Summary: It is another day in this universe that could've been. Ayako's come back from whatever has been plaguing her mind, now unable to forget how her fellow Master did her a favor in taking over farming duties while also cooking for the staff one day. This called for something to be done in return.

Note: Pan's Ayako has been known for being a painter, and how if she got to know a person well enough, she'd paint a portrait for them. And considering Pan's reaction to the first Extra Day was, and I partially quote, "sometimes i just wanna smack ayako for being cold and shit SDFUSDFIJ", I wanted to rectify that a bit.

Kind gestures shouldn't go unrewarded, after all. Even when it's Fate, where kindness can sometimes get inappropriate retribution. That's not gonna happen here.

Otherwise, the theme for this short is Believe from Kalafina, the first ending song for Ufotable's adaptation of Unlimited Blade Works. Considering how this extra chapter is yet again dipping into an AU where two Masters worked together instead of one, I found the lyrics fitting.

Please enjoy. :)

Extra Day 3: Painting a Memory

"Hey, Vy."

Vy tried not to jump at the sound of her name being called by someone other than a Servant, and turning around revealed tired green eyes and black hair telling of a former recluse Master. She couldn't help but smile after reorienting herself. "Oh, uh, a hello to you too, Aya-san! It's good to see you!"

Ayako seemed to flinch at the address, a small bit of pink coloring her cheeks. It didn't take long before she turned her head away, cutting off the eye contact as she crossed her arms over her chest, hiding the blue ribbon tying together the front of her white collar from the Anniversary Blonde Mystic Code. "…Come to my studio in 30 minutes," she said in a quieter voice, visibly shuffling about in her boots.

Ayako's statement was definitely not what Vy was expecting to hear after a few days of barely talking to one another. It was enough to make her want to tug at the hem of her own Mages' Association uniform, just out of habit. "Um," Vy started slowly, trying not to appear nervous, "can I ask why?"

The question didn't seem to be the right way to go about approaching the situation, since Ayako shuffled a bit more on her boots, a growing frown evident on her face. "...Do I need to provide a reason?"

"It's not like I doubt you or anything, Aya-san, it's just a surprise to hear you offer that," Vy said honestly, blinking rapidly. "Isn't your art studio something personal to you? Is it really okay for me to be in there?"

Ayako took a long, deep breath through her nose and turned her head back to make eye contact with Vy again. Her green eyes were shining with something Vy couldn't identify as she said, "I wouldn't be asking you to come by if I wasn't okay with it."

"…Oh," Vy replied intelligently, clutching her hands to herself while feeling a bit of glee start to bubble up in her voice at the opportunity. Aya-san, actually offering a chance to go together to her personal space? This was— "Then, um, th-thank you for the honor, Aya-san! Sh-Should I bring anything or should it be just me?"

The enthusiasm seemed to be enough in terms of melting whatever mental barriers Ayako had put up, because Vy's response prompted a rare yet wry smile to grow on Ayako's face. "Just you," she said in a lighter voice, shrugging her shoulders. "Bring along a certain May King if you want."

"May King—" Yet again, Vy was thrown off guard, left blinking owlishly for a few seconds before the realization set in. "You mean Big Robin?"

Ayako blinked back at Vy before turning her head away again. It took a moment for Vy to notice her shoulders were shaking as one of Ayako's hands went up to cover her mouth. "Y-Yeah," she said around what was apparently barely hidden laughter, a shakiness to her usual dry tone. "Just bring him along, okay? You have 30 minutes."

Before Vy could respond, Ayako had turned on the heel of her boot and proceeded to run off as fast as her legs could carry her, leaving a small dust cloud behind.

"Ooookay…?" Vy blinked, waving away some of said dust before glancing around. The lotus-shaped Command Spells on the back of her left hand seemed to glow in the lighting provided by Chaldea in the hallway she was standing in, leaving Vy to think on her own. "…Should I change my clothes?" let Vy in a small, tentative whisper, her right pointer finger absently tracing one of the flower marks that made up a part of her role as one of the Chaldean Masters. "Or should I just try to be myself so Aya-san's more comfy…?"

"I dunno, little sparrow, go with what you think is best."

It took Vy a second too long to realize she had nearly shrieked loud and bloody murder if not for the sudden green-gloved hand coming out of what appeared to be nowhere to cover her mouth, muffling the noise while pulling her back into a firm chest. A quiet, "Whoa," echoed above her head just as another hand, this one bare with the exception of some bandages tied around the forearm, reached up and gently patted her hair. "Hey, little sparrow, take it easy. It's just me."

"B-bwig—" Vy took in a shaky breath once the adrenaline died down as quickly as it came, leaning against the taller Servant once their bond opened up to reveal his presence. "Rwobwin?"

Turning her head revealed the orange-haired Archer smiling wryly down at her as one of his hands continued patting her head, his green-gloved hand slowly falling back to his side in exchange for letting her speak freely. "Hey there, Master," Robin Hood said in a softer voice, the hood part of his No Face May King looking noticeably ruffled in contrast to the serene look on his face. "Sorry for scaring you."

Ah, how embarrassing! "I-I'm sorry for nearly screaming at you," Vy replied hastily, turning on her boots almost immediately to wrap her arms around the taller Servant's waist and therefore squish him in the most apologetic hug she could offer. "I should've noticed you sooner and I'm sorry, big Robin."

"It's okay, little sparrow, I should've said something considering how unintentionally defenseless you can be." The last part was said with a rumbling chuckle as the hand on her head kept patting her hair. It took a moment for Robin's other arm to come around and loosely hang over the back of her shoulders in what Vy knew was Robin's working attempt at returning her usual sudden hugs. "But I saw you were talking with Ayako?"

"Yeah, uh, about that…" Vy pulled away from the Archer at this point, taking a step back while feeling a bit of embarrassment start to bubble up in her throat. The heat starting to flood her cheeks from the fear of possible rejection didn't help matters much. "So, um, big Robin? Can I ask you for a favor?"

Robin Hood merely kneeled to her height, just a bit via leaning over, to meet her downcast eyes. "What's up, little sparrow?" Even without seeing all of his face, Vy knew he was smirking teasingly. "No need to be shy about it."

"O-Okay." Vy absently raised a hand to play with one strand of her hair. "Then, c-could you come with me for a bit?"

"…When you said 'favor,' little sparrow, I wasn't expecting this."

"T-To be fair, Robin, I wasn't exactly expecting this either…"

"You questioned it just now," Robin Hood deadpanned.

"E-Excuse me for getting nervous, okay?! I've never posed for a portrait painting before!"

A few meters away, Ayako peeked past the canvas she was working on with a face of clear displeasure. "Less arguing, more posing, Vy, please."

Vy did her best not to pout, instead leaning back against Robin Hood's chest as his arms went around her elbows and waist again, making for a backwards-kind of hug as both sat on a couch for Ayako to continue observing them. The soft fwish noises of Ayako's paintbrush moving against her canvas were amazingly loud compared to the silence Vy found herself in with the rest of the folk in the studio, and she was tempted to look around if not for being stuck in a pose. Instead, she folded her hands into the lap of her white dress, trying to focus on staying still.

After all, it wasn't every day Ayako would invite anyone into her personal art studio, and it was even rarer to be a subject in one of her elusive paintings. Judging by the Count of Monte Cristo's hovering over Ayako's shoulder as he absently sipped on a cup of steaming coffee, he was used to this entire process.

Far more than Vy and Robin Hood, for sure. Vy absently hoped Robin wasn't experiencing any of his limbs falling asleep from lack of blood circulation. Even if he was a Servant, he still had rights and Vy wanted to respect them.

Little sparrow, how long are we supposed to sit like this? Robin's voice echoed in Vy's head, nearly making her jump if not for Vy noticing Ayako's occasional stray glance in their direction. Because if the lady's painting us…

Vy did her best to shrug as discreetly as she could, absently closing her eyes and leaning back against the Archer. Dunno, big Robin, she said mentally, trying not to sigh. But Aya-san invited us, so I don't want to be rude. Also, it's Aya-san.

It's less about being 'rude' here, little sparrow… Robin started dryly, but to Vy's surprise, he then trailed off into silence matching the studio around them, his grip on her waist tightening a bit. But if you're comfortable with this, then I'll stick around. You did ask for a favor, after all.

Even with her eyes closed and thus being unable to discern what Ayako or Dantes was doing, Vy could tell Robin was feeling proud about that last part. Th-This is just something that happens every once in a while. If I act up and you don't like it, you can call me out on it, Robin.

The day that happens is the day I stop being a Servant, Robin Hood shot back, inwardly rolling his eyes if his mental voice was any indication. Have a little more faith in yourself, little sparrow.

Maybe… Still, for some reason, Vy found herself covering up a yawn. In hindsight, it was amazing she was able to do it with Ayako observing both her and Robin Hood like a hawk. How long had they been posing for art's sake?

But before Ayako could (assumedly) quip anything, Robin gently nudged Vy with one hand. Master?

Sleepy somehow… Vy ignored the urge to rub at her eyes past her glasses, leaning back against the taller Servant again and taking a breath through her nose. It's cozy in here with you…

Maybe I should've taken my cloak off, considering how you're fading, Robin mused, a sigh echoing at the end of his sentence once Vy had unconsciously tucked the top of her head into the space between his tunic collar and shoulder. Little sparrow, he sounded more troubled as he nudged Vy again, I dunno what Ayako's gonna do if she finds you asleep.

Muuuu…

Cute noises don't help, little sparrow.

If more coherent, Vy probably wouldn't have asked, but thanks to the sleepiness, it created the notable lack of a filter. Thus, Vy thought to the Archer, Would she notice if I close my eyes for a bit?

Robin fell silent in their mental conversation as a result, almost as if he was considering the validity of that thought, before he eventually said, Up to you, little sparrow.

Before the continuing sounds of Ayako's paintbrush moving against a canvas ushered in darkness, Vy found herself thinking, Love you too, big Robin. Thankie for staying with me. After all, not every Servant would agree to letting their Master sit on their lap and use them as a pillow of all things. What Robin was doing was something a family member wouldn't hesitate to do, and Vy had to state her gratitude. It was natural.

Still, she could've sworn she heard a quiet, I know. Sweet dreams, beloved little sparrow, in return. It was a nice thought to have, even if it might've been the beginning of a dream.

By the time Vy drifted off, she couldn't tell if the fingers gently brushing her cheek were real or not.

As much as Robin Hood knew he was supposed to stay still for the painting process of the other Chaldean Master in the room, he just couldn't look away from the little sparrow dozing off against him. Whenever Vy was awake, it was obvious she was a growing adult, armed with a vocabulary that could occasionally make all eyes go to her. After all, who in Chaldea could forget the time someone tried to recommend mana transfer as a combat option, only for Vy to suddenly get into a lengthy explanation about the science behind Sexually Transmitted Diseases and the background of the HIV/AIDS movement to Mash? She was a powerhouse. But right now, with her in a white spaghetti-strapped summer dress and sleeping?

Robin sighed wordlessly. So defenseless, Master. What are you going to do if someone decides to shoot an arrow into your back when you're out? Are you just going to shoulder the pain and keep moving forward as you always do?

Vy didn't answer. Rather, she simply inhaled and exhaled as one would when asleep, her expression relaxed as her brown hair tickled the side of Robin Hood's neck. Her glasses slowly slid down the bridge of her nose as she settled into her place resting against his chest with a small shift in her sitting position, almost outright cuddling him if not for her hands lying limply against the middle of her dress.

Well, that answers my question. She'd probably try to get to know her assassins first and offer them tea. Maybe even share her backstory with them too. The thought was enough to tempt Robin Hood into groaning aloud. But Robin Hood knew Ayako and Avenger were watching. Any overt movements could mean disaster.

Still, in the end, he couldn't help it. Robin Hood raised one hand to gently brush some stray strands of hair away from Vy's face, watching her for a moment longer before leaning in and pressing the top of his head to her forehead. "Silly Master of mine," he mumbled to himself. "Choose someone better than me to love, won't you?"

Robin Hood nearly jumped when Vy proceeded to make a sleepy noise (an "Uuu," maybe?), her lotus-shaped Command Spells glowing for just a second before one of her hands was raised in the air between them. The last thing the Archer was expecting was for said hand to weakly grasp his outstretched one before he could pull back, squeezing his fingers.

Is she… protesting? When she's asleep?

"…Not even going to let me go?" Robin added outwardly in the same muddling tone. It was hard to tell whether or not he wanted to smile or just run. This kind of closeness — it was dangerous, especially when coming from an oblivious maiden like Vy. "Even when I'm just a thug with a murderous rebel streak, little sparrow?"

Vy's only "response" was a toss of her head so that her nose would be tucked into the crook of his neck, sitting right below his Adam's apple. He could've sworn he heard a quiet, "Mugu," once Vy had settled in after that.

Robin felt a weight both fall onto his shoulders and leave his heart. "Maybe I should find a new nickname for you, little sparrow," he mumbled, using his other hand to squeeze her closer to him. The No Face May King around his shoulders seemed to illuminate the white of Vy's dress with its faded green hue as Robin did this, taking in a shakier breath all the while. Vy was warm. So, so warm, but short and almost tiny in his arms, sleeping like this. If he hugged her any tighter, it could possibly mean waking her up or breaking her. Still, he couldn't find it in himself to let her go. "You have a bigger heart than me if you're willing to stay with me and thank me for sticking around."

"…Perhaps the little flower has a heart bigger than any of us."

Robin Hood didn't outright flinch at the sound of Avenger's voice, but he still gave the other Servant a dirty look once it became obvious Dantes wasn't hovering around Ayako. Even with the cup of coffee in his hand (still steaming, amazingly), his attention was clearly on the little sparrow still slumbering obliviously in Robin's arms, a warm look on his face. "…You knew this was going to happen?"

Avenger didn't move at the quiet accusation, leveling a calm look in Robin's direction over his cup of coffee. "Partially," he said after a small sip, closing his eyes. "My Accomplice noticed first. She was the one to propose the idea of painting your Master so that they both could get a chance to rest."

"Wha—" Robin Hood glanced past Vy's head to look in Ayako's direction and, sure enough, the other Chaldean Master was looking at the three of them past her canvas set-up with a wry smile. "Ayako?"

How long have you been watching— The thought flooded his mind before he could protest it. Thus, Robin tried not to think about the possibility any further, schooling the blush about to rise on his face with a click of his tongue.

Ayako, meanwhile, blinked rapidly at the address, her eyes widening at being caught staring to the point of her immediately ducking back behind her canvas' shadow once called out. Robin Hood held Vy closer to him out of reflex as Dantes rolled his eyes. "…Accomplice," the Avenger said after an adequate pause, "there is no one here threatening you. You can express yourself."

Even with the canvas covering up Ayako's face, Robin Hood could see how her boots lightly kicked at the tile floor in a bout of nervousness. "…Look, I felt bad, okay?" Ayako said in response to Robin Hood's earlier prompting, her voice sounding almost defensive with the extra pause. "Have you ever seen Vy nap like this before, Archer?"

Robin Hood blinked at the change in topic, glancing down to take in the little sparrow's sleeping face. Sure enough, when thinking about it, he couldn't exactly recall a time when Vy had voluntarily gone to sleep of her own volition. Whenever the occasion arose in a Singularity, it took Dr. Roman and/or Mash to convince Vy to stop working. For her to nap now, with such a relaxed smile—

"No," Robin Hood admitted. "Not like this."

Ayako sighed, loud enough for it to echo in the room but not to the point of making Vy stir. "That's my point," she said in the same short tone, getting up from her stool and walking past her canvas for what might've been the first time Robin Hood saw her move about since this whole portrait mess started. "Vy's too nice to everyone."

Even without them being contracted, Robin Hood could read the atmosphere plenty enough. 'She's too nice to me.' Huh.

Robin Hood loosened his grip on the little sparrow once Ayako approached, absently noting how she had gently patted Avenger's shoulder on the way. Once Ayako was in front of both of them, her green eyes swirled with conflict and care all at the same time as she raised a hand. Robin Hood probably should've expected Ayako patting Vy's head, but it still came as a small surprise once her hand landed on top of Vy's hair. "She needs more rest," Ayako said in a smaller voice, her fingers brushing some tangles away. "So the portrait was the perfect excuse."

Robin Hood glanced between Avenger, Ayako, and Vy for a moment before staring back down at Vy. The little sparrow, oblivious as always, kept inhaling and exhaling as one would in sleep, dozing against his chest like the innocent girl she was. Like she was supposed to be.

They feel the same way as I do. With that thought in mind, Archer opened his mouth. "…Hey, Ayako?"

"Hm?" Ayako had moved her hands downwards so as to take Vy's glasses off her face.

"Think you could give me a copy of that portrait later?"

Dantes threw his head back with a quiet laugh. "Archer, I would've thought that a thug like you wouldn't want those kinds of material things."

Robin Hood recognized the jab enough to ignore it, glancing down at his little sparrow again before sighing instead. "This is different."

With the Incineration of Humanity still ongoing, it was possible that Chaldea wouldn't get another moment like this. The least Robin Hood could do was bask in the peace that was in Ayako's studio, with his little sparrow safe in his embrace.

Ayako had removed her hands from Vy's presence at this point, taking Dante's coffee cup instead to take a sip, Vy's glasses folded into the palm of her free hand. Once the drink had gone down her throat, she said in a softer voice, "It's already done and I plan to visit one of Chaldea's scanners later."

Robin Hood definitely rolled his eyes at that point. "Say that sooner so that my legs don't fall asleep." Well, not really. He did his best mocking impression, but he knew Ayako and Dantes wouldn't mind.

After all, no one could find it in themselves to complain when Vy just kept snoozing on, safe and snug in Robin Hood's arms.

"Little grape, little grape."

Vy woke with a small start, barely sitting up in bed before light hit her eyes like a brick wall and hands were steadying her. "Little grape, calm down. It's okay. It's just me."

"Ere…" Vy's voice came out hoarse and weak. "Ere-chan?"

Ereshkigal, even in her black dress, looked ethereal thanks to her blond hair and warm smile as her hands squeezed Vy's shoulders. "Good morning, little grape. Did you sleep well?"

"Wh-When did I fall asleep?" Vy was already glancing around, noting blurriness everywhere until she felt Ereshkigal press something plastic and familiar into her hands. Vy immediately put on the glasses Eresh gave her, noting the prescription taking effect as everything cleared up. "I thought I was in Aya-san's studio…"

"You were, little grape. Archer Robin Hood just carried you here after you fell asleep on Ayako's orders," Ereshkigal explained patiently, having opted to hold Vy's hands once she had put on her glasses. "Do you need me to get you anything?"

Vy felt herself pout before it came out in her voice. "What happened to Aya-san and her painting, though, Ere-chan? Did you see those two at all?"

All Ereshkigal did in response to Vy's question was blink, stare, and then giggle softly in quick succession. "Little grape," she said amidst more giggles, "there's no need to worry about that."

"Eh? How come?"

Eresh simply pointed to a corner of Vy's room while slowly standing up to move out of Vy's direct line of vision. "The canvas is right there."

Vy turned her head, stared, and then felt heat flood her cheeks.

The spitting image of herself sitting with Robin Hood graced Vy's eyes in full color against the original white canvas she remembered from Aya-san's studio. What was most surprising was the Archer in the painting looking particularly soft as he hugged her from behind. Vy could never recall Robin Hood looking so relaxed before. The fact that Vy was missing her glasses in the painting was an extra detail Vy wasn't expecting, and in her sudden bout of embarrassment, she blurted out, "Wh-when did that get there?!"

"Ohohohoho~" Ereshkigal said with a louder laugh. "You will have to get up and see for yourself, little grape! Ayako's waiting for your response!"

"Muuuuu, Ere-chan! Don't pressure me!"

"Ohoho!"

It was just another day in Chaldea, immortalized into a painted memory that Vy knew she wasn't going to forget anytime soon.