kaisou | (no subject)

WHO: Ritsuka, Waver, and Diarmuid
WHERE: probably Waver and Dia's place
WHEN: early December
WHAT: Talking about some pre-Kaisou traumas
WARNINGS: a LOT of talk about death, destruction, and morally questionable deeds of various forms; basically the Fate/s being depressing as heck

To say that the past few months had been stressful for Ritsuka would be putting it incredibly mildly. And while she'd done her best to try to work through it, in no small part due to Waver's urging, there was still a lingering something that kept eating at her. Which wasn't to say all the other pain and grief was gone, of course, but that at least she'd mostly been able to more or less identify and address to some degree or another. No, this was different, and she only gradually began to realize what it might be.

At which point she recalled Diarmuid's offer to listen, if she had something she wanted to talk about. And not to mention, after all he'd done to help her, perhaps this was something Waver ought to hear as well. So after a few days of internal debate and generally putting things off, Ritsuka finally reached out to set up a time to meet, and now here she was.

... Now she just needed to figure out where to even begin.

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Diarmuid knows that leg of his by now and was just as quick to help Waver to stand up again. Here for the literal and metaphorical means to do so, after all. Never one to do things halfway.

"There isn't a limit on this offer to listen. Whenever you find yourself adrift, call on one of us and we will help you find your way."

Knowing there was little enough she could do to help Waver that Diarmuid already have covered, Ritsuka took the moment to wipe at her damp eyes. Boy, was she a mess right now.

Still, something about Waver's dismissal sparked a bit of her stubbornness.

"Sure, but... That doesn't mean I'm not grateful anyway, you know."

Spoken with a soft smile, but also a certain firmness that made it clear she had no intention of backing down on that point. She'd express her genuine gratitude whether they liked it or not, that's also a thing friends are allowed to do, as far as Ritsuka's concerned.

"Yeah, I know." At the very least, he seemed more willing to concede that point with a small laugh.

"But even so, we'll be here for you every time. No thanks required, no expectations, no problem."

Before she had a chance to wipe her eyes with a sleeve, Diarmuid was right there to offer her a handkerchief so as to not mess with her clothes.

"I'm glad to see a smile on your face again." As one came to his as well. He nodded again. "Every time."

"I'll remember that."

That didn't mean reaching would would be easy. Even after this, which itself was only after a long series of events an inner turmoil finally convincing her, it would probably still be a struggle. Literal years of ingrained habits were unfortunately not overturned easily.

But, it was a start, at least. And she meant what she said. Even if she might still have some hesitation to act on them, she'd remember those words and assurances. In the mean time, though...

"Umm... Though I don't suppose there's more tea?"

Her throat really was kind of dry from all this talking and crying.

"...Fujimaru, I'm English. Of course there's more tea."

Sure, he drank more coffee, but one had to be prepared for emergencies.

An overnight change was certainly not expected. The offer would be there when she felt comfortable enough to reach out.

Diarmuid couldn't help but laugh at both the tea question and the following quip from his Master.

"Hahaha. Here, allow me." Said while refilling her cup. A nice way to refresh and feel better after such an emotionally taxing moment.