[For six hours Sakura sleeps without interruption inside the rooftop's new treehouse, and every moment is marked by twitching, twisting, her expression in constant motion between pinched and exhausted. Nothing of it suggests a peaceful rest; the nightmares have come out from under the bed and have roosted behind the cover of her eyelids, and her fever keeps her face flushed despite how the rest of her color has drained back.
It's almost a mercy when she does snap back into an awakened state: eyes flung open and her entire body going very still. She instinctively senses that the mattress underneath her is foreign, the pillow one she's never laid her head upon. This isn't her bed, which means this isn't her room, and that numb admission is all the permission her memories need to flood her consciousness.
She fought with Nee-san. She lost. Her crest turned on her... and somehow she's still alive.
Yes, alive. If the rise and fall of her own breathing wasn't proof enough, Sakura can feel her raw nerves drum in time with the movement of her crest - the worms, very much alive as well, that have been sated by mana. Her body's overrun by fever, but her crest has reached finally reached an equilibrium.
That she can't remember how this happened - holes in her memory and body, replaced by someone's screaming - is what prompts Sakura to move, forcing her body into a sitting position. The effort costs her dearly. By the time she's upright she's winded, panting through her parched mouth, but stubbornness keeps her steady. Once she gulps down enough air, she slowly begins to swing her legs over the edge of the bed.]
Ah, sleeping beauty wakes~ [ Zaveid stands and steps over once he realizes that uh. No she is definitely getting up. The air in the room shifts direction - Rin's asleep below, has been for a bit, but he sets the wind to carrying their voices down to her either way. Maybe enough wind whispers will let her know that Sakura's up.
He reaches the bedside, standing... a little purposefully too close, if she was going to stand.
Zaveid remembers how shy she was, not so long ago, maybe the idea of standing will actually register as a bad one if it means being in personal space with him. ]
Sounds like you could use some water. Gunna stay put so I don't have to haul you back into bed when I return?
[ If sitting up makes her pant, there's no way she'd get to her feet for long, he thinks. ]
[She hadn't noticed Zaveid in the room. Sloppy, Sakura, your fever isn't enough justification to miss such an obvious detail. The moment he speaks and stands is when Sakura's entire body snaps taut, voice giving a sharp, startled hitch that scratches at her already sore throat. Automatically, she takes his presence as a threat and leans as far away as bodily possible.
It very much places her near the center of bed, and as if somehow sensing that this was his intent, there's a subtle but audible layer of ice to her nervous stuttering]
Z-zaveid-san? ... Why are you here?
[She looks at him, then to the sides, stare jerked to every corner of the room like an anxious rabbit ready to leap for escape or exhaust itself trying. It's why it doesn't occur to her that the question she asks is a valid one. Sensible questions would require sensible thought, but right now her mind is caught in an ebb and flow that syncs with her racing heart, body language more honest than it's ever been. She would like him gone, thank you.]
[ There are so many ways to answer that, but he shrugs, his headtilt at her actions becoming part of the motion as he takes a step back. No need to shrink away, but, well. Staying on the bed is nice. ]
I was asked. [ To keep an eye on her while she slept. To show up at all? Nope. But, still, its technically true.
... Zaveid turns on a heel, stepping away to find where that water went. ]
I meant it, though. Some water would do you good. [ The breeze all flows to him, so her movements aren't going to be a surprise at all, but he thinks she's going to stay put. ]
It isn't Zaveid's fault that he's dealing with an unnamed Tohsaka, a lineage that has bred two girls with 40 high-quality circuits and enough stubbornness to sidetrack wars. Simply put, she nearly died, and Zaveid's casual tone doesn't inspire her to behave.
Besides, she already knows who did the asking, and whatever emotion that conjures up...
She decides to put it out of her mind, think on it later. First there's the issue of getting out of the bed, and with his mouth pulled into a stubborn line, Sakura forces her tired limbs to scoot for the edge until she successfully folds her knees over the side.
... And it's here that she stays for now, chest heaving from that minimal effort, body anchored in place with her arms locked to her sides.]
[ His casual tone never helps. Possibly reasons he's not going to stop.
Well, she's still on the bed. Zaveid doesn't give any reaction while he's facing away that he knows she's moving, buuut there's no surprise to him when he turns back around with water and finds her there. ]
Y'know.. resting is good for fevers. And not falling on your face is great. [ He just crosses back over, holds the glass at her face level. Take this before you get up and spill it on yourself? ]
[Such a weak, poorly constructed lie on every conceivable layer, and that she'd collapse toward the floor without the support of her arms burns at what little pride she has. She isn't such a fool that she refuses the water, however; her tongue may as well be made of sandpaper, and very carefully, Sakura shifts the majority of her weight onto one hand, allowing the other to slowly track for the glass]
[Zaveid's answer is greeted with silence on Sakura's end; she has to concentrate on holding the glass steady in her hand once her fingers wrap around, and then on the delicate maneuvering that brings the edge of it against her parched lips. It's a trial worth the energy spent, at least, as every swallow feels like it brings a little more of her humanity back.]
... Zaveid-san.
Why are you here?
[The question comes after she lets the glass fall into the hollow space between her legs. Yes, she knows he's answered her already, but frankly - it's hard to believe that Rin would willingly invite a stranger to a conflict between two opposing mage families.]
Are you her ally?
[Her head dips, the exhausting helping to keep her expression in safe neutral, but it can't shadow the dark look that crosses her eyes. She remembers nothing but the kiss of a knife to her throat, the slight narrowing of Rin's pupils as she judged Sakura's life and found it wanting. She might be alive, but until she understands the circumstances behind the strange fact, a true Matou heir would consider Zaveid as much of an enemy.
And she's the only one with worms squirming inside her.]
Well, that's such a loaded question we could probably sling it at queenie and do some damage.
[ How does he answer this. ]
Yes and no. Yes, because I would rather she stays mentally and physically sound, for personal reasons. [ Zaveid's not going to share more about his vessel status than he needs to right now. Sure, Rin wants Sakura alive, but the other way around?
... Not that hurting him will really do anything to Rin, but, well. ]
No, because all I know is there's blood on the snow, and she was pretty intent on getting you patched up. Again, all I'm interested is her staying all even up here. [ He taps the side of his head with a grin. ]
As even as you humans get, anyway.
[ .. If Sakura hadn't noticed by now that he's only human appearing, there's a verbal hint. ]
[Sakura had suspected at Zaveid's... uniqueness, but only after running off during their first meeting - caught under the mistletoe when it was still a prank instead of a death sentence. Her crest is sensitive, always lusting after mana, and in that brief moment when she'd felt the wind stir around her ears, Zaveid had seemed more a Servant than a human.
That had all been guesswork, however. A pause for consideration, but no reason to treat him differently without due cause. Now that the confirmation comes directly from the windbearer's mouth? Well, she's stuck helpless in a room with another dangerous creature. There's no escaping the same script.]
Tohsaka-senpai wouldn't be affected by something like this. [For as quiet as the girl is, she speaks with authority, as if she knows, carefully sidestepping around the other statements laid out before her. Her eyes remain covered by the foot of her bangs] Please don't underestimate her. I'm sure she's fine.
Sure, sure, sayin' she is at least. [ Light and airy - and, well, yes, Sakura's right. Rin's staying pretty level about this... now.
And she's right, he's dangerous. Hasn't exactly told Rin how right on the mark her black sheep comment had been, but, well. This is her .... situation, he's keeping to the sidelines on it.
So there's a laugh, a slightly bitter edge. Underestimating? ]
I'm not in the habit of underestimating humans. You lot pull off enough country saves and world dooms on your own, without all this mage business.
Yes, I suppose you're right. [A neutral tone to match a neutral stare, if only she could keep her eyes from narrowing. So he knows about mages? Given everything that's happened and his connection with Rin, it barely counts as a surprise.
Sakura doesn't keep up the subtle glare of judgment for long. Too much wasted effort for far too little gain, though she feels a lesser strength returning to her fingers and limbs. Holding the glass doesn't feel like carrying a block of concrete, and she's able to shift it into her palm before setting it on a nightstand near the bed.
And then she attempts to rise, using all her gathered energy to keep her knees locked and her arms stubbornly perched on the stand. It's a miracle that she makes it, but obvious why there's no point in her walking. Her chest heaves, nerves protesting by shooting tremors through her muscles.]
Excuse me, Zaveid-san, but I'll be going back to my own room.
[Rin's voice sounds off, pointed and incredibly close. Her body is not far behind it, stepping into the room from the stairway. Alert and with eyes intensely focused, it'd be hard to believe she was half-asleep just minutes ago if Zaveid hadn't said as much from keeping an eye on her.
Honestly, she feels barely rested at all, but it's thanks to that she was able to rouse so quickly when the conversation Zaveid filtered to her on the winds reached her ears. She's been listening to them ever since he offered to fetch Sakura the water, dragging her heavy body up the stairs with mouse-like quietness. Who needs a spirit body to sneak around? She'd like to say it's much more impressive watching a human do it.
Sakura is not a pretty sight. Contrary to the concern Rin failed again and again to hide at her side last night, standing before her now she doesn't appear to care in the slightest. Not outwardly. It's almost as if she's trying to prove Zaveid's comments wrong; not that Sakura would know the difference.]
The sun will be rising soon, and a throng of faces with it. We can't stay in this place much longer without provoking unwanted questions, so I'm afraid we can't dally waiting for you to get your feet back under you, Sakura.
There is, however, just enough time for us to have an important discussion. Here or in your room, Sakura? You're not getting out of it either way, so I'll afford you that decision.
[ ... And that is totally like dropping the temperature down to that snowy outside, the moment Rin walks in. Wow, okay.
He's familiar with putting on a strong face. His just is a little odder than most, so if his orange eyes are a bit knowing when he glances between them, it's just because she's... still proving his point to him.
But he steps to the side, out of a direct line of fire and.. maybe a little in the way of a window. No jumping to freedom, Sakura.
And actually, he does have something helpful to add. ]
And if it takes long here, I can get us all inside without being seen. Or just one of you, which would probably work out just the same.
[Even if she could afford the energy, Sakura suspects it would be in bad taste to look Zaveid in the eye while gesturing knowingly at the newest presence in the room. "Intent on getting her patched up", he's said? Yes, because there's no room for unsightly displays when you're a Tohsaka.
Rin must get that from her father.
Zaveid would be given a cold stare if she'd noticed him strategically placing himself between her and the window (she knows Rin better than you, it'd be pointless to run and expect to get far), but her head has remained bowed ever since Rin started rattling off her meager options like some royal decree. So it's between discussing her immediate future in this stifled room, a prisoner and her two jailers, or going off to sully her one and only sanctuary with Happy caught in the crossfire. The decision isn't a hard one]
... H-here is fine. [A deep, shuddering breath and a prayer to will her legs more strength. No, she doesn't want to sit yet, not while the other two remain standing. Besides, she thinks Rin's tone is proof enough that she isn't bothered by what kind of ugly sight Sakura presents as.
She can always count on her sister to be consistent.]
Will Zaveid-san be joining us, Tohsaka-senpai? [And why, why didn't you just kill her?]
[Setting the tone of the situation, even if it's a harsh one, does much to settle Rin's nerves. She's been able to occupy her mind somewhat last night with numerous chores, but uncertainty and the wait had dug into her skin like barbed wire. Confronted with a situation she can control, finally — finally — she can feel its bloody grasp loosen.
Looking at her sister, Rin supposes she should feel guilty for that. Despite her good intentions, Rin doesn't sugarcoat things even in her own head; this is a personal attack. But with shuddering breaths, Sakura withstands it with grace, with dignity and a bowed head that reminds her closely but not in quite the same way of their mother.
To make her look like that, she should feel very guilty, but she doesn't. I'm sorry, Sakura. You have a selfish older sister.]
No. [Her voice softens now that she has Sakura's cooperation, though it remains level.] This is a private matter between you and I.
[Her mask slips for a moment there, minor annoyance making the corners of her mouth and eyes twitch.]
As private as I can make it, at any rate. [She'll explain in a moment, Sakura. Face relaxing, she looks back over to the seraphim.]
Zaveid, leave us. Please. [She remembers, belatedly. Their relationship is only similar to those of Master and Servant, but that difference is key.] Your offer is noted and appreciated. When we need to take you up on it, I'll call for you.
[ As private as life can get when Shepherds and Seraphim are involved.
And because she remembers, he doesn't do much more than tilt his head at her. Close one, he was about to be an ass for her trying to order him about. ]
Yeah, sure. Wind'll let me know, so no need to shout or anythin'.
[ And he'll take a lazy walk on out.
... and the wind doesn't flow to follow him, keeping with the direction that would blow out to sea. Look, he's not obviously eavesdropping! ]
[Sakura waits until Zaveid has left the room, and then, as if his departure is permission, slowly lowers her weight back onto the bed. But only the edge. Her body will just have to handle the strain of remaining upright, though negating some of the effects of gravity on her legs has already cut her fatigue in half.
It should warm her, knowing that she's well enough to avoid toppling to the floor in front of Rin. Instead, Sakura folds both hands into her lap, eyes cast aside and features dragging. Rin is the one who wants to discuss their private matter, so... it's probably best to remain silent until the other girl starts]
[Rin waits a few moments, head canted to the side as if counting footsteps that aren't there; sensing the way the air moves. Zaveid's departure was marked by remarkably little fanfare, from what she would have expected. She wonders what got into him.
But for now, on the surface, it's just the two of them. Rin's attention slowly turns back to Sakura, her frame resting delicately against the bed's edge as if afraid to touch it.
Across from her is the chair Zaveid used. It's the logical place to sit, but Rin doesn't very much want to. Striding across the floor in even steps, she takes the end of the bed and crossing one leg over the other. Staring straight ahead, she pats the empty space behind Sakura, as if telling her to sit back as fully as Rin is.]
[Sakura doesn't look to Rin as she moves, or much react when she feels the bed dip from the weight of an extra body. Allow her this stillness, it's all she has left: the wish to turn to stone and avoid a conversation all together. It'd been a different reality on the rooftop, where she'd been waiting for the confrontation, knowingly hunted - expecting the logical option that would seep someone's blood into the snow. Ugly and calculated on both of their parts, but that's the life of a mage.
Here, in this room? She feels caged for different reasons, and it's because she doesn't know what will happen. Except it's unlikely she's going to die. The thought should bring her comfort - that for whatever reason, Rin has at bare minimum deemed it too troublesome to leave her dead. All it actually does is cause her throat to tighten over a wail only she can hear, and her chin-tuck becomes more pronounced.
She obeys Rin's cue to sit further on the bed without comment.]
[Now that she's sitting on it, Rin's not sure she understands Sakura's anxiousness to get up so hastily. The bed is so comfortable, Rin thinks if she lies here she might never get up again.
Of course, such idle observations would be the furthest thing from Sakura's mind, as tense as she is, so maybe Rin can understand after all. She doesn't leave her to stew longer than necessary.]
Zaveid is aware of what happened between us last night.
[She starts off, quietly. A warning, it almost sounds apologetic.]
He won't intentionally eavesdrop on this conversation, but it's likely he'll overhear and learn some of the truth about us regardless. It could be a non-issue, but so you're aware...
[Whether the words are to be taken as permission from the Matou heir or just the tired acceptance of Sakura doesn't matter. From Rin's explanation, the girl assumes her disapproval wouldn't change the situation regardless.]
He already explained some things to me. [In half-truths that were wrapped up in the wind itself, but it had been enough to dictate where Zaveid's loyalties were.]
[Yes, she overheard. She could have done without the implications to how poorly she handled it, but her act seems to have convinced Sakura otherwise, so she has little to chew him out for.
And if Sakura has no complaints, she may as well move on to the most important point then.]
From this point forward, when you need mana you're to come to me.
[Sakura knew that something was coming. She's already toed against too many rules and waits in preparation for another reprimand. Another taste of judgment. Rin doesn't need to kill her to make her feelings clear.
But -- that reply -- it's so outside her realm of expectation that Sakura twists her head in muted shock, mouth working open and closed as she tries to work up a reply. Her hands grip at her dirtied skirt, hard enough to tear]
... Eh?
[No, is her first thought, and it's nearly the answer she gives. Absolutely not, not her sister. She doesn't care if it's a simple matter on paper, the transferring of mana between persons. Sakura's sins are too heavily coiled around the wishes of her Grandfather, and she realizes that even here, she can't escape it.
A stranger is one thing; she refuses to taint the only other person from her world.]
But... why would you...? [How pathetic she must sound, hanging her emotions on an easily answered question: Because you won't attack anyone this way. But pragmatics won't answer the question she truly wants answered - and Sakura isn't brave enough to finish.]
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Dec. 21 / Action
It's almost a mercy when she does snap back into an awakened state: eyes flung open and her entire body going very still. She instinctively senses that the mattress underneath her is foreign, the pillow one she's never laid her head upon. This isn't her bed, which means this isn't her room, and that numb admission is all the permission her memories need to flood her consciousness.
She fought with Nee-san. She lost. Her crest turned on her... and somehow she's still alive.
Yes, alive. If the rise and fall of her own breathing wasn't proof enough, Sakura can feel her raw nerves drum in time with the movement of her crest - the worms, very much alive as well, that have been sated by mana. Her body's overrun by fever, but her crest has reached finally reached an equilibrium.
That she can't remember how this happened - holes in her memory and body, replaced by someone's screaming - is what prompts Sakura to move, forcing her body into a sitting position. The effort costs her dearly. By the time she's upright she's winded, panting through her parched mouth, but stubbornness keeps her steady. Once she gulps down enough air, she slowly begins to swing her legs over the edge of the bed.]
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He reaches the bedside, standing... a little purposefully too close, if she was going to stand.
Zaveid remembers how shy she was, not so long ago, maybe the idea of standing will actually register as a bad one if it means being in personal space with him. ]
Sounds like you could use some water. Gunna stay put so I don't have to haul you back into bed when I return?
[ If sitting up makes her pant, there's no way she'd get to her feet for long, he thinks. ]
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It very much places her near the center of bed, and as if somehow sensing that this was his intent, there's a subtle but audible layer of ice to her nervous stuttering]
Z-zaveid-san? ... Why are you here?
[She looks at him, then to the sides, stare jerked to every corner of the room like an anxious rabbit ready to leap for escape or exhaust itself trying. It's why it doesn't occur to her that the question she asks is a valid one. Sensible questions would require sensible thought, but right now her mind is caught in an ebb and flow that syncs with her racing heart, body language more honest than it's ever been. She would like him gone, thank you.]
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I was asked. [ To keep an eye on her while she slept. To show up at all? Nope. But, still, its technically true.
... Zaveid turns on a heel, stepping away to find where that water went. ]
I meant it, though. Some water would do you good. [ The breeze all flows to him, so her movements aren't going to be a surprise at all, but he thinks she's going to stay put. ]
Clear your head a little, at least.
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It isn't Zaveid's fault that he's dealing with an unnamed Tohsaka, a lineage that has bred two girls with 40 high-quality circuits and enough stubbornness to sidetrack wars. Simply put, she nearly died, and Zaveid's casual tone doesn't inspire her to behave.
Besides, she already knows who did the asking, and whatever emotion that conjures up...
She decides to put it out of her mind, think on it later. First there's the issue of getting out of the bed, and with his mouth pulled into a stubborn line, Sakura forces her tired limbs to scoot for the edge until she successfully folds her knees over the side.
... And it's here that she stays for now, chest heaving from that minimal effort, body anchored in place with her arms locked to her sides.]
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Well, she's still on the bed. Zaveid doesn't give any reaction while he's facing away that he knows she's moving, buuut there's no surprise to him when he turns back around with water and finds her there. ]
Y'know.. resting is good for fevers. And not falling on your face is great. [ He just crosses back over, holds the glass at her face level. Take this before you get up and spill it on yourself? ]
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[Such a weak, poorly constructed lie on every conceivable layer, and that she'd collapse toward the floor without the support of her arms burns at what little pride she has. She isn't such a fool that she refuses the water, however; her tongue may as well be made of sandpaper, and very carefully, Sakura shifts the majority of her weight onto one hand, allowing the other to slowly track for the glass]
...Tohsaka-senpai -- where is she?
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Downstairs. Probably waking up soonish, if she isn't already.
[ Still casual, almost lazy. Zaveid isn't sure what exactly she's doing, because he's focusing more on getting the sound down to her. ]
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... Zaveid-san.
Why are you here?
[The question comes after she lets the glass fall into the hollow space between her legs. Yes, she knows he's answered her already, but frankly - it's hard to believe that Rin would willingly invite a stranger to a conflict between two opposing mage families.]
Are you her ally?
[Her head dips, the exhausting helping to keep her expression in safe neutral, but it can't shadow the dark look that crosses her eyes. She remembers nothing but the kiss of a knife to her throat, the slight narrowing of Rin's pupils as she judged Sakura's life and found it wanting. She might be alive, but until she understands the circumstances behind the strange fact, a true Matou heir would consider Zaveid as much of an enemy.
And she's the only one with worms squirming inside her.]
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[ How does he answer this. ]
Yes and no. Yes, because I would rather she stays mentally and physically sound, for personal reasons. [ Zaveid's not going to share more about his vessel status than he needs to right now. Sure, Rin wants Sakura alive, but the other way around?
... Not that hurting him will really do anything to Rin, but, well. ]
No, because all I know is there's blood on the snow, and she was pretty intent on getting you patched up. Again, all I'm interested is her staying all even up here. [ He taps the side of his head with a grin. ]
As even as you humans get, anyway.
[ .. If Sakura hadn't noticed by now that he's only human appearing, there's a verbal hint. ]
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That had all been guesswork, however. A pause for consideration, but no reason to treat him differently without due cause. Now that the confirmation comes directly from the windbearer's mouth? Well, she's stuck helpless in a room with another dangerous creature. There's no escaping the same script.]
Tohsaka-senpai wouldn't be affected by something like this. [For as quiet as the girl is, she speaks with authority, as if she knows, carefully sidestepping around the other statements laid out before her. Her eyes remain covered by the foot of her bangs] Please don't underestimate her. I'm sure she's fine.
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And she's right, he's dangerous. Hasn't exactly told Rin how right on the mark her black sheep comment had been, but, well. This is her .... situation, he's keeping to the sidelines on it.
So there's a laugh, a slightly bitter edge. Underestimating? ]
I'm not in the habit of underestimating humans. You lot pull off enough country saves and world dooms on your own, without all this mage business.
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Yes, I suppose you're right. [A neutral tone to match a neutral stare, if only she could keep her eyes from narrowing. So he knows about mages? Given everything that's happened and his connection with Rin, it barely counts as a surprise.
Sakura doesn't keep up the subtle glare of judgment for long. Too much wasted effort for far too little gain, though she feels a lesser strength returning to her fingers and limbs. Holding the glass doesn't feel like carrying a block of concrete, and she's able to shift it into her palm before setting it on a nightstand near the bed.
And then she attempts to rise, using all her gathered energy to keep her knees locked and her arms stubbornly perched on the stand. It's a miracle that she makes it, but obvious why there's no point in her walking. Her chest heaves, nerves protesting by shooting tremors through her muscles.]
Excuse me, Zaveid-san, but I'll be going back to my own room.
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[Rin's voice sounds off, pointed and incredibly close. Her body is not far behind it, stepping into the room from the stairway. Alert and with eyes intensely focused, it'd be hard to believe she was half-asleep just minutes ago if Zaveid hadn't said as much from keeping an eye on her.
Honestly, she feels barely rested at all, but it's thanks to that she was able to rouse so quickly when the conversation Zaveid filtered to her on the winds reached her ears. She's been listening to them ever since he offered to fetch Sakura the water, dragging her heavy body up the stairs with mouse-like quietness. Who needs a spirit body to sneak around? She'd like to say it's much more impressive watching a human do it.
Sakura is not a pretty sight. Contrary to the concern Rin failed again and again to hide at her side last night, standing before her now she doesn't appear to care in the slightest. Not outwardly. It's almost as if she's trying to prove Zaveid's comments wrong; not that Sakura would know the difference.]
The sun will be rising soon, and a throng of faces with it. We can't stay in this place much longer without provoking unwanted questions, so I'm afraid we can't dally waiting for you to get your feet back under you, Sakura.
There is, however, just enough time for us to have an important discussion. Here or in your room, Sakura? You're not getting out of it either way, so I'll afford you that decision.
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He's familiar with putting on a strong face. His just is a little odder than most, so if his orange eyes are a bit knowing when he glances between them, it's just because she's... still proving his point to him.
But he steps to the side, out of a direct line of fire and.. maybe a little in the way of a window. No jumping to freedom, Sakura.
And actually, he does have something helpful to add. ]
And if it takes long here, I can get us all inside without being seen. Or just one of you, which would probably work out just the same.
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Rin must get that from her father.
Zaveid would be given a cold stare if she'd noticed him strategically placing himself between her and the window (she knows Rin better than you, it'd be pointless to run and expect to get far), but her head has remained bowed ever since Rin started rattling off her meager options like some royal decree. So it's between discussing her immediate future in this stifled room, a prisoner and her two jailers, or going off to sully her one and only sanctuary with Happy caught in the crossfire. The decision isn't a hard one]
... H-here is fine. [A deep, shuddering breath and a prayer to will her legs more strength. No, she doesn't want to sit yet, not while the other two remain standing. Besides, she thinks Rin's tone is proof enough that she isn't bothered by what kind of ugly sight Sakura presents as.
She can always count on her sister to be consistent.]
Will Zaveid-san be joining us, Tohsaka-senpai? [And why, why didn't you just kill her?]
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Looking at her sister, Rin supposes she should feel guilty for that. Despite her good intentions, Rin doesn't sugarcoat things even in her own head; this is a personal attack. But with shuddering breaths, Sakura withstands it with grace, with dignity and a bowed head that reminds her closely but not in quite the same way of their mother.
To make her look like that, she should feel very guilty, but she doesn't. I'm sorry, Sakura. You have a selfish older sister.]
No. [Her voice softens now that she has Sakura's cooperation, though it remains level.] This is a private matter between you and I.
[Her mask slips for a moment there, minor annoyance making the corners of her mouth and eyes twitch.]
As private as I can make it, at any rate. [She'll explain in a moment, Sakura. Face relaxing, she looks back over to the seraphim.]
Zaveid, leave us. Please. [She remembers, belatedly. Their relationship is only similar to those of Master and Servant, but that difference is key.] Your offer is noted and appreciated. When we need to take you up on it, I'll call for you.
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And because she remembers, he doesn't do much more than tilt his head at her. Close one, he was about to be an ass for her trying to order him about. ]
Yeah, sure. Wind'll let me know, so no need to shout or anythin'.
[ And he'll take a lazy walk on out.
... and the wind doesn't flow to follow him, keeping with the direction that would blow out to sea. Look, he's not obviously eavesdropping! ]
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It should warm her, knowing that she's well enough to avoid toppling to the floor in front of Rin. Instead, Sakura folds both hands into her lap, eyes cast aside and features dragging. Rin is the one who wants to discuss their private matter, so... it's probably best to remain silent until the other girl starts]
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But for now, on the surface, it's just the two of them. Rin's attention slowly turns back to Sakura, her frame resting delicately against the bed's edge as if afraid to touch it.
Across from her is the chair Zaveid used. It's the logical place to sit, but Rin doesn't very much want to. Striding across the floor in even steps, she takes the end of the bed and crossing one leg over the other. Staring straight ahead, she pats the empty space behind Sakura, as if telling her to sit back as fully as Rin is.]
You'll fall off like that.
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Here, in this room? She feels caged for different reasons, and it's because she doesn't know what will happen. Except it's unlikely she's going to die. The thought should bring her comfort - that for whatever reason, Rin has at bare minimum deemed it too troublesome to leave her dead. All it actually does is cause her throat to tighten over a wail only she can hear, and her chin-tuck becomes more pronounced.
She obeys Rin's cue to sit further on the bed without comment.]
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Of course, such idle observations would be the furthest thing from Sakura's mind, as tense as she is, so maybe Rin can understand after all. She doesn't leave her to stew longer than necessary.]
Zaveid is aware of what happened between us last night.
[She starts off, quietly. A warning, it almost sounds apologetic.]
He won't intentionally eavesdrop on this conversation, but it's likely he'll overhear and learn some of the truth about us regardless. It could be a non-issue, but so you're aware...
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[Whether the words are to be taken as permission from the Matou heir or just the tired acceptance of Sakura doesn't matter. From Rin's explanation, the girl assumes her disapproval wouldn't change the situation regardless.]
He already explained some things to me. [In half-truths that were wrapped up in the wind itself, but it had been enough to dictate where Zaveid's loyalties were.]
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And if Sakura has no complaints, she may as well move on to the most important point then.]
From this point forward, when you need mana you're to come to me.
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But -- that reply -- it's so outside her realm of expectation that Sakura twists her head in muted shock, mouth working open and closed as she tries to work up a reply. Her hands grip at her dirtied skirt, hard enough to tear]
... Eh?
[No, is her first thought, and it's nearly the answer she gives. Absolutely not, not her sister. She doesn't care if it's a simple matter on paper, the transferring of mana between persons. Sakura's sins are too heavily coiled around the wishes of her Grandfather, and she realizes that even here, she can't escape it.
A stranger is one thing; she refuses to taint the only other person from her world.]
But... why would you...? [How pathetic she must sound, hanging her emotions on an easily answered question: Because you won't attack anyone this way. But pragmatics won't answer the question she truly wants answered - and Sakura isn't brave enough to finish.]
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