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[croibhristeoir]

This is Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. The real one.

Please disregard anything you may have been told by the last person on this network claiming to be me. I'm sorry for the confusion.

[action]

[Wherever Saber's living now, early that evening there would be a knock on her door by a very unhappy-looking Diarmuid.]

Comments

[stripping.livejournal.com]

It's not your fault either. Why should you bring all the pain upon yourself? Why should you try to sacrifice everything for others?

[croibhristeoir]

Because that's just what knights do, Issei. It is in our nature--especially mine--to place the well-being of others before our own. If it means sacrificing our lives, then we die so others can live.

And if it should mean giving up all that I have for the sake of those I love, then I will.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

...If it's in your nature then I can't stop you. It would break me into pieces to see you take that course, but I have no method of keeping you from being as noble as you are.

[croibhristeoir]

...

[Every word Diarmuid--Lancer--had said was true. So why was he hesitating now? Why did what seemed like the right thing to do feel inherently wrong?]

['I never asked for anything in return, I never even asked to be thanked for my efforts. If I'm not helping people, then what is the point of my existence?']

[His own Shadow's words echoed dangerously in his head...didn't he say he was finished with that and he wouldn't be subservient to anyone? That...that he'd let himself be just a little selfish now and then? Could he go back on his word now--and could he really put himself before everyone else? How could he live with himself if she hurt anyone else?]

...merciful goddess, I'm turning into my Shadow.

[Lancer sank into a chair, raising his hands to his head--why was he shaking so badly?]

[stripping.livejournal.com]

[Issei knelt beside him, unsure of what to say to his closest friend.] Diarmuid...

[croibhristeoir]

...I'm afraid. I fear nothing, and yet I'm afraid. What the hell is happening to me, Issei?!

[stripping.livejournal.com]

You're human and this situation is horrible for you. And you're trying to change the way you behave and think and that's frightening. I don't know how to soothe you.

[croibhristeoir]

I don't want anyone else to suffer because of her. But I don't want to go back to her either.

Please stop me.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

I'll do anything.

[croibhristeoir]

..can you help me figure out how to stop her?

I don't...think I can protect everyone on my own.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

You don't have to. I'm here.

[Hug, goddammit.]

[croibhristeoir]

--?!

[Awkward, awkward hug back.]

[stripping.livejournal.com]

It's okay. Because it's us, and we can find some way to work this out.

[croibhristeoir]

...you're right. I shouldn't be panicking like this.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

Exactly.

[croibhristeoir]

...Thank you. I would have done something incredibly foolish if not for you.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

And I could not see my dearest friend do something so foolish to himself.

[croibhristeoir]

You really are much too kind.

[Have another hug, just because.]

Thank you, a deartháir. I owe you for this.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

You owe me noth- what does that mean?

[croibhristeoir]

...

[Oops, he said that out loud. Cue one Diarmuid looking embarrassed.]

...'My brother'.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

... [Suddenly, happy clinging!]

[croibhristeoir]

...?!

[WHAT HOW DO I HANDLE THIS]

[stripping.livejournal.com]

I couldn't be happier to have you as my brother.

[croibhristeoir]

I'm glad to hear it. I was almost worried you'd think I had gone utterly mad.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

Me? Never in a million years.