Rin bit her lips to prevent a moan from escaping. This was horribly unfair, but she had no ability to deny the pleasant feeling that was coursing through her body.
It wasn't supposed to be like that. She was supposed to hate every minute in his presence, but that was not the case and she trembled under his expert touch.
"Is this… hm…really necessary?"
"Yes," Gerard answered flatly, sticking another needle in her back. "Acupuncture is not Thaumaturgy, but it does make wonders for the body."
"I didn't.. hm.. know I subscribed to a health center."
"You haven't and please don't mistake this as kindness on my part. I'm simply making sure all my resources are in proper working conditions."
"A resource… hm… am I?"
"Of course," he nodded. "A very valuable one, but a resource nonetheless . Why? Were you hoping for something different?"
"As… hm… if!"
"That's what I thought. There, this is the last of them."
"How am long am I supposed to stay like this?"
"Well, the it would be best if you stayed in that positing for at least two hours, which is two and half hours more than agreed at this point. It's your choice, really. This treatment is good for you and if we stop sooner we will have to make several more shorter sessions afterwards. It all comes down how pressing it's your need for Mana."
"… I'll stay, but you're paying the overtime."
"That goes without saying. This is also in my best interest. Look, I'm going to pick a book and sit here, alright?"
"Do you have to? I'd rather be by myself."
"Sure," he shrugged. "I'll come back in two hours. Give a shout if you need anything."
"Yes, yes."
He left and Rin was yet again alone. This was definitely not what she expected. For one thing, he was being far too agreeable. Not that he went out of his way to make her feel welcome but he was being more decent than she thought him capable of, which made her wonder if his lecherous behavior had been a mask all along or if he just didn't mix business and pleasure. A odd thought, considering the nature of their relationship.
It was confusing, something that Rin did not like at all, but she was starting to feel warm and cozy, even if her naked breasts were pressed onto the stone. She wasn't quite ready to discount a lack of Magecraft on Gerard's part at this point, but she didn't really see the point of him being dishonest when she was basically his part-time slave, sworn to secrecy.
Besides, Saber was right. She was very tired between the lack of Mana, the accumulated stress and the ordinary exertion of every day. It wasn't a really wonder if her eyes closed and she fell asleep again.
She woke up slightly dazed to the feeling of the needles being pulled out of her back.
"Yawn… is it already time?" she asked with half lidded yes.
"Indeed," he replied, extracting the last of his needles out. "How are you feeling?"
She pulled up to a sitting position, rolling her arms and neck tentatively.
"… Wow," she said after a moment. "I didn't even know I was that tense in comparison."
"Told you," he smirked, finally showing a bit of his usual cockiness. "Now, I don't know if you have other plans after this, but it's getting late."
"What time is… crap! I forgot. Saber is probably worrying herself sick. I have to run."
"Yeah, I'd rather not have your Servant breaking into my Workshop anytime soon," he said worriedly while Rin dressed herself.
"I'll see you next week," she told him, hastily putting on her shoes. "I'll tell precisely when in a couple of days."
"Fine by me. Careful on the way home."
With barely a nod of acknowledgement she left his Workshop in a hurry.
-xXx-
"Rin!" Saber exclaimed seeing her Master emerge from the subway.
"Saber, I'm sorry," she replied, putting her hands together in an apologetic gesture. "I completely lost track of the time."
"Thank goodness you are fine," she sighed. "What were you thinking, worrying me like that?"
"I'm sorry! Really, I didn't notice what time it was until it was already late."
"I'll forgive you this time but don't let it happen again. Have I made myself clear?"
"Crystal clear! I swear, I'll tell you beforehand if I'm going to be late."
"Come on, let's go home," the Servant said with a smile, finally mollified. "I'm starving."
"Oh," Rin smirked. "So that's why you were so worried."
"RIN! It's nothing like that and you know it!"
'Groooowl,' said Saber's stomach on cue.
"It looks like your stomach is more honest than you," the Magus laughed. Saber was too embarrassed to say anything and was forced to suffer Rin's teasing until they arrived home, though Rin made sure to express her apologies with several extra servings of the King's favorite dishes.
It was a cheerful evening, the likes of which had been missing for many months and a very much needed respite.