sweethymns | ғaтe/alт.dιѕтorтιon

[ If she expected him to be surprised, he isn't: instead, he quirks his lips as if to say "really", before reaching out with his free hand to let her rest her head on his shoulder, if even for a moment. ]

That's fine, then.

[It's so simple and it's so stupid at the same time. Those were the words that she would describe herself with right now. Holding someone's hand isn't supposed to be a big deal. But it is for her. Resting on the shoulder of someone you've only known for a little while isn't a big deal. But it is for her.

Her bangs cover her face as she rests against his shoulder and her gloved hand moves slightly as if she wants to hold on tighter, but is too afraid to do so. Her prana feels more prominent even with the glove on; after all they were just preventives and they couldn't fix her.]

... Tell me when we get to our stop. It's in 20 minutes.

Edited 2015-01-06 06:34 (UTC)

[ He wasn't lying in the past, when he said he likes hardheaded women. Lien is as stubborn as she can be roundabout, but he doesn't hold that against her; she's 19 and scared of things that she shouldn't be, and she's fighting. There's no way he can see that and dislike it.

Letting her settle, he waits until she's halfway asleep, before saying, in smooth Old Irish: ]

—Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.

[ "Under the shelter of each other, people survive."

He hopes that that'll be the case for her, at least. ]

[Something was changing. And although it was painful and uncertain when she tried to look into the blurred future, it was for the best.

☼ ☼

The rest of the ride back to the main city was uneventful, but peaceful. Lien's next routine of the day was a shift at Ahnenerbe, the charming Western style cafe with the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

As they go inside, Lien's already begun to undo her ear piercings, shaking her head.]

Only three holes and yet apparently that scares customers. Do I even look threatening with these...?

I wouldn't exactly file you under "threatening".

[ Says the Heroic Spirit of yore. He takes a look around the establishment, decides he likes the wooden furniture and the decor; something about it speaks to him, and he hums in contentment. ]

So, what do I do now? Sit around, help out?

You can take a seat and I'll get you some coffee, on the house.

[It's starting to get crowded though and Lien furrows her brow.]

Oh, geez. I came just on time didn't I? Grab a table before someone else does and I'll get back to you.

Lien-san!

Coming!

[Lien moves towards the cash register where a female coworker is looking a little harried. Of course, she's also takes notice of Lancer (who wouldn't) and there's a sequence of questioning looks and Lien answering carefully as she can. And then there's a lightbulb that goes off in said coworker's head and Lien crossing her arms and tilting her head as if uncertain.

And then she motions Lancer to come over. So much for relaxing.]

[ He's contemplating popping a cigarette in his mouth when he's called over, which he responds to with a quick look around, and then mouthing "me?". When he's certain that he's definitely the one being addressed, he gets up and brushes by the crowd to approach Lien and her coworker, hands on his hips and head tilted to the side in vague curiosity. ]

What, too busy? I can wait outside.

[And without missing a beat, Lien says:]

Kaori-san wants to see you in the waiter uniform.

[Which of course gets Kaori-san momentarily fuming, but she quickly simmers down; she's used to Lien's silliness after all and she claps her hands together bowing her head slightly at Lancer.]

I'm sorry! Lancer-kun is it?? We're quite short on help today and Lien-san said you're good at speaking other languages like English and Lien's the only other person who's any good at it. It's just for this afternoon, but if you're willing as Lien-san's acquaintance, this will only be the favor I'll ask of you!

[Lien puts her hands on her hips.]

So what about it? It's up to you, but I won't make you do something you don't want.

Edited 2015-01-07 00:52 (UTC)

[ A scratch of his chin and a low "hm" later, Lancer shrugs. ]

Why not.

[ He's about to say something along the lines of "in this day and age...", but he refrains. Best not to say weird things in front of strangers... ]

It's like barkeeping, right? Bringing drinks to people?

[Kaori-san looks happy enough, saying a few thank yous and Lien nods]

That's the gist of it. I have a feeling you'll catch on quick and we need the extra pair of hands.

[The co-worker points to the back where the changing rooms are.]

I'll hand you the uniform and you can change in the back! I'll fill you in with extra details after you're done, Lancer-san!

... Now, Lien-san, if only you'd agree to wearing the other uniform.

NO.

[Lien disappears into the women's changing room before this conversation can derail]

[ Lancer follows suit, moving over to the back of the cafe , outside of the partition of the changing area. ]

Huh. What's the "other uniform"?

[She shakes her head]

Let's just say we get more customers when the ladies wear it. And that it's frilly as hell.

Anyways, you're never gonna catch me wearing it.

Not a fan of dresses?

[ A quick "thanks" to Kaori for bringing him his clothes, and Lancer ducks into the next empty partition, looks his new clothes up and down. ]

Damn, this thing has a lot of layers.

I can wear them and I like 'em enough. Not the one they have here.

[She quickly changes into a sensible white blouse, black vest, pumps, and a black pencil skirt. When she comes back out, her ears are devoid of her usual piercings although the glasses stay on. She's tying up her hair into a bun.]

It's a little impractical compared to the normal one. You done yet?

[ He has a feeling she'll stare at him as if he's crazy if he ever mentions that some warriors went naked sometimes, so he keeps that to himself for now, stepping out in his vest and dress shirt combo while he adjusts his cuffs. ]

Yeah. It's a little small.

[ The sleeves are a little low against his wrists, but they're serviceable. A quick pat-down, and he opens his arms to show Lien how he looks. ]

Not bad?

[Lien pauses at the sight of him in his waiter uniform and again, she's thinking something that's only known to her in her head.]

... Too natural. Like, seriously, it suits you well. Almost too well.

I'll take that as a compliment.

[ A light laugh, and he tries to stand up a little straighter, in mock formality. ]

So, what do I say? I'm guessing I have to be "polite".

You're not completely a lost cause in that department. In all seriousness though, just be friendly, take people's orders, tell them to enjoy their drink or meal. A few don'ts would probably be to not linger around each table too long, don't get annoyed too quickly by a sour customer...

[A beat.]

Don't flirt with married women?

No promises if they start first.

[ Which is something he says in complete (but breezy) earnest, as he tightens his tie around his neck and fixes his collar...

...and something he doesn't lie about, either, when he finds himself engaged in conversation with the various gaggle of customers that he's seated and taken orders for. For a Hero of old, he's surprisingly well-adjusted to the era, if only because he's fundamentally good with people: quick to laugh, quick to joke while pulling back chairs, bringing people their food.

maybe he shouldn't be lingering for so long at each table, but miraculously, he manages not to hold everything up egregiously. ]

[Again, another surprise. In fact, Lien's not sure why any of this comes as even the mildest shock to her as Lancer shows off his chops; although it occurs to her that most of his interactions so far have mostly been exclusively with his Master. If he could deal with a person like her, it's not a stretch that it would extend to other people.

The way she was feeling previously when seeing him be friendly with the other girls at college was beginning to make sense. She was used to having his company to herself. And it made her feel so damn childish and immature thinking about how she felt back there.

She's been finding out a lot of things about herself lately.

Lien immerses herself in the next hour with her own duties, also taking orders, giving refills, and dealing with English speaking patrons. It starts to slow down thankfully, and Lien gets called to the back where they've somehow been able to make space for...]

... Oh, so the piano's fixed, huh?

[Kaori-san who's in high spirits since Lancer came around to help settle things down nods enthusiastically as she makes the last few polishes on an upright styled piano that's set up near a window where the most sunlight spilled in.]

Yes! Even if it's mostly for decoration, the manager thought it should at least have the dignity to be a proper, working instrument.

[Lien's fingers touch the keys, one note at a time.]

... Yeah, it's pretty nice. Mind if I test it out?

[It takes her a few minutes to get readjusted and to read this piano's past and to draw upon knowledge she already has herself.

Music begins to fill the air and its melody is like an airy and nostalgic dance. Lien looks relaxed and even has a peaceful smile on her face as she plays the piano. The cafe patrons are appreciative of the music as it adds to the pleasantries of the afternoon.]

Edited 2015-01-10 06:05 (UTC)

[ The addition of the music isn't half bad; a quick glance Lien's way, and Lancer picks up on the tune easily enough, whistling a few notes here and there as light feet bring him around the cafe, war-calloused hands lean against wood surfaces. For all that he is— a Servant, as undignified as the term may sound— he doesn't mind the transition from irregular to mundane. He's intimately familiar with it, after all.

This place is nice, he concludes. Not a very grandiose term, but he likes it well enough: it's quaint, quiet. The people are friendly, the coffee is good.

He thinks about how he can get used to this, but waves that thought away. Everything has its own time.

When the light through the window starts to redden, when streetlights turn on and curtains start getting drawn, is when Cu finally pulls his apron off and drapes it across his arm. ]

Not bad for a day's work.

[The number of customers have dwindled by then and Lien's wiping the last few tables in the back. At his assessment, she nods with a smile. Despite the long hours of work, her mood has actually improved.]

I'll say! You pretty much saved the day with the way you helped out.

[As pleasant as the day turned out to be there were other matters to attend to...]

Anyways, let's get changed and head on out.

Edited 2015-01-13 04:19 (UTC)

[ He hums a mild response, and quickly changes back into his civvies. Kaori-san gets a greeting and a word of thanks as he returns the apron, and a promise or two that he'll be back sometime ("don't sweat it, a lady who knows how to make good coffee is never a bad one in my book"), the rest of the staff get a few more brief but sincere words, and Cu is out of there like an errant squall: in and out, turbulent but no entirely terrible. ]

You work with some good people, you should take care of 'em.

Hm?

[She was fiddling with her long braid and was only partially listening until he mentions the last part.]

They're a nice group. I'm lucky to be working with them... So I guess I could.

[She looks forward and stretches her arms.]

I'm not staying in Japan forever though. I think I'll only be here in Fuyuki for about another year and a half before I go back.

[ She says that so flippantly that he's almost forgotten that it's easy for people to go from one place to another in this day and age; not that he's one to talk, with all of his own traveling, but. He always had Ulster to go back to. ]

Yeah? Any particular reason?

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject