Learning Experience

                                    

                                          
"I understand that it is frustrating to be unable to do anything about the War, but that does not mean that we need to remain idle," Saber told Irisviel. "We may not be able to act in accordance to the War, but so long as we still have life, we may as well use it. Let us take this time to perhaps explore what else the rest of the world has to offer." She gestured to a laptop sitting on a desk a few feet away from the bed. It was one Kiritsigu had supplied them with for the sake research in case they ever came across anything in their travels that needed to be studied.
Now, Saber was suggesting they use the laptop for research, but it would not be about the Grail. With Fuyuki City on lockdown because of the Corona virus, the Holy Grail War had come to a very sudden ceasefire. But like she'd said, that didn't mean she and Irisviel needed to remain idle. Instead, they were simply going to study the world and anything in it that held their interest. They would acquire as many skills as they could while in quarantine. Even if it was a seemingly useless skill, like knitting or speaking a dead language, it didn't matter. It was only about killing time and keeping their wits sharp. Learning new skills was an excellent way to do both.
For once, these two tools of war were going to cast that part of themselves aside to get in touch with the humans underneath. With Saber a servant in the war, and Irisviel a homunculus made to host the Holy Grail, they'd been pawns in this War since before it began. But with the War at a sudden standstill, this was the perfect time for them to explore not just the world, but themselves.
Thanks to Irisviel's own burgeoning humanity, Saber was starting to find her own. In fact, on their very first day in the city, they'd done nothing but tour and explore, like a couple of normal humans. For that one day, they both managed to forget the War and just revel in the present, and in the experience, and in one another. Irisviel had looked so amazed by everything, Saber wanted to see that side of Irisviel again.
"What a wonderful idea, Saber!" Irisviel rose up with new hope sparkling in her eyes. She smiled at the other woman, who felt a rush of blood surge to her cheeks in response to Irisviel's soft, gentle, approving tone. It was another feeling Saber had never experienced before, and it did startle her a little, but she forced herself to remain calm as she joined Irisviel at the computer.
"Where shall we begin?" she asked.
"Well, I must admit, I have always been interested in learning a few languages," Irisviel said, already typing her request into the search engine.
"I suppose that we might as well, seeing as how we will be forced to remain indoors for the foreseeable future," Saber agreed. "We can use this time to acquire new skills and hone old ones. Who knows? They may be useful for whenever the War can resume."
"Mmmhmm," Irisviel agreed happily, gesturing for Saber to take a seat so that she did not need to stand the entire time.
For the rest of that day, and the next few to come, Saber and Irisviel got lost in the internet, studying all sorts of human activity, from history to culture to games to certain, specific skill sets. Although the amount of practice they were able to give was limited, the sheer fascination that came with finally getting to choose their own destiny outweighed all the other difficulties. Even though they were both devoted to the Grail War, quarantine was giving them time to explore a new side of themselves, and it let them do as they wish rather than simply being instructed.
For many hours, they went back and forth, trading search ideas and picking up new skills and information along the way. Irisviel practiced various forms of art like drawing, painting and sculpting, even though she really was only able to practice the first type. But she also studied dancing, cooking, sewing and writing. And she studied the history and culture of various forms of art. Saber looked more into mechanics and machinery, fascinated by what humanity had come up with since the last time she'd walked the Earth. She was also fascinated by science, even if she struggled with the math. And she was also interested in history, catching up all the lost centuries.
And together, they studied song and language until they were able to hold a duet or conversation at a passable level. And through it all, the grew ever closer. Even though neither of them fully understood, they were falling in love.
"I don't know if I should say it, but I've had so much fun with you today, Saber," Irisviel's fondness was evident as she looked at Saber. "You've done so much for me, both before and during the lockdown, and these are things I never thought I'd do with you, but it's been wonderful. Kiritsigu used to do things like this with me all the time, teaching me to be human, but for some reason, it feels different with you."
"Perhaps it is because I am more like a fellow student than a teacher," Saber suggested.
"Yes, that must be it," Irisviel agreed pensively. "For once, I am learning with someone rather than from someone, and it feels... special. It feels new and unique, and I can't help but feel glad that if it had to be anyone, it was you whom I learned beside."
"Yes it was quite... interesting," Saber sounded equally pensive, that unexplainable rush of warmth filling her body as she looked at Irisviel. Though she did not understand, part of her awe with Irisviel came from the fact that Irisviel was the first one to ever treat Saber like an equal. Even though Saber typically preferred to be treated as a Servant, Irisviel had always been much kinder. It was new to Saber, but not entirely unpleasant.
It was a learning experience for both of them, in more ways than one. Not only had they studied many new things, but they had also learned how to become more human. More curious and natural. Even if it was a skill they were only half aware of, it was still happening. Irisviel was feeling more human, indulging in emotions rather than suppress them. She was learning, exploring, growing! And Saber, although much more stoic than Irisviel would ever hope to be, was also beginning to understand what it meant to follow her own heart rather than the path fate set out for her.
"Thank you again, Saber, for all that you do for me," Irisviel's voice was soft, but powerful and passionate, and it spoke volumes to Saber.
"Think nothing of it," she replied. "I enjoyed my time with you as well." This phrase gave both women pause, Irisviel surprised and touched by Saber's words and Saber surprised and confused by them. It had been so long since she'd lived as a normal woman and said something like that. Her enjoyment was typically not something she thought about. But now...?
"Well, Saber, I enjoyed it too," Irisviel said at last, cheerful smile lighting up the room. She reached out for Saber's hand and squeezed it gently, a sign of affection and warmth. She giggled a little before excusing herself to the bathroom in order to get ready for bed.
Saber, meanwhile, could only stare at her hand. She could still feel Irisviel's warm, caring touch. That, too, was a strange sensation to the King of Knights, but it was surprisingly... nice, and Saber could not help but stare at her hand for a good while more. What was this feeling? How was Irisviel able to bring out this... softer side to the King of Knights? Saber may not have shown it, but she'd felt a deep connection to Irisviel the entire time they were studying and learning together.
It was a learning experience, to say the least, and although Saber was not sure how many more there would be (if any at all), for the first time in a long time, she felt herself wanting. And for once, it was for something that wasn't the Grail. It was a different type of want entirely, something almost human. Did Saber... love Irisviel? Well, to the best of her ability, even if she wasn't aware of it, yes. And if fate allowed, that would be yet another learning experience for her and Irisviel to have... together.
AN: Again, sorry for the late upload, but the past couple days were busy. I'll upload a second story later today to get back on track. For now, enjoy! (Penguinlover611, this one's for you).