James had been expecting some sort of prissy fossil or european. This was, evidently, not that at all. His old man had drilled reading subtle notions into him, and so far, this particular Master really did seem like a regular teenager with a bone to pick with society like most did if her fashion sense and general how-do was anything to go by.
Rin Tohsaka was... well... odd. She was an aqua-eyed girl, with fair skin and wavy dark hair done up in two ponytails and most of it let loose to fall below her shoulders. Rin wore a black skirt that was a little too short, under a red turtleneck accented by a white cross where her Adam's apple would be at and long black stockings that covered her legs completed by brown flats.
There was nothing that particularly stood out about her... except her thighs, but James was raised well enough to not leer at the first chance.
"So... what now?" Rin asked with a hand on her waist, the other hanging idly. She was as confused as he was curious."You want to make the servants fight?"
"Not really. I was just enjoyin' a night out by looking 'round the city. It's a mighty fine one. Besides, they're at the Church."
That seemed to throw the young lady for a loop, she tilted her head to one side, and then the other, processing what he'd said. "Servants aren't allowed within the Church. Did Kirei let them in? That's unlikely..."
James raised a brow at that. It didn't take a genius to put together that she knew the priest. But, she didn't look the type to be in cahoots with that sort of character.
"Would you happen to know his whereabouts, miss? I'd be willin' to pay."
"How much?" Her vibe shifted immediately.
James slowly retrieved the bill from earlier and straightened out the crumples before holding it out to her with one hand. "With this?"
She narrowed her eyes, "That's a hundred yen."
"Is that a lot? I admit I ain't all that familiar with this place's currency."
"It's pocket change."
James quietly wondered why she snatched it away like a cat if it was just pocket change. He didn't get the time to question it when the Tohsaka sighed, and facepalmed, mumbling something about lunch under her breath.
"Would you happen to be... poor?"
Her cheeks reddened immediately, "N-No! I totally have tons of money. Yeah, tons."
James licked his dry lips and gave up the topic. It was a sensitive subject, apparently. Instead, he pointed a thumb down the road.
"I could buy you dinner... if you want. And, you can tell me all 'bout the priest."
"I'm not that easy!"
Surrendering, he raised his hands. "I ain't one to push. See you around, miss."
Just when he turned to leave however, the young lady let out some kind of squeak.
"B...But it just so happens that... I-I prefer talking over food. And besides, you look hungry!"
He'd just finished up a juicy burger... James raised a finger to object but decided it wasn't worth it. If nothing else, the women here were truly amusing to behold.
-
It became apparent there wasn't going to be much talking. He'd taken Rin to some local fast food diner and she'd quickly taken to stuffing her face with chips and burgers... from his plate too. With grace of course, but that didn't much matter when she was sponging up everything. All as he watched, sitting across from her while occasionally glancing out the window pane beside them.
The young waiter gave him a sympathetic look as he passed while the owner shared in his amusement. The middle-aged man was grinning at them from behind the counter. James didn't really blame him. Watching someone enjoy themselves with food was as endearing as a mother feeding her calf.
"I couldn't call myself resourceful if I passed up a free meal." She said seriously, hands on the table.
"There's ketchup on your cheek, miss."
"No, there isn't."
James sighed and offered her a napkin.
"Thank you. Waiter, I'd like some more french fries." She steepled her fingers and regarded him with some curiosity. "You told me you made the Church your workshop. What about Kirei? I don't think he was all too happy to give it over."
"He attacked me soon as we met. I dispatched 'im with proper force but then I found somethin' I don't appreciate. He was usin' children as mana batteries. Now, I mean to kill him for it."
She had no reason to believe him a stranger over someone she seemed rather familiar with, and she didn't.
"That's a serious accusation... But, that phony's always unnerved me." If Rin was shaken, she was darn good at hiding it. All she did was groan unapologetically. "I'm still going to need some proof. This city is my responsibility as the Tohsaka head. Something like that happening under my nose isn't a good look at all."
James had to raise a brow again. She was the head of a magi family? That explained the bossiness. He pursed his lips and considered his options. So far, there was no reason to distrust her... but looks could be deceiving. Then, he noticed her clenched fist, and the slight tremble in her motion as she took her fries from the waiter. She was not as good at hiding her thoughts as she hoped to be, but it was so like a magus to do it in the first place when there was no need to.
"Well, you're free to come around whenever. I'm tryin' to get the children fixed up."
She narrowed her eyes and leaned into the table. "For all I know, you could have a trap set up. No, you definitely do. No magus wouldn't."
"I don't expect you to believe me, miss. But, I don't find myself in need of your approval either. If you got somethin' on the priest, I'd be interested in payin' for it. Otherwise, it's been good meeting ya."
James retrieved a pen from his pocket, and wrote down his number on a piece of paper before sliding it over to her. Rin eyed the paper in confusion as he got up to leave.
"How's about you give me a call should somethin' come to mind?" He put on his hat, and gave her a sly wink. "Or if you're in the mood to have another meal without the business part of it all."
"What does that mean?"
"I'd insist on droppin' you off but circumstances don't permit it, I'm afraid."
He said nothing, just tipped his hat and left.
-
When James was finally out of the door, Archer materialised in his seat, one leg crossed over the other and an amused smirk on his face. Rin ignored her servant and watched the foreign master idly saunter away, befuddled.
Rin cocked her head slightly. "He was a weirdo."
"Indeed he was." The servant eyed the paper lying on the table, "Enjoy your little impromptu date, Master?"
Rin grumbled impotently, annoyed.
"Are you going to call him again? Did he leave you all curious and bothered?" Her amnesiac servant was clearly enjoying this, unfortunately, it was at her expense. "Oh wait, do you even know how calling someone works with how well you and technology seem to meld?"
"S...Shut up already."
-
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