( closed ) and so i ask of thee, are you my master?

[peopledieifkilled]

[ It had been a few days since he had summoned his Servant, and he still couldn't help but be rather surprised by the situation as a whole. Besides, Shirou didn't really understand it all honestly - regardless of the fact that both Tohsaka and that fake priest's explanations.

Early in the morning, he decides to cook up some breakfast for her. It's the least he can do, after all. For breakfast, he starts with some miso soup, rice and salmon. He won't wake her up, or at least, he'll try not to, since he wants her to have as much rest as she possible can-- seeing as he didn't make a proper contract with her.

Though he'll definitely go to check on her if the food almost gets cold.. ]

Comments

[frozenflame]

How could I not, Master? She's your family, in a way.

[She smiles at Shirou as she picks up her chopsticks and takes the first bite of the fish. And then another, and another.]

And this is excellent.

[peopledieifkilled]

Yeah. [ He won't disagree with her on that front, as he follows suit and begins to slowly eat breakfast. ]

And I'm glad you're enjoying it, Caster. So, what are our plans for today?

[frozenflame]

Plans?

[Oh, there were plans. Yes, that needed to be done, and so did this...and...

It takes her a moment, but eventually she nods and seems to settle on something.]

Today, we are going to garden. Your yard needs it badly. And it will let me build up our defenses.

[Yes, this is what she settled on.]

[peopledieifkilled]

Garden?

[ He raises a brow out of curiosity. ]

Well, it's not like it really needs much... [ It's barren, but it's taken care of very well. ]

[frozenflame]

Garden. Did you expect something else? I am, after all, blessed of the sun.

[Caster smiles gently before reaching over to one of the rather wilted looking flowers at the center of the table. Touching it, and with relatively little effort, she causes it to burst back into full bloom. And then turn to Shirou, sticking out a tongue-like appendage.]

I understand you do not know much of how the Grail War works, and how Servants function. Caster, as a class, typically builds a position of relative strength and draws enemies into that. And I accomplish that with gardening. I'll turn your home into a fortress, and then we can begin to expand into the rest of your neighborhood.

[peopledieifkilled]

[ Well, it's not as if he knows the true identity of Caster. He was already warned by Tohsaka not to figure it out, keeping into consideration that he wasn't all that powerful of a magus himself. It's true, though, that he does not understand how the War works; same going for how the Servants function.

It's only natural, isn't it? His father never told him anything, after all.

Finishing up breakfast, he nods to himself, standing up with a nod. Well, he keeps his yard very well maintained, but it's not as if he does much with it. ]

Alright. We'll have to go into town to buy some plants, then, if we're going to do that.

[frozenflame]

[Caster claps her hands as she finishes, rising with a light and airy smile.]

Absolutely. We'll need seeds, and a few potted ones, and if you don't have it a few supplies. Fertilizer, mostly. It'll be a lovely day, and I'll be able to regain some mana while we're out too.

It isn't far, is it?

[peopledieifkilled]

Don't worry, it's not that far. We can just walk there. [ He finishes up breakfast and begins to collect the dishes. ]

I'll go and clean this up and then we can go out right away.

[ He's already changed. ]

[frozenflame]

Alright. Give me just a moment to change then.

[She's still in a yukata, a thick one. And rising, she slips out of the kitchen and changes, returning in a more modern outfit. Red and black shirt and dress, a hairband, and stockings with flats. It takes a minute to swap out, but she won't leave the impression of being a traditionalist or anything.

And that's good, because despite being lovely, she doesn't want to draw attention to any of that. It would make things more difficult down the line.]

Are you prepared, Master?

[peopledieifkilled]

Yeah.

[ He nods to himself more than anything, though he does feel a little awkward still about being referred to as 'Master'. ]

Just make sure you don't actually... call me that when we're out.

[frozenflame]

Right, yes. Of course.

[She affects a bow.]

Shirou, then. And while we're out you can call me Yukiko.

[And not her real name: Konohana Sakuya]

[peopledieifkilled]

... Yukiko?

[ He hums a little, before nodding and smiling a bit. ]

That's a nice name. [ Adjusting himself, her starts to head out the door, putting his shoes on. ] Anyway, let's get going.

[frozenflame]

T-Thank you.

[Caster had never been a sociable person in life, so compliments were rare enough. She smiles and follows, slipping on her own shoes and reaching out to slip an arm around his. It's only proper, and she doesn't think anything of it. Just a wordless acknowledgement of appreciation and a silent promise of protection.]

I have a small list of what we'll need in my head, it should be simple things.

[peopledieifkilled]

Alright. I need to buy groceries anyway, so we can double up.

[ It's basically a two in one trip. But when she puts her arm around his, he finds himself blushing a little. ]

W-Wait, you probably shouldn't-- I mean, people are going to misunderstand!

[frozenflame]

It's better that they misunderstand than we get separated.

[Cool, rational, practical, Caster answers the concern with a half smile.]

I can't protect you if you're too far away.

[peopledieifkilled]

[ He's running his hand down his face right now. Does he have to spell it out for her? ]

You don't have to grab me like that, though.

[frozenflame]

What's wrong with that? I can protect you best if I'm in contact.

[That way she can extend some of her magic shields to him. Does she have to spell that out for him...?]

[peopledieifkilled]

Yeah, but I don't want people thinking that we're... dating. Besides, magi don't fight while the sun's out.

[frozenflame]

Magi may not, but they may have minions.

[A laugh.]

And would it be so bad? Am I...not pleasing to the eye?

[peopledieifkilled]

[ Was that supposed to be a joke? He's not really that sure himself... But he rubs the nape of his neck as his gaze shifts away from Caster's own. This is an awkward subject. Why are they talking about this again? Oh, right. He brought it up due to his own stupidity. ]

No, you're- [ beautiful, he was about to say, but stops himself in his tracks. ] A-Anyway, we should get going. Don't want to waste time.

[ Excuses, excuses. ]

[frozenflame]

[Caster beams, internally giggling just a bit and starts off, still holding on. The matter was settled, as far as she was concerned.]

So what kinds of flowers do you like? This is an important question...

[peopledieifkilled]

[ He still has a problem with this! But he can't stop her, now can he? ]

... I don't really have a preference. [ He's never really studied about flowers, or the flower language. ]

Maybe roses?

[frozenflame]

[He would have a hard time.]

Roses? Roses would make excellent defenders. And of course we'll have to find ourselves some lotus, and maybe a pumpkin or two.

[Caster smirks.]

Pumpkins are my favorite, really.

[peopledieifkilled]

Alright. [ Well, at least he'll be getting some things that will make his lackluster yard more beautiful. ]

Is there a reason why pumpkins are your favorite, though?

[frozenflame]

Well, aesthetically? They lend a kind of homey feel to a garden. They're very down to earth, very...I don't know, simple?

And in terms of defense? I...[She taps her chin.] I think the best way to describe them is as land-mines. And also potential vessels for escape.