#camelot.

In the immediate, the gift had come as a surprise — the milkshake saga was unique, and her heart had always been set on seeing it live happily with someone fit to take care of it. Eiden had been there every step of the way, and an unusual basis for a friendship to foster it might be, the experience had strengthened their connection, and she could see for herself what Charlie was always praising. Not that there would ever be any doubt — no matter how excitable the Saber might be, his judgment was sharp, and whenever Eiden was nearby, it was like the skies cleared and sun shone no matter what the conditions.

The sniffle of Fou's nose twitching close to the cookies brought a smile out. Eiden had gone through so much trouble, and with someone of such charisma, who knew how many others he'd done the same for? With a tug, the ribbon unfastened cleanly, opening the way for a single cookie which the girl broke in half, extending one towards her small companion. The other half would meet her own teeth, and hang there whilst taking hold her phone, tapping away without delay whilst the two of them indulged the sweet.

TO — EIDEN FROM — SHIELDER (MASHU KYRIELITE)

Her behaviour over past months hasn’t been subtle. She spoke to him in that month away from home in all manner of disarray, thrown between which name was supposed to be hers, which of a Fairy Knight heralding from another world, and the girl who a town gave shelter. He never judged her for being out at a peculiar, he never pressed down on her wounds and trusted her to hang in there. He’s someone she holds like a brother, the way she does Goetia. So his effort to prepare the gift with intent to calm her touches her dearly, it warms her.

She understands it not to be an order, but advice — yet she accepts it as both. Her upbringing was minimal, and fewer know that better than the former Director, so the contents of the bag take her by surprise. They’re each a part of vital self-care of which she’s never prioritized, so to be granted supplies to change that, fills her with excitement. It fills her with happiness that Olga feels comfortable to put down what always kept them at arm’s length from one another and extend herself. Mashu nods attentively at the mention of each item within, like writing a checklist which would need striking with every evening that she followed through a determined routine.

It felt like there was always so much on Sakura’s mind, Mashu truly wanted to help if anything at all could be done, yet had no idea where to begin. She couldn’t impose if they were troubles the older had intention of working out herself, but showing support at any given opportunity never hurt. It was because of those troubled looks that Mashu hadn’t anticipated seeing the girl personally on the day, and the pleasant surprise brought a light to her face immediately.

“Well— I didn’t realize Valentine’s works a little different here, so this feels a little underwhelming… But still— I made some batches just in case. So until White Day comes… Here—“ He offers her a small bag of personally-made chocolates, all crafted to nice squares. But in this bag, there’s a unique piece— a miniature Round Table shield, almost as big as one’s palm.

She’s aware something seems to have been troubling him, but apprehensive about pushing if there’s discomfort when she’s near. But for a day, none of that factors in — or he can keep it at bay. Her eyes light up at the contents within the bag — perfectly crafted chocolates, and a replica of her shield that looks like it could be Fou-sized.

   next to the box would be a smaller, black one. inside and resting against a velvet cushioning would be a pure silver chained necklace. the charm at the end is an amethyst gemstone in the shape of a circle. the stone is adorned with silver metalwork in the shape of Chaldea’s symbol. a card is set atop it. the message isn’t long. 

  “ Sorry I can’t be there to give this to you in person. Happy Valentine’s Day, Mashu! I know I’ve said it before, but I love you and can’t imagine living a life where I never got to meet you. I know things have been rough lately and still are and I know it’ll be awhile before anything is truly okay but I just want you to know that we still have good times and will have many more. I hope you have a wonderful day today! Love, Ritsuka. ”

She was well familiar with Ritsuka’s excitement come celebrations, so waking to find a gift left with the Master already out and about came as little surprise. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she peered inside the large box, touched by the sight within. It was beautiful; so much love and care had gone into every facet. That was Ritsuka — never giving it anything less than her all. A fingertip brushed against Fou’s head lightly enough not to disturb the stiff fur. Her right hand took hold of the box, the scrunchie about her wrist, even in sleep so that Ritsuka would always be there.

What lay inside brought all to a halt. “Senpai..!” A wondrous gift that shone in the morning sunlight, its gem gleaming delicately. Both hands withdrew in order to caress it, her knees pulled up beneath them, the card resting in her lap, its words angled upward. At New Year, she made a vow. A vow to embrace each day for what it was — another together. She couldn’t view each as a potential last, she refused to taint their time left, be it months or years. Ritsuka would never want that.

They had good times ahead, and they had each other no matter what was coming. The hot tears which swelled were none of lament, none of grief, none of unease. They were comfort, they were elation, they were love. Whatever may come, she had been granted the best gift of all in Fujimaru Ritsuka. And it was a fact nothing could take away. Her head tucked itself in, reaching her knees as she eyed the present with a watery smile. And then uncurled, casting her eyes towards the window.

      “ It didn’t feel right….letting it sit in my drawer to collect dust.” she chuckles softly, a hand raising to sweep fingers through her hair. loose, no longer held up and contained. “ And I could think of nobody better to hold onto it. ” there was nobody better, for who else had been with her from the start? from that very moment in the destroyed command room, all the way through the horrors of the lostbelts, of this world?  "Take good care of it, yeah?“

At first, she wasn’t sure she’d heard correctly. The fabric in Ritsuka’s hand had been with her from the very first day, any number before her arrival at Chaldea. She’d never been without it — not until recently. The decision to hang her hair loose days after receiving it back hadn’t been questioned, Mashu was hesitant to learn the answer, but there was one. Ritsuka wasn’t one who simply let go, she treasured everything. Confusion swept her brow, an attempt to ask if the Master was really sure, but there was only silence.

A laugh, gentle and delicate, answered first, a comfort in letting her hair free as her fingers would glide through. Mashu’s hands cupped the gift laid within their cradle, as careful as if grains of sand filled them, and one wrong move would send them spinning out. She couldn’t understand the significance of the item, its history, its symbolism, but one thing was clear. One constant. The scrunchie was Fujimaru Ritsuka. It was the golden shine in her eyes, the beaming smile that warmed her, it was the brightness of her soul. Mashu knew all had been affected and drained throughout their journey, and none could emulate the radiance of piece. But it was still her. Then, now, it was still Ritsuka. She was still Ritsuka.

And this wasn’t an act of her giving herself up to their mission, it wasn’t a sacrifice. It was a gift. It was her wish to safeguard.

The cradle grew closer, nestled against her chest wherein the heart so oft ached in turmoil had grown intense in emotion once more. Warm, but without pain. Swelled with gratitude and affection. Tears trickled over, absent of grief and apprehension. Warm with relief and comfort. Even when not physically by her side, Ritsuka would be there. Always.