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WHO: Shen Qingqiu and Tristan!
WHERE: Town Hall
WHEN: Sometime after this thread
WHAT: Birthday concert rehearsals are apparently just a thinly veiled excuse to talk about shattered love lives…
WARNINGS: None; will update

[ Tristan arrives at the appointed time and place with his harp in hand, and he’s looking about him with awe as he enters the building. Come to think of it…he’d never really set foot inside of this place before. And now that he’s taken a good look at the dilapidated state of things, well, he can see why.

But more than that, he hopes that the building can at least stand up to the acoustics. They might not be holding rock concerts here, but the place looks fragile enough that even the gentlest of strains might send it crashing down upon their heads… ]

Qingqiu? It is I, Archer.

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[ Jeez. I said to host it here but this place is a fucking shithole. He looks over the state of the inside of the building and wonders if it is going to be all right. Well! Decorating will be handled by Second Master Lan and Lady Maribelle. Both are capable and can make sure this place won't end up killing us all... Wouldn't that be just the biggest villain reveal!

Surprise, fuckers! You thought you were going to have a party but instead the party had you! Under rubble! He presses his lips together in thought as he lightly kicks a stone off to the side. Stand strong, little building.

Hm!! He makes a small noise as he turns around to greet Archer! Son! He knows better than to run over and ruffle his hair! He just had that feeling take over him, but was able to restrain himself. Instead, he walks over to him. Offering a warm smile, he greets the young man in turn.

Oh, hey. He's a Servant, too, isn't he? Giving him a look over, he reaches down to set his hand on the other's shoulder. That's real fucked up, buddy. ]

So it is. Hello. How have you been?

[ And here’s another milestone: they’ve finally met up again, in person, without the foolishness of the town trying to mess with them in some form or the other. And it does raise his spirits to see Qingqiu looking much better than he’d been when they were both trapped within his strange and rotting heart. ]

I am very well. Indeed, I am elated to see that you are in better spirits, Qingqiu.

[ Okay, the man looks clearly disappointed with the state of the town hall, but this place can be salvaged…probably. He’ll help clean up, anyway… ]

I apologize for worrying you.

[ Shen Qingqiu did say that he would forgive himself for what has happened, and care about himself a little more. The former has been fairly easy. It's hard to keep beating himself up when people honestly care and worry about him -- it makes him come off as some gloomy individual that sits in the corner and draws little circles on the wall with his index finger as he wishes that he'd be able to play with everyone when everyone has been adamantly inviting him to hang out!!

In short!! A huge whiny loser! He absolutely does not wnat to be seen as that sort of person! Absolutely not!!

Forgiveness came easy. The rest has a pin in it. He isn't certain if he ever will be capable of really liking himself, but hey, he has that issue pinned down and constantly looking at it. It's like a to-do list that is on the fridge that he walks by every day going, "Yeah, I'll get on that today." And then never does it.

But his mood can easily improve when he's doing something for someone else. He can take all of his issues and shove them under the rug with the simple mantra of: "That **** is just going to get in the way while I'm helping." He pats his leg down on the lump under the rug and throws himself wholeheartedly into his self-appointed task.

But anyway--!! ]

... t, though... calling me 'Qingqiu'... [ Hearing it aloud, it gives him goosebumps. ] It's terribly personal, Archer. Consider it like saying my True Name. It's very intimate, is what I mean...

[ He doesn't like to scold but in this case, he has to say that much, doesn't he? He has to say that much!! ]

... saying it like that, you understand what I mean... yes?

[ ~~So why did you adopt a huge whiny loser—~~ ]

So you’ve spoken to one of the Sabers.

[ Ah, yes. He hadn’t paid too much attention to the forum, but he wouldn’t be surprised if Nero, Artoria, or even Mordred would have explained things to Qingqiu. There’d been a lot going on over the network…

But he nods solemnly, offering Qingqiu an apologetic smile. ]

Then you have my apologies. I did not mean to be so familiar—but then, what should I call you?

[ He knows “Master” is out, and Wei Wuxian hadn’t exactly taught him the proper forms of courtesy among cultivators. Save for one, that is— ]

Perhaps…“shizun”?

[ ~~Because now he's HIS huge whiny loser that he will fight for the death for!~~ ]

It seems as fate would have it... I ended up talking to all three.

[ Though, it was Blue Saber that gave the most "what-the-fuck-guy" comments in one sitting. He really did not have the time to unpack everything that he heard. Really, so like, the Creator of Barney could be some Servant that is beating the shit out of people in a war. After all, Shen Qingqiu isn't quite certain what constitutes as huge change in the world. ]

"Shifu." [ Another polite correction. ] Your master and "Shizun" is Wei Wuxian. [ He can already hear the man's laughing and teasing of him. Wifi! He'd definitely say something like, 'Trying to steal my disciple, again, are you!?

But now that the name issue is deal with -- he cleans off an area for them to be able to practice. Who would think that they'd play music after a huge battle like the one they had? Well, then again, it's a bit like beach episodes in anime when they're supposed to be stopping the end of the world, ah? ]

... but... do you mind... being a Servant?

[ ~~“To the death”?!~~ ]

Oh, all of them can be… [ just wow. You need a break, buddy. ] …can be a bit overwhelming. But “shifu” it is.

[ He quietly moves to help Qingqiu clear out a space, brushing aside the thick layers of dust coating the furniture. Of all the most public buildings in town, this certainly seems to have gotten the least amount of attention.

He lifts his gaze up at the question, however. It’s…not a question he’s used to hearing, in all honesty. ]

I suppose…I do not dislike it.

[ ~~TO THE DEATH!!!~~ ]

Thank you. [ He also feels like he could use a break. Yet whenever he takes time to sit and meditate, or rest, something happens that has him running around like a chicken with its head cut off. It's just his lot in life, he supposes. ~~This is what happens when a person is an innate meddler that can't stop, won't stop~~. ]

Don't dislike it?

[ Shen Qingqiu clears his throat. ] I suppose that's a... difficult question to answer. It is asking whether or not you like your existence... there isn't anyone who would say that they would rather not exist.

[ His head bows slightly. ] I'm sorry.

[ You know, for a meddlesome guy, you sure look really put together, Shizun. In fact, Qingqiu seems the very picture of stillness and serenity right now, even among their dusty and dilapidated surroundings. ]

There is no need to be sorry, Shifu. I know the unusual nature of my existence can be cause for concern.

[ Who could blame him for being curious, really? ]

But if you speak of my bondage to my master, then rest assured, I think being a Servant is a great honor.

[ Too great for him, even. ]

An honor...

[ What!

Shen Qingqiu has no idea how being a Servant is something to be considered an honor. Aren't they all fighting in some war-- His head snaps up as the feels a chill rush down his spine. Calm down, me! They're not fighting it here, but doesn't it mean that ... Archer will have to fight Saber?!

He turns away abruptly, opening his fan to press it against his face, as he takes two steps away from Archer. Could it be the hot-cold relationship between them is because they're understanding their circumstances?! That they're accepting that they'll have to fight one another on some unknown battlefield!

Fanning himself, he shakes his head. No way! No way!! I'm not about to let my son suffer that sort of heartbreak! This sort of setting is meant to make all sort of fluffy-fluffy situations happen! So!! By the power of love... all shounen tropes end up getting trouced!

Mentally, he is punching his fist into his hand. This isn't going to be one of those endings where one of them has to sacrifice for the other to live! No way! With the right amount of force, they'll be able to have their happy ending! Don't mess with me! I have the power of anime on my side!

He turns back around. ]

While I cannot understand that... I will not say anything to take away your pride. [ Right, right! I can't go and stomp all over his heroic spirit. Ha-ha, get it... heroic... spirit. Okay! ] However, I hope that while you are here... that you are taking time to ... think about your relationships some.

[ Ahem, ahem, ahem. Get my drift!! ]

[ Qingqiu seems…agitated, for some reason. Just how much have the other Sabers told him about Heroic Spirits and the Holy Grail War? Had Nero gone so far as to mention the incineration of humanity?

Honestly. Had he been a lesser man he might wonder at just how talkative all the Sabers in town are, but as it stands, Tristan is only ever more perplexed at having met that determined gaze after the end of Qingqiu’s lengthy mental rambling. Is he…in trouble, perhaps? Being reprimanded for some slight? Because he can’t really tell. ]

My…relationships?

[ But what does that have to do with being a Servant? How did he even make the jump from one thing to another? Really, must all cultivators be so mysterious and inscrutable? And what did he mean by “relationships,” anyway? The contract he’d forged with Master? Or perhaps, the bonds he and the townspeople share?

Yes, the latter makes more sense…! ]

Indeed, I have thought much of my relationships ever since those strange and distasteful quests have been posted on the forum. Make no mistake, Shifu—my bonds with the people of this world remain ever steadfast.

[ You're killing me, Smalls. ]

Well, that's wonderful to hear that they are still steadfast.

[ He clears his throat a little. ]

But ... you were having an issue with Saber? [ Just cut right down to it!! ] Since there is Blue Saber and Red Saber, it seems only right that the last should just be called 'Saber,' ah? [ To further indicate who he is attempting to talk about, since it may not be readily obvious. ]

This teacher is a little worried about ... your relationship with them. [ At times like these!! They want you to go running to them! They're just acting aloof, you fool!! ]

Oh!

[ Of course. After all, he did rain on Qingqiu’s parade by engaging Mordred in a post meant to celebrate it. And he’d promised Artoria that he’d make it up to the offended parties somehow…evidently Qingqiu was also upset by it. ]

Indeed…I know of that Saber of which you speak.

[ There’s definitely some frustration behind that emphasis. But more importantly— ]

I apologize for our conduct in your post earlier. It was not my intention to sully your attempts to celebrate. But please…pay our relationship no mind.

It didn't sully my attempts at all.

[ He wants to wave his hands around going, "Don't worry, don't worry!" However, that would not be elegant so only taps his fan lightly against his chin instead. His eyes close as he really can't let this matter go. Saying something like that is something that brings a lot of worry, you know? That's your sweetheart, isn't it? ]

I realize that is what you say... but I dislike knowing that you are distressed, especially with someone that you have so much history with, Archer.

As to that, you and Blue Saber are in agreement.

[ Hell, even he wants to get along with Mordred, but…well, it’s Mordred. He slumps his shoulders in resignation—and not a little embarrassment, considering that even an outsider like Qingqiu must be involved. It must’ve looked pretty bad indeed… ]

But she is not easy to get along with, precisely because of our shared history.

[ Tsunderes are always tricky to get along with. Their gap moe is difficult in reality while experiencing it second or third hand is easier and makes them cute.

Shen Qingqiu gives a small nod in agreement that it must be rough. But even if it is rough, it would be sadder to have a romance that has spanned over generations just suddenly go poof. ]

Still, I think that she truly likes you and merely doesn't know how to put her real feelings into words. That is the feeling that I got.

[ And he lightly pats Archer's shoulder. There, there. They really are tough girlfriends. ]

[ It seems like Shen Qingqiu truly does understand…after all, he’d conversed with her over the network. Even he can see how difficult she is!

And yet—that answer comes completely unexpected. His eyes actually fly open in shock; he doesn’t even register the shoulder patting. In any case, it’s not offering any comfort to him at the moment. ]

You…

[ He wants to protest. He wants to be angry!! It feels very much like there’s some sort of misunderstanding here, and yet… ]

[ “It is no slight when I say that Mordred is immature. She is young, and as you know, she spent much of her time confined to her armor. Her transgressions are no lighter for it, but neither is she evil or immutable.” ]

[ …he deflates. ]

You might have the right of it.

[ He’s doubtful of the liking him part, but the rest checks out. ]

At any rate, we were once comrades-in-arms. [ Not that that makes her any more agreeable to be around, but— ] Those were happier times. I had almost forgotten what they were like.

[ Seriously, why are you looking so surprised? ]

I have come across types like her before.

[ Harem novels are riddled with girls like her! ]

I'm certain that you can have happy times here, as well. I'm sure that's what she wants as well, but is unable to say it.

You have…?

[ And yet he feels like he shouldn’t doubt the man’s words—if nothing else, he knows that Qingqiu is only trying to help. ]

I must confess that while I have met many women in my life, I find it…difficult to see her as one.

[ In his mind, he is clenching his fist and doing a few fist pumps in the air! Of course, you don't see her as every other woman! That's right that that is a confession!

It feels like glitter may very well be raining down on his heart with how overjoyed he feels. While he schools his expression, his eyes can't help but soften considerably. ]

That may be something to tell her. I think... that would make her very happy and then the two of you can move past your misunderstandings.

[ What…an unexpected reaction. Here he thought Qingqiu might scoff at such an ungentlemanly confession. Even Tristan feels like he’s wronged Mordred somehow by having a hard time seeing her as a woman. ~~Even if she’s usually offended by the notion~~ ]

I am not certain that that is the proper thing to say.

[ To any woman. Even if they are Mordred. ]

Well, naturally, you have to be careful how you say it.

[ Obviously! ]

But she seems like the type that would be quite pleased with hearing something like that from a person that she likes. It means that you're seeing her differently. Who wouldn't be happy about that, Archer?

[ How to put this gently… ]

But she does not like me at all. In fact, I am quite certain that I am one of her least favorite people. No doubt the next time we meet we will come to blows.

[ Yes, it’s that bad. You’ve got your work cut out for you here, dad! ]

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