Day 7: Cosplaying

"You are telling me that people nowadays dress up as other people that they admire?" Diarmuid raised an eyebrow.

Arturia frowned, "That is very bizarre. Why do they do it?"

Irisviel shrugged, "Because, as Diarmuid said, they admire the person they dress up as or they think that the outfits the person wears are very stylish and cool."

"Peculiar..." Arturia mumbled.

"That is what the word 'cosplay' means then? Dressing up?" Diarmuid leaned on the table, staring at Iri as she nodded.

"Why yes, and it is very fun! I absolutely love it! I sometimes dress as different queens."

Arturia nodded, looking back down at the clothing that was set on the table. "And what are these?"

A green dress, almost imitating the style of a maid's dress and what looked to be a blue military uniform were laid upon the birch wood table, almost taunting the two servants.

"My little Illya constantly watches this very short animation series about personified countries and she is in love with the idea of two of the characters." The homunculus explained, a wide and sweet smile on her lips, "I was hoping I could get you two to dress up as the characters and take some pictures with her; she'd really love that!"

Arturia offered a weary and scared smile, her lips twitching a little bit, "Dress up? I...I have never really..."

"If it is for the young Mistress, I would be ever so delighted." Diarmuid smiled, truthfully, unlike Arturia who was embarrassed.

Irisviel's smile grew—if that was even possible. "Perfect! I could let you two watch a few episodes with the characters and maybe you'd come to like them and learn how to act like them, what do you think?"

Arturia frowned. "Act like...is that not difficult? Acting like someone you are not?"

Diarmuid glanced over at his fellow bodyguard and gave her a nudge on the side. "Think of it as a duty for the young Mistress."

She gave a curt nod, "Of course I will fulfill my duty. I am but your instrument, do with me as you will." Arturia bowed her head before her Mistress.

Irisviel brought her hands to her chest. "Oh, you two will look so adorable!"

"I can't help but think that this Prussia character reminds me of someone..." Diarmuid nibbled his bottom lip as he played with the popcorn bowl in his hands.

Arturia looked over at him, not truly into the anime they were made to watch. "Archer," she said with disdain.

"Ah yes," Diarmuid sighed, "I forgot."

"I believe the outfit will look very fitting on you," Arturia commented as she reached towards the bowl of popcorn.

A blush spread on Diarmuid's cheeks, "You flatter me, milady."

"I was talking about the maid's attire, I hope you know."

Diarmuid's blush faded like a bubble had popped and he wore a frown, "I will not wear a dress."

"You would look completely beautiful."

He crossed his arms over his chest and she took advantage of the fact that he let go of the bowl before taking it from him and shoving a handful of popcorn into her mouth.

"You ought to stop teasing me. I am..."

She set the bowl on the table and turned the television off, "What will you do about it?"

He huffed, features hardening. "I might have to punish you."

She smiled, a taunting smile, "Is that so?"

"Yes."

"What would you do? You can barely ever hurt someone you care about on purpose."

He leaned forward, taking both her hands and pushing her over on the sofa, pinning her down. There was a foolish and triumphant smile on his lips, eyes gleaming with mirth.

She frowned sarcastically. "How intimidating."

"I dare warn you, do not tempt me, Arturia," he husked, and she let out a laugh in response.

And thus, began the intense tickle fight. You might not know but Arturia was ticklish, very ticklish and Diarmuid always had the advantage over her.

Laughter filled the air and Arturia kicked and tried to break from his grasp, so she could push him off. She squeaked and cried out, hoping he would pity her and cease the tickling. "Diarmuid," she wheezed, "I warn you too!" She could barely speak through her laughs. "I—I will not ha! Not ah! H-hesitate to kick you!"

"Are you prepared, Miss Hungary?" Diarmuid asked, fixing his collar.

Arturia's eye twitched and she frowned. "I feel ridiculous."

Diarmuid laughed, "Smile for the lady Illya, frowns are not accepted today."

"Oh yes, mister Prussia, I am certain she will enjoy your egoistical company."

"You know," Diarmuid fixed his hair, "I think you and Hungary would get along great."

"I—" she was unable to finish for the door swung open and Iri and Illya entered gracefully, as they always would.

Little Illya's face lit up with amusement and excitement, "Prussia? Hungary?"

Diarmuid crouched down and ruffled the little girl's head, "Hallo!" He greeted in German, "You look awesome!"

Arturia forced a smile, "Ha-hallo, how are you?"

"Dia, Artie, you almost look like them! Woah!" There was a bright smile on her lips. "Can you hold hands?"

Diarmuid and Arturia looked at one another with bewilderment. "Uh, milady—" Diarmuid was interrupted when Arturia took his hand in hers and offered a genuine smile to the little girl.

"I wish you a very happy birthday, lady Illyasviel." Arturia bowed, stoic as per usual.

The little girl bounced, and her mother laughed with delight.

"And the awesome Prussia also wishes you a very, very awesome birthday!" Diarmuid still kept to his role and Arturia swung around the frying pan as her character would.

"Now," Illya blushed, "A kiss!" She clapped her hands together.

"Oh!" Iri shook her head, "Sweetheart, what did I say?"

"No kiss?" Illya pouted, "But they are my otp, mommy!"

Diarmuid gulped but his smile never wavered as he leaned towards Arturia and kissed her cheek ever so lightly. "Miss Hungary," he took a fake flower from his pocket and perched on Arturia's hair.

Arturia blushed, her eyes wide and cheeks a violent red. She covered her mouth and looked away, trying her best to avoid eye contact with anyone.

"This is the best birthday ever!" Illya cheered, clapping and jumping around. "Prussia and Hungary sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g! First—"

It was Diarmuid's turn to blush violently too, both the bodyguards ran out of the room in embarrassment.