⚔ 008; [video; morning of 10/24]

[croibhristeoir]

[ooc: This is a joint post with caliburns, because misunderstandings happen a lot with these guys. Expect responses from both of them.]

[The phone fell to the floor when a small misstep caused Lancer to nudge the table it was on--in accordance with Murphy's Law, of course the video turned on. For the moment, it focused mainly on a lump of sheets and blankets a skilled eye might recognize as Saber. Just offscreen, a familiar voice could be heard muttering to himself.]

...thought for certain it was here yesterday, it's not as if it could just wander off.

[Lancer wandered onscreen, mostly in the background as he carefully examined yonder closet.]

[Now, Prospero, you may well notice three things about Lancer. One is that his hair is notably disheveled. Another is that he has a nasty looking pair of scars from some kind of stab wound lined up on his chest and back.]

[The third, directly following the second, is that he's not wearing a shirt. Sharing a room with Saber and not wearing a shirt. Scandalous. Also hot damn.]

Are you awake, Saber? I seem to have lost something. [Pause.] Additionally, I think that perhaps we should discuss last night. That was an occurrence of no small significance for both of us, I think.

[Silence. The blanket lump shifted--you have disturbed the sleeping lion, Lancer.]

...It is at least safe to say I will be feeling the effect of that final thrust for some time yet, Lancer.

...perhaps the conclusion was a bit more forceful than I'd intended, yes.

[WELL SHIT PROSPERO, DOESN'T THAT SOUND LIKE AN INTERESTING CONVERSATION. TOO BAD, VIDEO CUTS OUT THERE.]

Comments

action;

[ex_cashcow493]

I have imposed on you enough for the day, have I not?

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[croibhristeoir]

That would imply this was at all an imposition to begin with.

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[ex_cashcow493]

It is not customary for a man to tend to his opponent's wounds.

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[croibhristeoir]

...why do you assume I only think of you as an opponent? Did I not swear loyalty to you?

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[ex_cashcow493]

You did. However, does it not seem strange to you that you are the one to nurse the wound you dealt to me?

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[croibhristeoir]

Why shouldn't I, as long as I'm able to?

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[ex_cashcow493]

Is it not difficult to enjoy victory when you are helping me to recover from it?

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[croibhristeoir]

Saber, it is a far less simple matter than merely enjoying victory. There are a great deal of aspects to these events I find myself enjoying, and helping you with your injury would take away none of that.

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[ex_cashcow493]

[ A great deal of aspects, eh? That catches her curiosity. ]

Such as?

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[croibhristeoir]

Last night was...notable, to me, for many reasons. Whether I won or lost is irrelevant, as events themselves would still have been significant.

That was the first time I have fought for purposes entirely my own. In doing so I was able to give you the respectful and honorable duel you deserved, seen through to its end. I would have been just as content to have lost under such conditions.

I'm...happy, Saber. For the first time in so long that I'm not sure if I have ever truly felt as such.

action;

[ex_cashcow493]

Happy..

[ Way to make the guy happy for reasons unrelated to their UST, Saber. ]

I understand. It soothes my own thoughts to know that I could have helped you in such a manner.

action;

[croibhristeoir]

[Somewhat unrelated.]

I'm glad to hear that, Saber.

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[ex_cashcow493]

You are?

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[croibhristeoir]

Of course. I would be concerned if our duel somehow resulted in any kind of malice between us.

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[ex_cashcow493]

Malice... no, I cannot think on such things.

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[croibhristeoir]

I would hope I've done nothing to upset you.

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[ex_cashcow493]

[ Suddenly, something does dawn on her as she pulls the sheets in closer to keep herself fully covered. ]

You.. you did not look at me when I was returning your shirt, right?

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[croibhristeoir]

I didn't exactly go out of my way to do so, why do you ask?

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[ex_cashcow493]

WELL WHY THE HELL NOT, LANCER?

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[ex_cashcow493]

[ No, that other tag isn't real... ]

I thought I should inquire about it.

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[croibhristeoir]

[Sure it isn't.]

...I am not the kind of person my reputation must surely make me seem like, Saber.

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[ex_cashcow493]

I care not for your reputation of the past, Lancer. I mean .. even now.. I..

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[croibhristeoir]

[She didn't? Lancer knew that shouldn't have been surprising to hear, and yet...somehow it was.]

...I'm listening, Saber.

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[ex_cashcow493]

Never mind it, Lancer. We have things of greater importance to discuss. You made mention of it last night, no?

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[croibhristeoir]

Ah...right. I did say something like that, didn't I?

If you would still be willing to listen, I might like to speak freely about it for a change.