~Back in the recently distant past~
"Hey, girl. We'll be going somewhere else for this next bit. Some things ain't for polite company to see or hear."
"Alright, that doesn't sound creepy at all."
She scowled and pinched her Sire's side. Ryoko couldn't help but grin. She liked this girl already.
She turned to Tom and spoke louder. "Thanks for the treat, Kitty-kun," she declared before getting up.
Tom looked down at her with some bemusement, initially unable to form a response.
And for the rest too, she added mentally.
His features softened. First, he addressed her privately.
You are welcome. I wish you well in your new life. Should you need such assistance again, I will attempt to aid you how I can. Then he crossed his arms over his chest, his features hardening again. This reply was hearable by all still present.
It was nothing. Though I did it because it was most practical for me to do so than simply making everyone else donate blood. It was merely the most logical choice. You had perhaps better appreciate it, there are few within this world that will ever taste my blood.There was a pause. The silence was broken by the sound of laughter, and Tom found himself quickly turning towards the source. There were tears at the corners of Ryoko's eyes as she continued laughing, not bothering to heed the rather pointed look Tom was giving her.
May I ask what is so humorous?Rin, who was giggling a bit herself, turned over to face him with a grin. "It was just so straightforward and blunt. Plus that denial. You're quite funny without really meaning to be, Kitty-kun."
Tom sighed. How humiliating.
To not be taken seriously anymore in such a short amount of time. He looked at the laughing Tohsaka girls.
In their case though, perhaps it is genetic... He frowned.
I still fail to see what was so funny. Perhaps there are some things about humans I will never understand.As Nessa and Jack left, he asked his question to Forest about where she wished him to eat, and so on.
She nodded and replied, The living room is fine. You need to get something in you though. I don't know how your physiology works, but when people donate blood they do need something to recoop. Pizza isn't my first choice, but it'll do. Water or juice though, no soda. The caffeine will actually make it worse.
Tom nodded back at her.
That suits me just fine. I am not particularly fond of soda pop just yet. Juice would perhaps be best in this case. She looked at Ryoko who was about to leave and nodded. She said, "Hey, poppet, be careful."
Ryoko hesitated for a moment, before grinning. "I'll come back in one piece, don't you worry." She then took off, towards the golem, and its now inevitable defeat by her hands and those of many others.
Then she looked at Rin and answered, "Honestly, strengthening them first, and anything you can think of that'll keep people out will be of the good. Magic really isn't my forte. So I'll trust your judgement, Rin."
Rin nodded. "Alright, sounds fair. I'll get started then. I'll be examining the wards first to see if I need anything beyond my normal magecraft to strengthen them. If I need anything more, I'll let you know."
Rin made to take off before she heard Satoshi speak to Tom. The psychic glowered in Satoshi's direction.
Do not say the name of my species so publicly. Several people here seem to be aware of it, but that does not mean that all are aware of it. My name,
as far as you are concerned, is Thomas. And what sort of nonsense is a "psychic spell," how is that an excuse for any-"Calm down, he's not worth getting upset over." Rin stepped in front of him, in an attempt to redirect Tom's attention. Satoshi walked off as she spoke.
"Look, he's a complete idiot and a self righteous jerk, but this isn't worth a fight, especially not when you're in this condition. Just get some rest and relax, it's going to be-"
A creaking from the stairs. Rin, Tom, and Hakuno's eyes turned towards the source, a rather bemused looking Finn. His clothes were the ones from before, albeit somewhat wrinkled now, his hair both fluffy from his recent shower and still just a touch damp. He slowly looked back and forth between everyone before giving an awkward wave.
"Er, hey guys, what's up?" He turned back to Tom. Stared for a bit. Blinked. Then his eyes widened. "Holy crap, is that a real mewt-"
Don't.Finn's eyes widened further. "W-wait. Tom, is that you?"
Yes. The psychic didn't even bother to hide any of the exasperation in his mental voice.
The freelancer's eyes returned to something resembling their normal size. "Huh. That explains a whole bunch."
Tom rolled his eyes as Finn's gaze wandered to the Fae pinned on the wall.
"What's with this guy? Kinda cruel to keep him hangin' like that, though I'm guessin' you guys have a good reason for it." He turned back to the main group. "Where is everybody anyway? They gone to bed or somethin'? Rather late for a lotta people, after all."
Rin's expression turned somber. She walked over and gestured for Finn to follow her. "Come with me. I'll explain everything."
Finn frowned with concern as he complied. The pair of them went into a separate hallway, leaving Forest, Tom and Hakuno behind.
With Rin gone, Tom took the chance to inquire about what to do with Hakuno.
Forest nodded and sent back, We can sit in the living room together, I don't mind. Honestly, I'd suggest that you'd head for bed and rest after we get some food in you. I can stay with Hakuno, easily.
If it is not to much trouble with you... Then yes, I agree. Getting some rest would allow me to replenish my strength more quickly. He looked down at his front and sighed.
Though I may need to shower first, albeit a quick one. Thrice be damned fae...He stood up from the wall, and with some effort, steadied himself. As he prepared to make his way to the living room, Forest addressed Hakuno.
She smiled at the girl and said, "So kiddo, there's apparently a metric ton of pizza in the kitchen? You want to grab a few slices and wait until your Archer comes back?"
She nodded before turning to Tom. "I can grab some slices for you too while I'm in there. Is there anything you'd want me to bring you especially?"
Tom stopped, turning towards her and looking at her with bemusement.
I ah... Erm, while it is not my normal preference, something with meat on it would perhaps be best. I have my own personal reasons for being adverse to meat, but there are some that simply do not apply to this particular world. Aside from that, it is perhaps wise if I get an extra source of protein.She looked up at him with some surprise before smiling. "Meat pizza it is. I'll get it for you then. And the juice too."
Still somewhat stunned, he gave her a reflexive nod before turning to Forest.
I will head towards the living room then. I will see you shortly then. He smiled at her. Naturally, with a spot right open next to me.With that, he went to the living room. He sat down rather hard on the couch, exhausted as he was. He was rather surprised. The room showed no trace of damage. Not even a single stray leaf was to be found.
Was this Archer's doing? Quite impressive if it is.He noted that the tv was currently on some sort of cooking channel- some sort of competition between chefs, from what he could tell. Not really feeling like changing the channel, he sat and waited for Forest to come join him.