eat your heart out, henry higgens | for ringlette

[fujimaru]

[ Most of the time, life at Chaldea is predictable, in its own way: when there isn't a crisis situation, there's daily missions that need to get completed like any regular set of chores, there's training simulations running 24/7, and by this point, there are regularly scheduled movie and game nights, because it turns out that a surprising number of Chaldea's population can be placated for a couple of hours by boardgames. Certainly that's not something Ritsuka would have ever expected, when she first signed onto this venture, but it's still something she's pretty grateful for.

But once in a rare while, curveball situations come up. Summers usually fall into that category, and this year is no exception. A disturbance has started in a glamorous seaside resort, the sort of thing where very possibly the world might end if left to percolate, weird occurrences, the occasional seaweed-infested skeleton rising out of the deep to claw at the ankles of all the beautiful people gathered. The usual stuff.

Some of these beautiful people include Ritsuka's Servants, and while she's kind of proud of that... she does kind of feel like she stands out like a sore thumb a bit more than usual. Especially when, one way or another, they manage to obtain invitations to a masquerade ball. Not staff passes, to sneak into the back, but actual invitations. Ritsuka is going to die.

But at least she's going to do her best to not be an embarrassment to everyone else!

So it's three days before the ball when she knocks on Marie's door. ]

Marie? Are you in? I need to ask you a favor...

Comments

[fujimaru]

[ It's fine, this is absolutely fine, nothing to worry about here.

It's maybe about five minutes before the door creaks open and Ritsuka pokes her head out again. Her face is definitely almost as bright red as her hair at this point, and her voice is on the higher squeaky side. ]

A-are you sure this is okay for me to wear? People are going to take one look at me and know I'm not supposed to be at a fancy party.

[ Sometimes, it's easier to face down monsters and maddened gods than it is to dress up fancy. At least the dress is cute. ]

[ringlette]

[ Her Master's self-depreciation is cute, although Marie definitely thinks it needs to be cut down, especially when she looks spectacularly gorgeous in that dress! ]

It's more than okay! Not only people will love it, I bet there will be a slew of them immediately asking you for a dance!

[ She wouldn't be jealous of that eventuality. After all, a Master must bond with all their Servants in order to strengthen their team. It's inevitable.

...

On a second thought, being human and selfish as well, Marie would indeed feel a tad jealous of the idea. ]

[fujimaru]

They're going to be disappointed, then. I'm pretty bad at dancing.

[ There were those two instances in Shinjuku, and boy had she been self-conscious about it the whole time. The sort of square dancing that appears in Japanese PE curriculum isn't going to cut it at an actual formal event.

Bit by bit, Ritsuka creeps out of the bathroom, still absent-mindedly fiddling with the skirt of her dress as she does. ]

I know there's not enough time for a lot of lessons, but... I don't suppose you'd mind giving me a little crash course?

[ringlette]

[ Ritsuka's luck is off the charts today. Marie has the entire concept of dancing wedged in her brain, particles flowing along with her bloodstream. It's an essential part of what makes her the Queen of France. If Marie Antoinette couldn't dance, that would the first clue that she's a dirty impostor.

Her response is also apt with the abovementioned paragraph. She basically squeals in overjoy and immediately reaches out to seize her Master's hands, sparkles flying from her eyes. If she could shoot beams from her eyes instead of her ring, Ritsuka would be as good as a pile of ashes. ]

Oui! Oui! Of course! I can teach you everything I have, within the time we have left! [ She briefly looks down, nudging one bunch of clothes scattered like landmine on the floor. ] But we should do it somewhere else. Perhaps outside? Unless you give me a bit of time to clean my room so we won't trip on obstacles!

[fujimaru]

Outside is...

[ Outside means that people are more likely to stumble upon them, and an audience to see just how bad Ritsuka is at this. At least in Marie's room, there's a modicum of privacy. Even if Ritsuka doesn't have a ton of pride, she still doesn't really want to put herself on display for that. She squeezes Marie's hands, managing a weak smile. ]

I don't mind waiting. I can help you clean up a little.

[ At least if Marie is going to laugh at her, she knows it'll be nicely. ]

Call it a preemptive thank-you, in fact.

[ringlette]

[ The Queen understands. Not because she sympathizes with Ritsuka not wanting other people to watch her fail, but for the fact that things like dance lessons should be explored in the privacy within four walls after all. What a foolish mistake she was about to do!

Overjoyed by her Master's handsqueeze, Marie will swing their hands together cheerfully before letting go. ]

D'accord! We'll finish the job faster if it's the two of us!

[ With that, she'll let the thorough cleaning of her cloth-devastated room commence. ]

[fujimaru]

[ Here's the thing: Ritsuka is hardworking in many aspects of her life; she's not above pushing herself to dropping if it's in the name of a mission, or in helping someone out if they come to her for (most kinds of) help.

But she's really, really bad about staying on task when it comes to tidying. There's a reason that Mash has to help every time Ritsuka's own room needs cleaning, because she's the person who will pick up books to leaf idly through them without putting them in their proper place, or dig through a box just to see what's inside, or -- in a case like this -- hold up the clothes that she picks up to examine those as well. The blue dress she has now is more flattering than she'd expected, even if she does still feel self-conscious, but... it's still nice to look, and pretend she's fancy enough for most of these...

She's still helping, and she isn't going to complain, but this is definitely one of those scenarios where her attention wanders more than not. ]

[ringlette]

[ Every piece of cloth she picks up is treated like a small treasure, dusted off gently and draped straight over her bed to avoid giving it wrinkles. Kind of weird, since she had no qualms dropping those to the floor when she thought they didn't fit the party's theme, but as they served their purpose now, she's going to save their image for future use.

Sometimes she watches Ritsuka with the corner of her eye, noticing her Master takes a longer time helping than necessary. Marie won't chide her for it, on the account it's free help and getting stingy about it is not really nice of her, although things proceed slower than she expected because of Ritsuka's stalling.

When they've almost finished, and Marie is starting to hang her dresses back into the wardrobe, she turns to the other girl. ]

Have you perhaps changed your mind about what to wear?

[fujimaru]

What? No, no, nothing like that, just--

[ Just there is that part of her, in her heart of hearts, that misses just trying things out. Casual shopping isn't something they manage very often outside of events like this. It isn't guilt, precisely, that crosses her face, though she manages a small embarrassed smile as she hands the dress in her hands over. ]

I was just thinking, "this is kind of nostalgic, huh..." I haven't done something like this in a long time. When I was -- my old friends used to love trying stuff out all the time, and I always got bored fast, but... I guess I kind of miss it?

It's kind of silly, right?

[ringlette]

[ Oh. That turned kind of sad.

Before the entire plot kicked in, Ritsuka was still a normal girl living a normal life. Now such mundanity would be near impossible to obtain except during events like these.

When she's handed the dress back, Marie delicately straightens it out without even looking at it, lost in thought. Then, after placing it on the bed with the others, the lightbulb in her head lits up brightly. ]

First of all, it is not silly.

[ She wants to get that out of the way, first! Master's feelings are never stupid or deserving of neglect. ]

And... if we ever find a mall around, would you like to accompany me? [ A chuckle. ] So you'll get bored while I go around trying every article of clothes in this or that shop.

Wouldn't that be cute?

[fujimaru]

It's--

[ It is silly. No matter how often she turns it over, she can't help but feel a little ridiculous, holding onto wistful feelings like that. Compared to the sorts of people who come through Chaldea's summoning circle, what are her small problems? Compared to a Queen sacrificed to the anger of her people, or a girl designed and created only to be a vessel for any Heroic Spirit, what does this matter? "I miss being an ordinary person, sometimes"? Yikes.

But the offer brings a little smile to her face, and an answering laugh. Jeeze. No matter how embarrassed she feels, it's hard to hold onto it in the face of Marie's... everything, really. ]

...I'd like that. Even if I get bored, I think I'd have fun.

[ She ducks her head, rubbing the back of her neck. ]

Thanks.

[ringlette]

Very well. That's settled!

[ Honestly, it'd be hard to be bored while shopping with Marie Antoinette because she would still get her friends involved into whatever new find excites her. No leaving anyone behind! This is their adventures, not just her own!

Her room is soon devoid of deadly fashionable traps for their feet. The clothes get returned one by one in the wardrobe, and Marie puffs a sigh as she pushes the doors closed. It's done, finally. They are free. A glance is spared towards the stereo conveniently being present over there. ]

Are you ready for the lesson?

[fujimaru]

I'm ready!

[ She's definitely cheered up by the thought. Even if it isn't something that can happen immediately, or even for a while, that potential promise is more than enough to lift her spirits. That's something that Marie has always been good at, that outgoing, shining positive spirit; as much as she was only ever lukewarm about the idea of shopping in the past, Ritsuka's looking forward to the idea.

But there's something more immediate at hand; she fluffs out the layers of her (borrowed) skirt and laughs. ]

I'll apologize in advance for any stepping on your feet I do.

[ringlette]

Do not apologize. Your feet will barely give me any pain.

[ After setting the mood with generic but still nice slow dance music, Marie finally steps in front of Ritsuka, ready to go. First, she'll give the other girl an elegant, practiced curtsy, and then offers her hand out with a warm smile on her tender features. ]

If I may have this dance with you, Master, s'il vous plaît...

[fujimaru]

I'd love to.

[ Because there it is, distilled down to the simple truth: Ritsuka is happier in this moment than she can remember in a long time. In this room, in this little pocket of space and time, she can play pretend at being a princess and not feel like she's being judged, or that the weight of the world is on her. Marie has a skill for lightening the mood, and Ritsuka loves her for it.

She curtsies back-- not as gracefully, but at least not completely awkward-- and puts her hand in Marie's. ]

Please.

[ringlette]

[ Upon having her hand taken, Marie will slowly pull Ritsuka towards her so they're well aligned, her other hand reaching the girl's waistline. She naturally takes charge of the whole thing, starting to move along with the music after making sure her partner is ready to go. ]

Do tell me if you need a break, Master. Also, do not hesitate asking me questions if you are confused.

[fujimaru]

I think I'll be fine... I'm pretty good at learning by example.

[ That's how she's lived her life in nearly everything to date, even before Chaldea.

She's also maybe the tiniest bit nervous as she adjusts her position to try and mirror Marie's. It's closer than she usually ever gets to another person, and her brain is very helpful in reminding her that Marie is, in fact, quite beautiful. She's got high cheekbones and wide eyes and soft hands and that is not appropriate so maybe just focus on learning how to dance! Ritsuka! ]

So, uh, ready when you are.

[ringlette]

[ Despite relishing in the fact her Master is leaning so close to her, their faces few inches apart and their hands holding onto each other, Marie is handling the situation quite better. There is only a slight pink dusting her cheeks, which she shrugs off with an amiable smile as she acknowledges Ritsuka's go-ahead to begin.

She guides her partner across the room, swiftly avoiding obstacles and making sure neither of them bump into them. Every change of cadence, she twirls them around and carries on peacefully like she's dancing with a fellow pro. If Ritsuka happens to make a misstep, Marie makes sure her own feet are out of the way. ]

[fujimaru]

[ The good news is that Ritsuka is not quite as clumsy as she'd made herself sound.

The bad news is that she's still clearly inexperienced with dancing at all, and in spite of her best efforts and focus, there are still definitely moments where she comes very close to stepping on Marie's feet. She doesn't apologize outright, but she does make contrite noises at every near miss.

But it does eventually settle; she does start to get the hang of it. And that's her cue to tempt fate, surely: ]

This isn't so bad...

[ringlette]

[ Everytime Ritsuka looks distressed by a misstep, Marie is tempted to kiss her face and tell her to relax. But she holds back, knowing the former act would make things a bit awkward and counterproductive for their purpose. Still, with their faces this up close, her Master is the cutest thing ever...

The next minutes fly by with little issue. Marie smiles in approval, glad the experience doesn't feel terrible on the girl. ]

Practice makes good, non? By the end of today, you might become a more than decent dancer!

[fujimaru]

[ She laughs a bit at that; she can't quite help it. It's a bit bashful, to be sure, but it's still more confident than before. ]

If I'm at all decent, it's because I had a good teacher. The best!

[ Is she strong enough or brave enough to try dipping Marie? Not yet, but she's working up to it. That's not how a waltz goes at all, but Ritsuka has watched enough romantic dramas and also dance competitions that the idea has taken root in her head.

So not yet, but she does shift slightly closer to Marie as they move. ]

You really are a lifesaver. I can't thank you enough.

[ringlette]

[ Marie could glow in her own light for all the praise and grateful words she's receiving from the person she cares most for. It's just some dance lesson but the fact it's making Ritsuka happy is what she exactly hoped for. This is what real accomplishments feels like. She could burst into particles right now, shoot herself out of the window and straight to the sky, become the brightest star up there, and that would be okay because she's already lived a perfect (spirit) life all thanks to her Master.

She squeezes the hand in her hold, visibly blushing.

How tempting it is to kiss this girl right now. ]

Please, chéri, that is so much. I might start burning from your kind words!

[ Instead, she says that. It might not even be far from true. ]

[fujimaru]

You can't do that! I haven't even gotten started!

[ She blurts that in a rush, and then has to consider: well, now that she's admitted it, she has to follow through, right? She's not the sort of person who likes playing coy, even when it would benefit her. And Marie has always been so many things for Ritsuka, for so long--

She takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders and grabbing at Marie's hand with both of her own. Do or die, that's what you're best at. Don't think about it too hard, don't worry about sounding stupid or not being cool enough, just do it. ]

Because-- you're really great, you know? You're smart, and graceful, and kind, and you're so good at making people comfortable, and you're really, really beautiful--

[ As long as she keeps talking she doesn't have to think too hard about what she's saying, right?? ]

[ringlette]

[ This girl right here is about to give Marie a heart attack and that's just from the cruel kindness she's suddenly riddling the Queen with. Where did all of that come from? How dare she attack her like this?! That's cheating! Betrayal! Is that what's going to come out of a mere innocent dancing lesson? Her second death by her Master's hands?!

Dramatics aside, Marie halts with her feet skidding over the floor, and she's glad the music is still acting as white noise because her heart is pounding and she doesn't need to hear it. Her free hand is slapped against her own face, failing to hide the darker shades of blush over her cheeks. What in the world is this? Why is Ritsuka able to make her feel in such a way? She loves the praise, it makes her happy, so so so so happy, but it also assails her with heavy embarrassment. Geez! Talk about rude!

She draws a deep breath, then shakes her head. ]

I beg of you, Master, stop! Or else... or else I'll have to take drastic measures!

[fujimaru]

It's true though! If I have to listen to it, then so do you!!

[ She's still riding on the force of sheer nerves at this point. Maybe there's a little bit of reckless pleasure in it, too: Ritsuka is much better at giving compliments than she is at accepting them. And it's rare that she gets to fluster Marie, so her instinct is to push while she still can. ]

I'm not doing it to flatter you-- if I say it, I mean it. I think you're one of the prettiest people I've ever seen in my life, and I've seen a lot of really beautiful people at this point, and if you didn't know that, then I'll need to make sure I say it even more and more! So there!