[accidental video]

[anothersoul]

[The video camera shows Mami's apartment--richly furnished but empty. Nothing but a few dishes on a glass table and the light coming from a sliding glass door are seen. Nobody's home. That is, until the noise of an opening door. Lights flicker on as someone flips a light switch.]

Mother, Father... I'm sorry I was out later than usual.

[Mami walks into the view of the camera. She doesn't look around and instead just puts her schoolbag near the table with a heavy sigh, looking a bit more ragged than usual.] I understand that I could probably have returned sooner but not tonight. It was busy.

[As Mami talks, she picks up the dirty dishes and moves out of sight of the camera. There's noises of someone putting water into a pot.] I believe I've made a couple of new friends. I'm sure you would have gotten along well with them.

I hope you weren't too mad at having a strange man in the apartment. He was very cordial, as you remember. I used your recipe, Mother. [Mami re-appears as she sets the table again: for one person.] Don't worry about me, I promise I've been taking care of myself.

[Mami sits down at the glass table, pouring herself a cup of tea. She continues talking to herself but the video cuts out.]

Comments

[croibhristeoir]

...I'm sure it has been. [Lancer smiled sadly at that, though he tried his best to make it look reassuring.]

It's hard to try and console someone when they won't tell anyone they're hurting. But...there's no shame in feeling pain. You don't have to hide it if you're unhappy.

[That much only made it worse. Gods knew he'd sure as hell tried.]

[anothersoul]

[Truth be told, she wasn't looking at his face. She was the mature one. She had to be strong--she could comfort but they wouldn't comfort her back. She had to be strong. Immovable.

Mami doesn't say anything and just leans in. She's still crying yet she leans in anyways.]

[croibhristeoir]

...it's alright. You don't have to carry everything alone anymore. I can help you--I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one willing to, either.

[anothersoul]

...You sound like Kaname-chan. [She uses a familiar term without knowing it, even if her voice is still shaky.]

[croibhristeoir]

...hm, do I? If only I could possess a fraction of her kindness.

[anothersoul]

[But Kaname wouldn't do something like this.] ...this is more than you had to do.

[croibhristeoir]

I don't think it is. If you think I've gone too far somehow, I am sorry. But I enjoy helping people, more so if they're my friends. But when there is someone I think could benefit from my assistance, I can never turn my back on them.

[anothersoul]

It means...a lot to me. [Remember how she's touching his chest? Now have a tentative hug.]

[croibhristeoir]

[Hugs were just fine with him.]

I'm sorry. I know how you feel and I know how much it hurts. So...it would be alright, if you let yourself rely on me if only a little.

[anothersoul]

[Not going to let go anytime soon.]

...I'm not going to wake up, am I.

[croibhristeoir]

Hm...I'm reasonably sure I'm real at this moment, so if you were to be dreaming it stands to reason I would be too. And since that's not something a Servant can do, then it stands to reason this must actually be happening.

Therefore, no. You aren't just going to wake up and have this all be a fabrication.

[anothersoul]

Good.

She's just going to bury her face in his shoulder. There's small sobs now and again but they seem to be fading.]

[croibhristeoir]

I'm always going to be there for someone that needs me, Mami. I won't let you down and I won't leave you alone.

[anothersoul]

That...means a lot to me.

[croibhristeoir]

The fact that you're my friend means a great deal to me as well.

[anothersoul]

[No words. Only hugging Lancer papa]

[croibhristeoir]

[Hey, hugs are just as good.]

[anothersoul]

...what's your world like?

[Tentative, curious.]

[croibhristeoir]

Hm, well...it's something like it is here. I live in a quiet and peaceful city in Japan, and by all appearances it's quite normal. There aren't any witches, but magic does exist--those who practice it keep it secret from the world at large.

[anothersoul]

I see...it sounds nice.

[croibhristeoir]

...honestly, it's a world I hesitate to say I belong in. But it's home to me now all the same.

You should come over sometime. I could have a chance to repay how kind and welcoming you've been to me.

[anothersoul]

Your kindness already has been greater than what I've given you.

[Because having someone to hug is more important than pasta and cake and tea.]

[croibhristeoir]

If you say so, but I would like it if you allowed me to extend the offer regardless.

[anothersoul]

Thank you. [And ending the hug to wipe her tears on the back of her sleeve. Her voice is calm again, the mask back on.]

How embarrassing... What would my juniors think?

[croibhristeoir]

It's alright. I am hardly going to tell anyone.