The Destined Meeting 5 by phantomdemon2
Hermione, Iris and Shirou watched as Ron took Harry up the stairs to the dorm.
Harry was clearly in no shape to talk after Shirou took care of the Soul Fragment in his scar, and Ron was watching over him to make sure he was fine.
"...How'd you find out about that?" Hermione asked turning to the spot where the Spirit had been stabbed by Shirou.
"Long story." Shirou said. "Short version is that I know a spell that can read the history of objects I touch, and I used that on Iris when she had the concussion. That was something that popped up when I was looking for injuries."
"I see." Hermione said still sounding out of it.
Shirou gave a look towards the bookworm before turning to Iris. "Hey, Iris, why don't you go and talk to Harry, you have first hand experience with what he's feeling after all."
Iris thought about it for a second before nodding. "Kay, I'll be back later."
The two then watched as Iris moved to follow Ron and Harry.
After waiting a moment, Shirou turned back to Hermione. "You ok there?"
Hermione gave a deep sigh. "Honestly, no, I'm not."
"What's wrong?" Shirou asked, mentally going through his blades and spells.
"Harry." Was all she said.
Shirou just waited, giving her a moment to collect her thoughts.
"Harry has always been more stoic then most." Hermione began. "Make no mistake, he feels things very strongly, but he doesn't show it often. Iris on the other hand, is much more visible with her emotions."
Shirou thought about how to answer for a second. "Well, isn't that usually the case? Aren't girls usually more open with their emotions?" Shirou asked, vaguely remembering some studies that went along those lines.
"True. But the fact Iris looks healthier then Harry? That she's willing to speak up more? The fact she seemed shocked we weren't going to the library? And the little things, like her playing with that bracelet of hers." Hermione said before sighing. "I'm friends with Harry, and he's someone who seems to always get into trouble. I don't mind, Harry's my friend, but seeing Iris makes me wonder if I'm being a good enough friend."
Shirou moved closer to Hermione, patting her on the shoulder as she leaned forward. He knew what he wanted to say, but had to be careful how he said it.
"In our world, Iris has more friends then just me." Shirou began, knowing the intense look that Hermione was giving him. "She has me, she has our Hermione, She has Luna, Rin, Sakura and... and more."
Shirou waved his hand towards the stairs that the others had left by. "We all look out for each other, learn from each other and help each other grow. From what I've heard, Harry has only the two of you to really connect with."
"So what, that we're not enough?" Hermione said, her gaze now on the floor.
"I'd never say anyone isn't enough." Shirou said solemnly. "But, we all have different skills, different sets of knowledge that's helped each other time and time again. Our friend Luna that I mentioned? She's good at seeing through people, and seeing things from a different point of view. She's good at noticing when someone's feeling off, for whatever reason."
Hermione didn't say anything, but Shirou noticed her gaze was on him once more, and no longer on the floor.
"Little things that we've built from our friendships have helped us all out. On top of that, Iris has had her Scar Soul-Free for over a year now, and she mentioned that she felt a weight lift off her shoulder's when it was done. You'll have to see how Harry reacts to everything later." Shirou said. "From what I've seen, you act almost the same as our Hermione, and I have no doubt that if you asked Iris, she'd tell you what a great friend you are."
"You're Damn Right." Iris said, popping up out of nowhere.
"Language!" Hermione said, shocked at the language.
She had no idea why that caused Iris and Shirou to smile at her.