kaisou | 2; THE BEACH EPISODE

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2; THE BEACH EPISODE

WHO: Everyone!!
WHERE: Starting on the network, then The Beach!
WHEN: Forward dated to the last weekend of August
WHAT: Beach Episode!!
WARNINGS: None hopefully??

[With no context, no preamble, no nothing. Early on the last weekend of August, Eunie greeted the network with a message.]

text; un: fortuneclovers

hey
Eunie here, changed my un
so this month was fuckin awful
im goin to the beach. Maybe have a little fun there to get the mind off all the bullshit
if you’re seein this youre invited too. come on and lets have a good time, bring what you want

Oh yeah
im bringin a volleyball for the nets
anyone who wants a game come at me. >:)

🌭 getting grilled

[So ended the text one humble weekend morning. Eunie didn’t have specific plans for this, she just sort of ran off and invited the whole app to the beach without considering the logistics. She did say to bring what you want but she was social enough to arrange some things for a bit of a beach gathering.

It wasn’t a lot, a few coolers and BBQ grills people can hand around and either loiter or cook at if they have the capability. If they don’t though they will be removed from the grill. But maybe that’s part of the fun.]

🌊 ocean owned

[Aside from the coolers, there’s obviously the beautiful sea people can surf or swim in all they want! The water is fine, a little cold but in a way that felt refreshing from the hottest days of the last legs of summertime. The tides were even and there was no real risk of drifting away, but don’t go too far out unless you’re a strong swimmer. There are lifeguards on duty but we’ve had enough trauma this month, we don’t need a drowning scare. Or do, I’m not your mom.]

⛱️ avoid the burn

[Not a swimmer? Well then catch up on your tan under the share umbrellas and towels laid on the sand. Or your sunburn. It is a bright and sunny weekend after all so no matter what you’re catching up on, get your sunscreen on too.

It’s also just as good for a little break from the swimming and the music to steady yourself before you head out or head back into the water or some piers you can walk down on your own for the same experience to just catch the sea breeze while staying up and about.]

🏐 bolleyvall bapped

[That being said, Eunie was not joking about there being volleyball. There are a few nets on the beach for a few different games to go on at once. Organize a tournament or just play casually. Remember though that there are normies on the beach and any Earth Shattering volleyball spikes might cost some property damage claim money. This isn’t death soccer, people.

Who am I kidding, this is going to turn into a disaster either way. Go ham, challenge the bird girl or just watch the chaos unfold and place your bets, kids.]

🎇 bonfire lit up your life

[As the day winded down and night settled on the beach, some folks were headed home or have gone there already to get the sand out of their shorts. But those who stuck around will get the pleasure of sitting by a bonfire ~~not me~~ as they bid a fond farewell to the summertime and summer vacation.

Or get in touch with their inner arsonist in a less destructive way.

Sit, relax and socialize, take in the ambiance of the twilight by the fire, roast some marshmallows or hot dogs. Maybe decide to camp out for the night. It is a pretty peaceful time, and it’s these small moments of calm with friends and loved ones we have to cherish the most when in recovery, right?]

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Waver... [Though not fully aware of what Waver implied, or perhaps he didn't want to consider it, what was clear was that he was stressed about this. From his meticulous word choice to that grip on his cane.

Whatever this was, all Waver seemed to care about was what Diarmuid thought. That combined with the sheer nerves on display made him reach for Waver's hand to steady it. Steady some, any of his Master's nerves.

Maybe he was emboldened by the reminder of that last Command Seal's use, maybe he was just comfortable enough to do this. But he gave that hand a light squeeze.]

Say what you need to.... It's alright, you do not need to worry with me. I want to know what you have to say.

[Did he, though? If Waver said this, there was no going back. It might destroy everything, shatter the delicate trust of a partnership that meant more to Waver than his own life.]

Understand that I don't ask anything of you. There's nothing I want in return, nothing you are obligated to give me. Nothing in this or any world that will ever make me think of you as anything less than my knight. Nothing has to change; you need only say the word, and I swear to you on this life you saved that I will never speak of this again.

[But...it had to be said, didn't it? No matter the risk, to continue to hide it would be no better than lying. Be the knight you think you are, he told himself. Don't you dare look away. And if he turns you down, meet that with a smile and accept it without disappointment. You know he'll blame himself otherwise.]

But you deserve to know the truth. To know that the heart I entrusted to your protection already belonged to you, and has for a long time.

Diarmuid ua Duibhne, you are...you are the most courageous, loyal, compassionate, wonderful person I have ever known.

And I...I'm in love with you.

[He did.

Because it was Waver. He wanted to hear everything Waver had to say.

Even if those words made him tense, made his heart sink so deep and so far, his heart catch and his breathing shake. The most powerful and horrifying three words in existence, especially for a man like him. A man whose life was spent breaking hearts. Who rejected so many, who left countless women in tears until he couldn't anymore or risk everything.

His own constantly shattered heart meant nothing to all the pain and suffering he caused. To Gráinne, to Fionn...

To Waver. By dying.]

...

[He was silent for a while, his expression a reflection of the apprehension and fear and thinly veiled agony in Waver's.

But that was just it, wasn't it? In the women's eyes that he rejected, in Gráinne's even, there was expectation. Eyes wide with anticipation, eagerness, impulse.

In Waver's there was sadness. Careful decisiveness. Zero obligation. The pain that came after Diarmuid gave his rejection came with the confession. That desperate desire to look away from an object of fear but the determination to face it head on. As a Knight would.

Waver never stopped thinking about Diarmuid. How Diarmuid felt. His thoughts, his opinions even if they were against his. Not as a Servant, not even as a Knight. As a person. As a human being. That has always been true. The one thing that Diarmuid knew was true with no question. Over ten years had Waver held these feelings. And the cowardly, selfish Diarmuid ua Duibhne could never speak his own heart all this time.

Except to tell him... The fact that you tried was enough.

Was he aware of how truly and honestly Diarmuid meant that?]

Waver... [He only sounded together after taking a long, deep breath. And holding tighter onto Waver's hand as if to borrow his courage.]

I understand that you want the truth from me. As well as the fact that if it is my desire, we need no longer speak of this again. No longer change anything.

[Do not avert your eyes, ua Duibhne. Do not succumb to your fear.]

And as you've given it to me, I will return with the same. Waver Velvet, I swore that your heart would be under my protection... Though I wonder... if I am worthy of it. To receive these feelings you have towards me.

[If you are unworthy, but you swore that you would abide by his command,]

The feelings of a man who is as great, brave, intelligent, and compassionate as any knight I've seen. Who has affected so many lives for the better and seeks to enrich and cherish the generations of your future. Who has the power to create the better society that you want to see. Who will become my brightest guiding star.

[He dared to take a step closer, to lift his free hand to rest on Waver's cheek.]

Who has had all my heart and all my love. I ask you... am I worthy to receive yours?

[Then become worthy.]

[I'm sorry. I'm not worth this, I don't want to hurt you, I should have kept my mouth shut, we'll never say a word about it again, it's-]

[But then Diarmuid spoke, and a panicked litany Waver refused to show on his face abruptly went silent. Impossible. Impossible that he would-...no, of course Saber had presumed it might have been the case ten years beforehand. But that wasn't the same; Waver wasn't the same. Not anymore, and the person he was right now was hardly worth that kind of sentiment. He didn't know if he ever would be.]

You-...

[But god, he wanted to try. Even if he had to work tirelessly for the rest of his life, even if it meant clawing for the rest of his life for every inch of advancement towards what he wanted to be, he would--if that meant there was even a chance he could be someone worth that loyalty. Worth the heart he was entrusted with.]

...you are worth everything to me. [His hand trembled faintly in Diarmuid's, but he didn't dare pull away.] You have always been worth more than you know and more than I could ever say. As long as this is truly, honestly what you want--with no obligation--then of course I would accept that you are.

Edited (god i can't speak english today) 2023-08-25 00:22 (UTC)

[Saber was him in the end. Him with different experiences, but his heart and soul were the same. He would know that Lancer had these feelings for his Master for so long. Love for the man who allowed him to be Diarmuid.

Waver wasn't the same, but he was. Diarmuid has seen this older Waver for the past month and felt the same for him, if not moreso given just how much pride he had in what his Master accomplished.

Meanwhile for all he was called a "hero", for all Waver didn't want him to say he wasn't one that was all he still believed. He was no hero. He was a traitor, a heartbreaker, a bringer of anguish to those he made connections with.

He would fight all it took. As long as he was allowed to exist in this era. All to be worthy, to believe he was worthy. That hand resting on Waver's cheek stroked it softly with a sad and yet deeply fond smile.]

You have as well, Waver. You are worth so much more than you give yourself any credit for. You mean the world to me. Words alone cannot express how much.

[This was a frightening thing for Diarmuid. But where else was there to look but his guiding light when he found himself at a fearful crossroads? The one who faced his fear head on.]

With this heart of mine in your hands, words on their own could never display how deeply I have cherished you. How grateful I am to be by your side again and to have this chance.

[If they were at all closer their bodies would touch but Diarmuid did so anyway. Able to look him directly in the eyes. Able to lean in.

To press his lips against Waver's with a sigh he didn't know he held back.]

...I missed you. I've missed you so goddamn much for so long, and I don't want to waste this. I want you to be happy--it doesn't matter if that's with me or not. But since it is...with you, I'll do everything in my power to make sure I become everything you believe I am.

[The motion startled him, but only for a second; accepting the least expected and most impossible situation was in fact happening, he dropped his cane in favor of putting his arms around Diarmuid's shoulders and leaning against him to return that kiss with his own.]

[With this brutish heart of his, actions spoke louder than words. Drawing upon Waver's was the only way he could go in for that kiss while his arms wrapped around Waver's back to hold him near.

To say fear didn't still exist in his heart would be a lie. Perhaps it would never leave him. But if he could believe in one thing, it was Waver.

When he did pull away, it was only just enough to speak.]

And for you I will do the same...

[He laughed softly, face flushed with embarrassment and nerves alike.]

You're definitely sure about this? Because I am, but...only if it's what you want. I don't want to ask too much of you.

[For the epitome of calm Waver often saw him as, Diarmuid was just as flushed with a similar bashful chuckle that followed his.]

I am, I swear it. As long as you'll have me, this is what I want. [All this time Waver had been considering his feelings. His fears and worries towards the one thing that threw his life into disarray. Of course he would be sure.]

That's funny, I was going to say the same thing. As long as you want to put up with me, I'm yours. Without hesitation.

[He stepped back and picked up his cane, other hand looking through the pockets of his shirt.]

I actually--where the hell'd I put it--I was going to get flowers, but I started second guessing that- [Shocking.] -and, well...I might have something for you, if you want it.

Is it "putting up with you" if I couldn't imagine myself anywhere but your side and welcome your company? [Don't imply you're a chore, Waver. Because you get hit with that in response.

Granted, that smooth intent started to crumble hearing that Waver got something for him.]

You have something for me? You... you shouldn't have, truly... [Diarmuid didn't have anything in exchange, what the heck!] If it is from you, I'll take it with gratitude.

It's probably still putting up with me, just a little.

[Deflecting that with sarcasm, as was his way. Waver finally did find what he was looking for, taking a small black box out of his pocket and holding it out. Inside was a small pendant not dissimilar from Waver's own, if much less morbid in nature.]

It's fine, I-I wanted to do something for you, that's all. You don't have to wear it if you don't think it suits you, but I thought it was appropriate to have something on hand if I was going to say all that--you know, just in case.

Hah, well. For now we'll agree to disagree. [Yes, for now. Implying that Waver is not safe from this coming up later. Get loved, idiot.

When handed the box it was regarded with some curiosity, then the same towards Waver. It was opening it to see the pendant that all the brief signs of teasing melted down into genuine emotional surprise. Albeit in Diarmuid's subtle and charming way.

Less morbid, indeed. But the source of Waver's pendant had little bearing on this gift or the sentiment of a decade that came with him keeping it close. As he spoke again, he looked very pointedly at Waver.]

Such a beautiful Silver Rose. [Was it the pendant he spoke of? The man he gazed upon so fondly? Well, both.] To wear this wonderful gift almost feels like a shame... but I'll wear and cherish it always. This is lovely, Waver. All I have are words to express this gratitude, but... Thank you. Thank you.

[His face turned a little more red at that, Waver glancing off to the side and fumbling for words for a second. With the worst essentially over, he was starting to trip over his own nerves again.]

I-I--you don't have to thank me, I...I'm just glad that you like it, that's all.

Of course I do. I'll express my appreciation towards any gift I'm given. One from you as beautiful as this deserved to be thanked two fold.

[You will take his gratitude and you will like it Waver Velvet.]

I do. I love it. [He... he loved Waver. And to admit that to himself, to allow himself to feel it openly felt unbelievably liberating. The only thing that stopped him from putting the pendant on immediately was them being on the beach.]

Well...good. Honestly, I was worried this would have gone a hell of a lot worse. So knowing you're content with this is all I really wanted.

[He paused, rubbing the back of his neck self-consciously. That really had gone over as well as it possibly could have and better still--a tremendous relief, though not without its complications. But that was a future problem to be dealt with by both of them, together. Just like everything else.]

Could I-...would it be alright if I kissed you again?

[They would have their snags, surely. Every pair did. They were for all intents still stuck in this world. There was still much about the Fifth War Diarmuid did not know.

But what would never change is that together they wouldn't lose.]

I'd be honored if you would.

[He was always going to tread carefully around this subject--they both surely were, on a myriad number of similar pitfalls. But that was fine as far as Waver was concerned; those jagged edges fit together perfectly.]

[For the moment, he just took Diarmuid's hand and leaned in for a second kiss. This was...this really did just feel right. Even though neither of them thought they were worth it, here they were regardless.]

...I love you. I missed you so damn much. And I can't even begin to tell you how good it is to see you happy.

[Two utterly broken pieces that on their own would be nothing special. It was together that their true potential would form. Diarmuid would dare to say Waver had been just fine without him.

But there is no other place he would rather be than by Waver's side. Such was the thought upon returning that second kiss.]

I love you, too. Your happiness is one I'll fight endlessly to preserve, time and time again.

I'm happy to be by your side again.

If you want to fight for my happiness, you had better be well prepared to fight for your own. [He squeezed Diarmuid's hand lightly, an attempt at a confident smile working its way across his face.]

I can't think of anything I want more than to see you as content as you've looked today. Without the obligations of the war, our contract, or anything else. Think we can figure that out together?

I'm certain we can. [The light squeeze of his hand met with one of his own.]

Together we can surmount anything, after all.

Damn right we can. And we're going to, no matter what this world throws at us next.

We are.

[Said lifting Waver's hand to his lips to give it a small kiss and a smile that felt more free of weight than he ever had.]

Shall we return to the others? Or continue our walk?

[...Oh, this was very dangerous territory. Because that was extremely cute.]

Why don't we take a different approach--what would you rather do? I can't be the one making every decision.

[He's Just Like This. On Purpose.]

Ha, I suppose not. [And it still felt odd, ever being the deferential one. But he still was following an order in a way. The order to be himself.]

I wouldn't mind the two of us having a little more time to ourselves.

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fionnuisce - 2023-08-25 16:47 (UTC) - Expand

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