rippled | claude

[ wondering if they should choose to pretend they didn't hear that or acknowledge... hm... ah, well. ]

I do not expect you to forget that. Striking against someone that you call a companion carries a lot of weight, and I have no inclination to erase that. You could retaliate against me right now and it would be well within your rights and more.

[ ... ]

I have simply gotten tired of this place telling me that I cannot hold onto anything. So, I will hold onto you. But you're free to let go!

[ they just needed to make an attempt, instead of awkwardly fluttering around him whenever they're in the same room together. ]

[ Okay, well. That is so incredibly sweet that Claude doesn't really know what to do. He's never had someone that wanted to hold on to him, even after being victim to his pettiness and arrogance. Most of the people around him, are waiting for one wrong move. One chance to prove that their instinct to not trust him is right.

He hasn't even done anything for Saber. At least at home he had his intellect, and the battles that he won. Why would Saber put up with him, even knowing that, really, they're in the right for acting against a murderer? ]

Saber.

[ STRUGGLING TO COMPOSE HIS THOUGHTS ]

... I'm sorry. For making you endure striking down a friend again.

[ That doesn't really address what Saber said to him, but he's still processing. ]

[ sometimes, you just keep losing and losing people, until eventually you are ready to make any desperate attempt to finally get something to work.

and, well. that does not address what saber said, but the sentiment still hit nonetheless. saber has been truthful that they are fine with having to do things like that because it is what they are used to. would they still prefer not to? yes. absolutely yes. but they will still do it without complaint. ]

... I'd rather it be me than someone else. [ ... ] Friend, hm?

We were friends when you decided to attack me, weren't we?

[ Don't get too cocky.

But- he doesn't know. It's weird. It's not like he thought Saber was necessarily wrong, or that they derived any joy out of helping kill him. It was really a petulant sense of... you don't care about me. Which is childish, but isn't that what the feeling of betrayal really is?

Saber though... despite that, and his behaviour, still wants to be here. ]

And we still can be, since it seems like that's what you want.

Shouldn't it be what you want?

[ it's muttered.

but it also seems like claude is just kind of bad at saying what he wants. ]

But it is quite simple. I like you, and wish to continue to be your friend. I apologize for attacking you, and I am not seeking forgiveness for what. I just want... a path forward, for us. If that is okay.

[ He is bad at saying what he wants.

Lifts his brows. ]

You like me... huh.

[ I like you too, despite everything. ]

[ deeply wondering if they are allowed to acknowledge that or not.

instead, they will just smile. ]

Then we will figure it out. Just tell me when you need space.

[ thank goodness. ]

[ He would say that they can, but he doesn't know which thoughts are being broadcasted. ]

I will.

[ ... ]

But first, I want recompense.

That makes sense.

[ they nod, agreeing easily. ]

What do you want?

I want to know your name.

[ why is this the most embarrassing thing he could have asked.

they clear their throat. ]

Right... I am Yamato Takeru.

Are you blushing?

No.

[ yes. ]

I was expecting you to suggest hitting me or something.

[ one day their thoughts won't immediately leap to violence but today is not that day. ]

[ hELP... THIS IS SO CUTE ]

I'm less interesting in hitting you than I am learning about you.

[ embarrassing!!!! ]

... I am a bit of a famous figure in my country's history, so I have not advertised my identity too much.

[ watching trial when the topic came up was so embarrassing ]

Not that it matters for people outside of Japan, but, ah...