[After several steps, he breaks their silence and turns to look at her. Oh, that faint blush on her cheeks was so attractive and adorable, he could kiss her cheeks again, but he doesn't want to do it out here where everyone can see them.]
So, how has your birthday been so far?
[Hopefully her friends remembered and treated her right, even though the sheer volume of attention Marie receives on a regular basis intimidates him. Sanson just wants to make sure he doesn't have to decapitate any of them.
Thankfully she has very awesome friends who made her feel great about today, so she's not at all hesitating when she gives her answer. ]
It has been fantastic! I did not have this level of attention in Chaldea, either! People have been really pleasant on the network when I announced my birthday. Even strangers gave their wishes!
And while many people in Chaldea were captivated by Marie's charisma, there were a good number of Servants who didn't particularly care or who would not even give her the time of day, and sometimes, Chaldea was simply too busy in general for anyone to lavish this kind of attention to her.]
A birthday is special, no matter where you go, and it seems it holds true for many other worlds.
[It's just as important as the day of one's death. (Sanson is just morbid that way.)]
[ Marie would rather focus on the beauty of life and being able to celebrate it every year, than thinking about death in all senses of the term. And it's ironic, since she's technically dead, and there's no definitive age to her because she'd remain young no matter how many times she's summoned and how long she's allowed to exist as a Servant.
Towards what he told her now, though, she agrees wholeheartedly, squeezing his arm. ]
Yes, and that brings me joy! To think people give such a value to one's existence, at least once every year...
[He doesn't complain when she squeezes his arm. It's a public display of affection, albeit more discreet than most.]
As they should. Life is a precious gift...even more so for us, who have been given our second lives.
[And he was thankful for that second life. It was an opportunity for him to atone for everything he did in his first life, and to enjoy what he could not enjoy when he was bound to his profession. Sanson never would've imagined that his second life would include bringing Marie to dinner, or even sharing a lot of kisses with her.]
Truly so. And we have been rather lucky to live such a fulfilling life here, non?
[ Though she's worried about what's going on back home, it doesn't take away the fact she's happy here and she will keep being happy for as long as possible. With so many friends and moonlacing partners, she really doesn't want everything to end just yet. It's selfish, and she knows that, but she still strongly wishes for it. ]
Yes. [He nods solemnly. While the thought of Chaldea potentially facing other challenges without him has crossed his mind, he's certain they can hold the fort even with several of their Servants stuck in an entirely different universe. Sanson is well aware he doesn't belong here, and he'd much rather not have to deal with the Cordis cycle ruining his life, but...
But would he and Marie have been able to get this close if they had not been whisked away to Prismatica? It's not something he expected, yet it isn't unwelcome at all.]
Yes, we've been very lucky, despite the...complications this world brings.
[ How far they've come... indeed, she must thank this world for even giving her the idea that kissing him (and other people) was something that she was allowed to enjoy at her leisure. ]
Exactly! Even though there are situations that are not unlike what we had at home, the air here is much more relaxing. Besides, we do not have to battle every single day for materials!
[ A chuckle, then she leans in, resting her head on Sanson's shoulder as they still walk. ]
We would not have the time to have a pleasant date like this.
[Sanson can't help but laugh at the mention of materials. It was a breath of fresh air to not have to be called upon every time someone needed an entire bushel of dragon fangs or the shoes off centaurs' hooves. The feel of Marie's head on his shoulder is more than welcome; he lifts his arm to drape it over her shoulder.
Belatedly it occurs to him how public this display is, but he decides to shelve that for the time being.]
I'm glad we have the time now. [He says softly, as he guides her around a street corner and to the door of a fancy formal restaurant. The beautiful Prismal lady outside asks them with a reservation, to which Sanson replies, "Yes, table for two, for Charles." Immediately they are ushered inside, toward a small cozy booth near a window, well away from the other diners.]
I hope you don't mind that I chose this table.
[He'd really rather not have someone barge in on them or anything.]
[ Warmth drapes over her shoulders, adding up to his arm around her, once they step into the restaurant. While he talks to the lady, Marie takes the time to look around a bit, marvelling about this or that feature she likes, and when Sanson guides her to their table she chuckles amusedly at him. ]
I do not mind. I suppose we could have a bit of quiet and private time for this occasion.
[ She loves being surrounded by people, but tonight it's supposed to be just her and Sanson. Led towards one of the chairs, she properly sits down, hands on her lap. ]
[Marie may have found a few things that fascinate her in this restaurant; the intricate chandeliers casting just enough light to not upstage the patrons, the polished mahogany tables with comfortably cushioned chairs, the beautiful paintings of the chefs and staff hard at work serving their best dishes...
Sanson takes his seat next to her, although he spares a split second to let his eyes hover over their surroundings as he has a small and very irrational fear of being found here alone with Marie and then having to sit and watch her be spirited away from him by her many adoring fans. He quickly clears his throat.]
Thank you...because that's precisely why I had our reservation here.
[A waiter hands them their menus as soon as those words are out of his mouth.]
[ Well timed. Marie takes up the menu quickly while Sanson speaks to her pleasantly, her eyes scanning up and down the available dishes, some more appealing than others. In a mood for the savoury kind, followed by what she thinks would be the sweetest dessert around, she quietly makes her orders while the waiter notes them down on his hologram device. ]
As you should. It is not an everyday occurrence to have dinners like these, and today is special, as we both know.
[ Once they both make the orders and the waiter is dismissed, Marie places both her elbows on the table, head tilted as she rests her chin between laced fingers. ]
This was a good choice of a restaurant. We should go back sometime. Perhaps for your birthday?
[Having scoped out the place previously, Sanson knows exactly what he wants from the menu, choosing a chicken main course with a side salad and potatoes. When the waiter disappears, he adjusts his posture in his seat slightly, his hands resting on the tabletop.
Satisfied that there seems to be no one else they recognize in the restaurant with them, his mood remains light and agreeable. After all, he would not be averse at all to another dinner here.]
My birthday is not for three more months, but that can be arranged.
[ An idea makes way in her head, but she's not sharing it. Part of Marie suspects that Sanson might disapprove of it, and try to run away... therefore, she'll have to act carefully.
It will possibly be the best birthday of his extra Servant life, depending on how her plans turn out.
The Queen's smile warms up when drinks are being served. ]
I see. There is yet time to do something... I shall keep it in mind.
[He may not disapprove per se, but depending on what the surprise is, Sanson would certainly try and make himself scarce from other people. It sounds like Marie does want to make his birthday celebration big...bigger than a simple fancy dinner for two.]
You don't have to; I'm satisfied with something like this.
[Marie doesn't have to take precious time and energy away from her schedule for his 281st birthday, really.]
[There's probably no convincing Marie otherwise. Besides, a part of Sanson is flattered that she would think of him so much that she would want to do something for him.
Just like he did for her. It's a bit easier to think of this as her way of returning the favor.]
I did say birthdays were special... [He shakes his head.] It's as if I'm trapped by my own words.
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So, how has your birthday been so far?
[Hopefully her friends remembered and treated her right, even though the sheer volume of attention Marie receives on a regular basis intimidates him. Sanson just wants to make sure he doesn't have to decapitate any of them.
Just kidding.]
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Thankfully she has very awesome friends who made her feel great about today, so she's not at all hesitating when she gives her answer. ]
It has been fantastic! I did not have this level of attention in Chaldea, either! People have been really pleasant on the network when I announced my birthday. Even strangers gave their wishes!
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[Good, he won't have to behead anyone - I mean.
And while many people in Chaldea were captivated by Marie's charisma, there were a good number of Servants who didn't particularly care or who would not even give her the time of day, and sometimes, Chaldea was simply too busy in general for anyone to lavish this kind of attention to her.]
A birthday is special, no matter where you go, and it seems it holds true for many other worlds.
[It's just as important as the day of one's death. (Sanson is just morbid that way.)]
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Towards what he told her now, though, she agrees wholeheartedly, squeezing his arm. ]
Yes, and that brings me joy! To think people give such a value to one's existence, at least once every year...
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As they should. Life is a precious gift...even more so for us, who have been given our second lives.
[And he was thankful for that second life. It was an opportunity for him to atone for everything he did in his first life, and to enjoy what he could not enjoy when he was bound to his profession. Sanson never would've imagined that his second life would include bringing Marie to dinner, or even sharing a lot of kisses with her.]
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[ Though she's worried about what's going on back home, it doesn't take away the fact she's happy here and she will keep being happy for as long as possible. With so many friends and moonlacing partners, she really doesn't want everything to end just yet. It's selfish, and she knows that, but she still strongly wishes for it. ]
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But would he and Marie have been able to get this close if they had not been whisked away to Prismatica? It's not something he expected, yet it isn't unwelcome at all.]
Yes, we've been very lucky, despite the...complications this world brings.
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Exactly! Even though there are situations that are not unlike what we had at home, the air here is much more relaxing. Besides, we do not have to battle every single day for materials!
[ A chuckle, then she leans in, resting her head on Sanson's shoulder as they still walk. ]
We would not have the time to have a pleasant date like this.
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Belatedly it occurs to him how public this display is, but he decides to shelve that for the time being.]
I'm glad we have the time now. [He says softly, as he guides her around a street corner and to the door of a fancy formal restaurant. The beautiful Prismal lady outside asks them with a reservation, to which Sanson replies, "Yes, table for two, for Charles." Immediately they are ushered inside, toward a small cozy booth near a window, well away from the other diners.]
I hope you don't mind that I chose this table.
[He'd really rather not have someone barge in on them or anything.]
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I do not mind. I suppose we could have a bit of quiet and private time for this occasion.
[ She loves being surrounded by people, but tonight it's supposed to be just her and Sanson. Led towards one of the chairs, she properly sits down, hands on her lap. ]
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Sanson takes his seat next to her, although he spares a split second to let his eyes hover over their surroundings as he has a small and very irrational fear of being found here alone with Marie and then having to sit and watch her be spirited away from him by her many adoring fans. He quickly clears his throat.]
Thank you...because that's precisely why I had our reservation here.
[A waiter hands them their menus as soon as those words are out of his mouth.]
I've learned to cherish moments like this.
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As you should. It is not an everyday occurrence to have dinners like these, and today is special, as we both know.
[ Once they both make the orders and the waiter is dismissed, Marie places both her elbows on the table, head tilted as she rests her chin between laced fingers. ]
This was a good choice of a restaurant. We should go back sometime. Perhaps for your birthday?
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Satisfied that there seems to be no one else they recognize in the restaurant with them, his mood remains light and agreeable. After all, he would not be averse at all to another dinner here.]
My birthday is not for three more months, but that can be arranged.
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[ An idea makes way in her head, but she's not sharing it. Part of Marie suspects that Sanson might disapprove of it, and try to run away... therefore, she'll have to act carefully.
It will possibly be the best birthday of his extra Servant life, depending on how her plans turn out.
The Queen's smile warms up when drinks are being served. ]
I see. There is yet time to do something... I shall keep it in mind.
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You don't have to; I'm satisfied with something like this.
[Marie doesn't have to take precious time and energy away from her schedule for his 281st birthday, really.]
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[ Birthdays are important, and those who think they're not... well, they're wrong, and she'll prove it! ]
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Just like he did for her. It's a bit easier to think of this as her way of returning the favor.]
I did say birthdays were special... [He shakes his head.] It's as if I'm trapped by my own words.
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[ At least he's got time to prepare himself for that. She smiles very amiably at him. ]
You should start thinking about what gift you would like to have from me.
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Marie...spending time with you is already a gift in itself. But if you insist, I would treasure anything you give me.
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[ That gives out room for... a lot of things that will be hard to pick. He's not really helping!
Marie takes the glass in her slim fingers and swirls its content around. ]
No preference, really? There must be something you would love to have on you.
[ Like those incredibly uncomfortable boots! ]