Note: Saber gets a chance to reflect now. Healing Over Time AU thing, here we go.
Sparkle 10: "Are you happy?"
The first time she asked, Saber was somewhat torn.
"Saber?" Tomoko's voice was high-pitched no matter what her current emotion was. Even when calm, it was easy to pick out in a crowd. "Are you happy right now?"
Had anyone really asked her that before?
They were in the middle of gathering sweets for a delivery, and Saber found herself pausing in her work of wrapping a muffin.
"I'm not sure," was her honest answer, but the sudden hug bestowed onto her by her lady was a comforting gesture. She did her best to smile down at her new Master. "But I'll be alright, Tomoko."
"If you say so. I'm not going to stop hugging you, just to let you know."
"I'm well aware."
"You don't mind?"
"I wouldn't be hugging back if I did."
"Oh."
The second time was about a few months into Saber's stay with the Hoshino Family, right after the weekly spar with Judai and Sakumo. They were good opponents despite their being retired. It was enough.
"Saber? Are you happy?"
Saber took a bit more time to contemplate the situation before giving her lady that same smile from the first time. "I think so," she said, reaching over to give Tomoko a side hug. "Don't worry."
Tomoko's disbelieving expression said otherwise, but she still accepted the gesture by leaning into Saber's side. "Okay."
The third time was when Archer had just been summoned, and the worry in Tomoko's blue eyes was unmistakable. There was so much she could've said, but Saber wasn't even surprised she went with that inquiry. Sure, it wasn't even the same question, but Saber still understood.
"Saber? Um, are you okay?"
"Yes," Saber said firmly, smiling before leaning in to press a soft kiss against Tomoko's brow, onto the space her bangs exposed. She could simply hope that it was comforting. "Right now, I'm happy, Tomoko. There's no need to ask."
Funnily enough, the girl had turned a bright pink once Saber had pulled away, squeaking from the embarrassment. Her hands were flailing and the best approximation for the sounds leaving her mouth were, "Awawawa," and "Waaaaaaahgu." It was both adorable and sudden, but Saber pulled her close and held on in a hug nonetheless. This was the closest to companionship she'd had since Shirou and Rin, and she wasn't planning on letting go.
"Saaaaaaber..."
"It's alright. I love you too, milady."
"Muuuuuuu."
"Archer?"
"Hm?"
"Are you happy right now?"
Yet again, the white-haired Servant was struck speechless while cooking, and Saber rolled her eyes, hiding a snicker while passing by to pick up an order. "Our Master is often like this. You'll quickly get used to it, Archer."
"How soon is that?"
"When you admit that you're already cooking an omurice for her lunch."
An egg flipped through the air to land back onto the nearest saucepan. "I have no idea of what you're talking about."