighter. "Call me Hikari."
Papa and Sakumo-jichan were giving each other gleeful grins like they were kids before turning back to us. I probably should've expected Papa's enthusiasm, but…yeah. Things were settling down again. "You're in! First spar's tomorrow!"
Saber took on a prideful smirk. "I look forward to it."
What was it with me and finding enthusiastic swords-people?
"You realize taking that sword from the stone will no longer make you human."
"That's fine. As long as it's for the people, I will sacrifice everything."
The words echoed in my head like wisps of a memory, and it took a moment for my vision to clear. The birds were chirping, and the sunlight was a bit too bright. What was that dream? Those words, the voices, they weren't any I recognized. Then again, why were my curtains open…?
A soft hand shook my shoulder. "It's morning, Tomoko. Please get up."
Oh. I tried not to groan from the sleepiness and rubbed my eyes. "Hi, Saber."
The Knight smiled at me once we made eye contact, and I didn't know whether there was amusement or fondness in her green eyes. The simple white button-up shirt and matching blue shinobi-like pants were fitting for her, thankfully. "Good morning, Master."
That was sweet and all, but one problem. "Saaaaaaber," was the tired whine that left me instead, "I'm sorry for sounding childish, but what happened to calling me Tomoko?"
"…Ah," was the quiet note of recognition. A soft exhale followed before the hand from before shook me again. "Excuse my being rude, but you do need to get up, Tomoko. Hikari is calling."
Oh. Another day then, this time with someone at my side. It felt… new, in a way. But at the same time not, because Saber wasn't Kei. "Okaaaaaay," I tried not to groan again, sitting up in my futon to wipe at my eyes again. "I'm sorry for being a little lazy and oversleeping…"
"No, do not apologize, Tomoko." The hand on my shoulder was still soft in its grip as it squeezed. "Yesterday was an ordeal for you, and your chakra is providing my presence here now. It is natural for you to feel tired when your body is not used to providing energy to someone else."
I couldn't help but frown at her. She was giving herself the short end of the stick again, but judging by the serious look in her green eyes, she meant every word in sympathy. "Does it get any easier, Saber?" I said instead. I didn't know where the question came from, but I couldn't help but ask. It seemed better than digging up any old wounds by accident.
If the wisps of that dream were any indication, Saber had a lot on her mind. More so if we were really connected in that spiritual way chakra, or perhaps, magic could only do.
Saber paused, her eyebrows furrowing before she put on a small smile. "It does," she said quietly in return, squeezing my shoulder again. A stray strand of blonde hair fell down on her forehead, and she brushed it away before letting her other hand fall from my shoulder to rest against one of mine. "My previous Masters were able to handle themselves alright. You should be fine."
"What about you, Saber?" The curiosity was tugging at me now as wakefulness populated my head from all the sunlight coming in. My voice was still high-pitched and my throat was parched, but I could do something. "Are you okay?"
A single beat was all it took for the previous small smile to drop off of Saber's face. There was that surprised glint in her eyes again, the same glint from yesterday. Had anyone before me even asked her how she felt? How she was doing? The look in those emerald eyes said otherwise, and I didn't like it. "Tomoko." A warmer, kinder smile was on her face now as a hand brushed my cheek. It took a second for me to realize that the hand was Saber's. "I thank you for your compassion, but I am alright. I slept well. I'm okay."
It was an alright answer, but my heart wasn't okay with it. I wasn't okay with it. Right now, Saber was already starting to look like Kei. Like every single ninja I knew who didn't get enough hugs and appreciation. Like someone who had always walked the tightrope between life and death.
And if there was one thing my new life in the Narutoverse taught me well, it was that I couldn't stand to see that look permeate someone's entire life.
I already had to see Sakumo-jichan wear that look like a ghost so long ago. I'd be damned to see someone else have that same look. Saber's wasn't quite there yet, but still. I couldn't.
"Saber…" My gut was already agreeing with my heart in how I shouldn't believe what she was saying right now. That I should hug Saber and give her everything in the world instead, because that look on her face was painful. "Are you sure?"
What had she gone through before getting summoned? Before meeting me?
"Yes," was the firm reply, and that same hand brushed my cheek softly. The Knight still smiled, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear with the same motion. "I can see why Kei mentioned your 'workaholic tendencies' now, Master," was the quiet musing, and if not for her equally serious tone, I would've spoken up. "You are already itching to help, aren't you?"
The pout was already on my face before I could think on it any further. I must've become easy to read to even Saber. Sheesh, I was bad. Oh well. "Is that so wrong when we're living together now?" Plus I wanna hug you because heart, but I know it's way too early so I'm holding off.
Saber's smile turned more surprised, fond almost before her eyes softened. "No," she replied, an accepting lit in her voice, "It's not. As long as you don't hurt yourself."
"No promises on that last one," I said immediately. Because I'm a workaholic and that hasn't changed.
Without even a beat in-between, Saber's smile dropped for a frown. "Master."
Oh no, this again. "Saber, it's fine. I'm more than just any other civvie and I can do things!" I'm not an invalid!
"That does not mean being reckless!"
"I have energy!"
Saber's eyebrow twitched. "Master."
"Saber. I can sleep the tiredness off. I'm fine. Really."
The Knight sighed and pulled away to put her forehead in the palm of her right hand. "Stubborn. Kei was right after all."
"Why wouldn't she be—" A pause as the lightbulb finally went off in my head. "Wait a second. What did you two talk about?"
"TOMOKO-CHAN! SABER! WILL YOU TWO COME OUT HERE! BREAKFAST IS READY!"
Whoops.
Saber sighed again.
The lace of my kimono dress was a comforting sensation against my fingers, but the last I wanted was to accidentally tear it in an anxiety-induced moment. "Saber, do you need help with the uniform?"
"Tomoko, I am alright. Give me a moment." There was some rustling from behind the curtain. "You do not need to fret so much."
"Am I that bad?" left my lips before I could think on the words properly, and found myself covering my mouth seconds later. "Whoops. I'm sorry, I was talking to myself, you don't have to answer, Saber."
A pause. Mama lightly elbowed me with a teasing grin through her yukata as the pause persisted on the Knight's end. "Hm. To your question, perhaps," she said neutrally, but there was no mistaking that light fondness punctuating her words again. Was Saber enjoying herself? "Just one more moment — ah." A soft click, and then a gloved hand was pushing back the curtain.
I freely admit, I held back a squeal once Saber came into full view. The white button-up collared dress shirt and white waist apron were a spectacle in of themselves, but with the matching button black vest, black dress pants, black bowtie, and equally matching black dress shoes? When looking at it overall? Saber was perfect. The entire visage was like I had been thrown back in time, waiting for Team Minato to come out in similar uniforms.
Oh, the joy? It hadn't changed. The smile on my face was stretching my cheeks to the point of it hurting.
"Ohhhhh. Ohmigosh, Saber, you look amazing!" I couldn't help but gush. "Mama, you did a great job!"
"Didn't I?" Mama gloated with a fake haughty laugh, hand near her mouth and all like those regal ladies from story books. "I've been doing this for years, sweetheart."
"And you still got it!"
"Damn straight, Tomoko-chan!"
Saber's face was a light pink as she stepped out of the fitting room, tugging at her bowtie. "Er. Thank you, Hikari," she said softly, "for the clothes. They are certainly comfortable."
Mama put on a more welcoming smile. "Of course. And if there's any problems, such as a loose seam or a missing button, let me know. I'll fix it for you, Saber."
Saber blinked, shock in her green eyes again before she smiled back. "Thank you," she said gratefully, before walking over to me. "Now, Master? What should I do?"
Oh dear. This definitely brought along the nostalgia. I couldn't help myself from reaching over and lightly booping Saber on the nose. "Just follow my lead, okay? We're a cafe, so I'll teach you the reins."
"H-Huh…" Her eyes were wide again out of curiosity and some kind of interest, and I smiled.
My hands reached over to grasp hers, squeezing.
"Welcome to Nagareboshi Cafe, Saber."
The gestures were easy enough to teach. And considering Saber's apparent history as a Knight, she was able to catch on. The waiter uniform Mama handcrafted for her just made the new job all the more easier, because it took merely an hour for Saber to get into her element. The other waitstaff seemed grateful at least, if the constant smiles were any indication.
"Hello. Welcome to Nagareboshi Cafe. How many in your group?"
"Oh, someone new?" Takashi-san chuckled while holding his girlfriend's hand, and from behind the drinks on my tray, I couldn't help but smile back. "Hi. Just the two of us, please."
Saber's smile could almost be called "gallant" with how bright it was, even from near the back of the cafe. "Alright. Let me lead you to your table."
"She's a natural, isn't she, dear?" Mama's musing was audible even over the noise from the kitchen, and I found myself nodding when walking back to meet her. I was not expecting her to wink at me and put a finger to her lips. "Go take your break, dear. And bring Saber with you."
"For… for what, Mama?"
Papa snorted. Mama still smiled. "For the special reward, remember?"
Oh. Oh.
I glanced over in the Knight's direction, and Saber thankfully was finishing up what looked like the notes of a new order. And telepathy should work…
Hisako would say at this time to go with my gut, huh…?
I shook my head, closed my eyes, and concentrated as gently as I could on the feeling left in my head. My mental voice still worked, even if it was barely audible. Saber?
The reply didn't even take a second. What is it, Tomoko?
O-Oh, I wasn't expecting that quick of a reply. I tried not to outwardly blush from the embarrassment. Um. Saber? Not to disturb you, but are you done with that table?
A pause. It felt like Saber was considering her words. Just about. I could hear the smile in the response. Is there something you need?
It's not really something I need, Saber, but another little request. My fingers were already twiddling with one another as I took a breath. Just drop off the order and come with me? There's something I want to do for you.
…Alright. Please wait a moment, milady.
The conversation cut off as soon as it was said, and even then, the heat flooding my face was hard to wipe away. "M-Milady…?" was the quiet echo that left my lips. To hear Master was expected, but that? A small noise left my throat without any prompting as I put a hand to my head. "Did that just… happen?"
"Here is the order for Table 3, Hikari." Saber's voice was not expected over my left shoulder, and I freely admit it. I squeaked and jumped, kimono dress and little gauntlet bracelet and all. "A coffee and some cake."
"Alright, Saber, thank you for your hard work." Mama was smiling from the sound of her voice, and I tried not to turn and glower at her once she winked at me. "You can take your break now. Tomoko-chan has something for you."
"Huh?" Confusion was the first thing that registered in my ears from Saber's voice, and without even raising my head, I knew she was glancing in my direction. "For me?"
My heart was in my throat, so all I could do was nod. I couldn't even find it in me to speak aloud. J-Just follow me. To the piano, please?
A gloved hand gently touched my forearm. "Are you sure, Tomoko?" The inquiry this time was soft. Personal, almost, with the way Saber was conducting herself. Her shoulders seemed broader, her stance stiffer, her eyes warmer, yet colder when I looked up at them. "You do not have to give me anything—"
"B-But I want to!" I didn't even realize my voice had raised itself a few levels in pitch before the sound had already left me, and Saber had taken a step back. Oh gosh, I was so silly. "N-Not to impose, but this is your first day, and there's one last thing I haven't shown you yet! Just, just, muuuuuuu." I couldn't even stop myself and ended up grabbing Saber's free hand to walk forward. "T-To the piano!"
"Ah," Saber said simply. I didn't know whether she was perplexed or just going with it to sate my current rambly moment.
Mama was already holding back laughter from the sound of it as Papa and some of the other waitstaff chuckled to themselves.
Pulling Saber to the piano bench thankfully didn't take too long, and having years of experience at the stage made it easy to ignore the eyes focused on my back. Sitting down helped the situation, thankfully. The only problem left was how Saber's gaze was all I could make out from the anxiety, not to mention the voice. "…Tomoko?" she said softly.
I pushed back the cover hiding the piano keys and gently rested my hands against the instrument. "Just… just close your eyes, and relax, okay?" I did my best to smile at her, even with the shock palpable in her green eyes. "I did mention I was more than just any other civvie, Saber."
Before she could get another word in, I pressed the first chord and started playing. I didn't have any one song in mind, so I let my hands and memories do the talking instead. The music was calming, almost out of an old jazz corner with how the keys all melded together, and the familiar feeling of the anxiety melting away was welcomed as the music went along. Even without opening my eyes, I could feel through the link that Saber was relaxing too, and a small breath left my lips.
It always felt a bit more enjoyable to play the piano with someone sitting next to you. At least, for me now.
Saber's presence reminded me of the old days. Of the days I could be a kid, with… with Kei, Obi, Ricchan, Kashi, Hayate, everyone else.
Where did all that time go?
Or was I the only one who didn't change?
The questions swirled in my head, but I kept them back for the sake of letting my hands soar. Musicians were still performers. And even if my music was from an old world barely anyone remembered, it was still something I carried. And that, in a way, was the greatest and prettiest lie I could ever tell. On the stage where I met everyone.
Once the last key had left its note in the air, I opened my eyes and turned my head. Saber's expression was the softest I had ever seen, almost content before she opened her eyes too and looked at me. "Tomoko, that was…" she exhaled softly before bowing her head towards me. "That was breathtaking." The smile on her face was just as gentle, peaceful.
Even with my heart screaming at why she was bowing her head towards me, I still found myself smiling back at her. "Did you enjoy my song for you, Saber?"
"From you?" I was not expecting Saber to take my right hand in her left. Nor for her to raise it to her mouth and kiss my knuckles. "It was my honor to partake in such a wonderful gift, Milady."
The heat was already back on. "S-Saber, you're being really… Knight-ly, y'know that?"
I wasn't even sure if I was making sense anymore with that last adjective. Even then, Saber's green eyes flickered as she blinked.
"Knight-ly, hm?" Saber's voice dropped an octave as she lowered my hand, and I could feel her grip lax. "Perhaps."
Something was wrong. It didn't even matter that everyone else was staring. "Saber?"
She raised her head to look at me. "Yes?"
I didn't hesitate this time. But stammer? Yes. Yes, I did. "C-Could I hug you?"
"Eh?" She blinked once, then another time, in disbelief again. "May I ask why?"
It felt like eggshells now, but I went on anyways in spite of the massive blush on my face. From embarrassment or something, I didn't know anymore. "Just because. You look like you need one, so, if it's okay with you…" I inhaled and ducked my head. "Please?"
The reply wasn't even voiced. Instead, it was a mental voice, giving a hesitant and equally quiet, Alright.
Whew.
I reached over to gently wrap my arms around her neck. "I'll play piano for you every day from now on, Saber. Just relax for now, okay?" I squeezed as softly as I could. "I'm saying this as your friend first, Master second." The thought occurred as quickly as I finished, resulting in an additional, "if that is alright?"
There was no way I could know the full story of what happened to Saber before I summoned her, but the least I could do was provide some kind of comfort. Some kind of company to her darkness. It was all I could do, if she could let me. She came to me wanting to fight, but after so much violence in the Narutoverse, fighting wasn't in my agenda.
If I sent her to fight, it would just be like asking Kei and the others to die for me. And that wasn't right either.
Fighters were human before they were warriors.
"…Ah," was the soft reply. Then a hand gently patted the top of my head as a chuckle brushed my hair. "As you wish, Milady."
I didn't have the heart to correct her. Saber needed more hugs than rebukes.
