Small Sparkles

by Writer-and-Artist27

A collection of the little glimmers of stories that never made it to these archives before. All starring one Civilian Pianist, with different people each time. These are the small sparkles that were never touched upon. [A collection of writings originally posted on Tumblr, featuring things from Civilian Pianist, the Sea and Stars, Silent Feathers, Healing Over Time, etc.]

40. Chapter 40: Working Too Hard

Note: A drabble of sorts originally written on Tumblr when I was tired and sleep-deprived myself. So, here you go.

Original Healing Over Time verse, go.

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Sparkle 40: Working Too Hard

The first time Saber heard of her new Master's "workaholic tendencies," she took note of the phrasing as any other loyal Servant would with polite acceptance. Confusion too, but mostly polite acceptance.

She was not expecting to see the ramifications of said statement so soon.

"…"

"…Master?" Saber tried.

Tomoko didn't move from her place leaning against the banister of the patio. Simply twitched in recognition of what was said, but her head lolled against the structure, shoulders lax in clear exhaustion.

"Welp," Kei spoke up suddenly, and Saber bit back the urge to jump, glancing at her with controlled calm. "That took a bit longer than usual. She lasted a week compared to the day before."

"Muuuuu…" was Tomoko's small and tired mumble.

"This is… normal?" Saber noted with unease, tilting her head towards her motionless Master.

"Yep." The ninja popped the last "p" exaggeratedly. "That, Saber," Kei gestured to the scene with a wry smile, "Is a burnt out Tomo. She's done it again." She put her hands on her hips, giving Saber a questioning eyebrow. "What was she doing this time?"

"Playing the piano, swords training, baking, cooking, visiting the hospital…" Saber trailed off with the fifth counted finger. "Ah." She decided not to mention the chakra-to-prana conversion process. The point was already implied.

The ninja rolled her eyes with a small sigh. "My point exactly. Think you could help me get her back into the house? She needs to sleep."

"Noooooo, I don't…"

"Yes, you dooooooo," Kei echoed back.

Tomoko groaned and slumped against the banister, nodding her head. "I can keep going…"

"No. No, you can't."

"Muuuuuu…"

Saber held back a sigh and nodded firmly. "Enough. I understand. Seeing this is painful."

"At least you know now before she somehow gets a fever."

"…That has happened before?"

"You'd believe it once it's happened."

Saber didn't want to know anymore. "I will go get the nearest futon." Because this is worse than Shirou.

Kei chuckled dryly. "You go do that."