ғaтe/alт.dιѕтorтιon ii

[formidable]

Private AU/PSL RP, set in the Fate/stay night universe. Multiple Servants of each class are being summoned or are rogue and appear from mysterious rifts along with shadow-like monsters, threatening to tear apart this unstable and distorted alternate reality. ➤ PART I ➢ FSN AU Lien Kha. ➤ FSN AU Ai Thao Kha. ➢ Fate/ALT.distortion Playlist.

Comments

[onoir]

That's just as well. Knowing the caliber of the one I serve is important.

[ And, after a beat: ]

...Knowing more about you is also important.

[emotive]

... I said it before, when we first started out with each other... You're free to ask me anything.

[Or something along those lines. It's been a few weeks since they've met each other. It feels so long ago now.]

[onoir]

Anything.

[ He parrots that word, then turns his head slightly to look at her. ]

A question, then— what will you do after this war?

[emotive]

Well... I want to continue my formal education as a magus at the Clock Tower in London. I'm trying to convince my sister to come along too! It's up to her in the end, but I think she should take advantage of what's offered there even if she doesn't plan to rise in rank or anything ambitious like that.

As for me, I'd want to become a magus that can teach others, especially those who aren't from prestigious backgrounds, such as myself.

[onoir]

A teacher. I see.

[ A moment to digest this, after which he breathes a short laugh. Not to patronize her, but because he isn't surprised— it's a nice feeling, to be able to know the quality of the person you've become closer to. ]

You have a knack for touching the lives of people you encounter. No doubt you'll be an excellent mentor.

[emotive]

Mm... If I learn to speak in a charming manner like that, than maybe what you say will become true...

[onoir]

You don't mean to tell me that you think you're not charming. I've been charmed by you from the start, Master.

1/3

[emotive]

Ah. Well, then.

. . .

. . .

. . .

[emotive]

[ INWARDLY YELLING ]

[emotive]

[Her cheeks are clearly pinker than it was before and one hand moves down to her chest, to feel her heartbeat and to gauge whether she's just...

What am I fearful for?

Ai should know it better than ever now; Diarmuid's words weren't insincere or mere flattery. He meant everything he said and she had allowed him to be frank with her. If it made her feel lighter than...]

... You.

[Her expression softens into a tender smile.]

You are beyond words.

[onoir]

[ At first, when he was told that he was 'too much', he hadn't really understood what Ai or Lien meant— but now, it feels like a compliment. Something he can be proud about, if maybe slightly embarrassed.

After a moment's pause, his reaction is to smile; nothing about it is particularly coy, and he accepts the statement without judgment. Takes it for what it is. ]

If so, perhaps you'd regale me with song.

[ A humble request from someone who doesn't ask much. ]

[emotive]

Ah... Well, if you're asking, of course I can't refuse.

But what to sing now...? [She's kind of excited, he's never specifically asked her for this before. Ai wants the song to be special now!]

[onoir]

Anything.

[ Is his simple answer, not just because he doesn't know the songs in this century; he just enjoys listening to her sing from her heart. ]

Though I still remember the one song—

[ and he hums a few bars of 'Fly me to the moon'. ]

[emotive]

[... She wishes a song would suffice, that it would be enough to say the words that could reach his heart and let it know the depth of her feeling.

But maybe, Ai thinks, they've gone farther along with each other than they ever expected it to come. She lets go of his arm, to take a few steps ahead. Clearing her throat, she begins the song, but the start is different.]

Poets often use many words
To say a simple thing.
It takes thought, and time, and rhyme
To make a poem sing ♬

[Ai turns to be face to face with Diarmuid, with both of her hands over her heart.]

With music and words I've been playing...

[One hand stretches towards him for the next verse.]

For you I have written this song.

[The world around her feels like a stage as she continues, her gaze, and her voice, only for him.]

To be sure you known what I'm saying...
I'll translate as I go along... ♬

[She closes her eyes.]

Fly me to the moon...

[onoir]

[ It wasn't rare, in those old days where things were scarce, to be rewarded with song. This reminds him of those days, tucked in banquet halls with people he trusted at his side, his heart full and heavy with purpose.

It's her, though: she makes the difference. She's a singularity, and her song isn't a war hymn, it's a quiet song about love.

His hand tightens just a bit around hers, because he knows she'll forgive him for it. ]

[emotive]

... Fill my heart with song
And let me sing forevermore... ♬

[When he takes her hand, Ai's heart skips a beat. But her eyes are still closed.]

You are all I long for
All I worship and adore.

[And that's how she knows it's a real thing, something she doesn't want to be ashamed of.]

[onoir]

[ And he listens, attentive not just out of a sense of duty, but for personal reasons he's also forgiven himself for: for however long he has, he'll value the happiness he's given her.

He doesn't ask for much, but he'll allow it of himself. For now. ]

[emotive]

[There's only two lines of the song left. But Ai's fallen quiet.]

... If I open my eyes... [Her grip on his hand becomes firm.]

And if I look at you as I finish this song... I won't wake up to find out it's only a dream. Right?

[onoir]

...As long as I don't dematerialize.

[ A joke, of course: he wouldn't be so cruel. But it's meant to be encouragement, a 'yes'. ]

[emotive]

[Maybe she hasn't sobered up enough or maybe she's gained some real courage because when he says that, joke or not, Ai pulls Diarmuid in to wrap her arms around him in a real, honest to goodness hug.]

Don't.

[She laughs lightly though.]

Or you'll earn my ire.

[onoir]

[ Drunk or no, Diarmuid doesn't mind. Her head is in perfect position for him to rest his chin on her hair, and he does; the light scent of lavender is calming. ]

I couldn't possibly, then. I'll stay.

[emotive]

Then in other words...

[She says the words instead of singing them as she rests her head against his chest.]

... No. You've been true all this time, haven't you?

[onoir]

I can only say that I've attempted to be. This was my miracle, my wish. I could hardly squander it.

[emotive]

Then whatever happens...

[She pulls back from the hug, but holds both of his hands.]

Everything that's happened to me, the good and the bad, it's all been worth it! It's all been worth it, just to be able to meet you and have you in my life.

[Even if it was temporary, even if this had been just a dream all along, Ai can't say she has regrets now.]