Ritsuka wasn't sure how long they were standing there, starting out into the endless storm outside Chaldea's windows. They had entirely lost track of time, completely mesmerized by the flurry. It wasn't until a white coat draping across their shoulders brought them back to reality, causing them to jump from surprise.

"Ah sorry, sorry!" An apologetic tone sounded from behind them. Rtisuka turned to see Ryoma.

Ryoma scratched the back of his head, a sheepish smile spread across his face. "I didn't mean to frighten you. You were shivering a little."

Rtisuka blinked, gently pulling the coat closed with their fingers. "Was I?" The more Rtisuka thought about it, they did feel rather cold. Perhaps it was the storm outside, perhaps it was the empty halls that surrounded them, perhaps it was something else entirely.

"I can ask Mr. Emiya to brew up some coffee for you if you'd like," Ryoma offered. "Or tea if you prefer."

"No, no. It's fine." Ritsuka's gaze returned to the storm outside, eyes growing heavy. Ryoma stood quietly next to them, hands in pockets.

"Fujimara, when's the last time you slept?"

"Hm?" Rtisuka didn't seem to register the question.

"You have very prominent bags under your eyes, and you're practically teetering on the edge of falling asleep."

It wasn't until Ryoma finally pointed out their physical state that exhaustion started to hit them. The flurry, with the soft howling wind, practically lulled them into a sleep-like state, and they pitched forward. Clean shoes squeaked against the floor as Ritsuka felt gloved hands press into their chest and back, steadying them.

"Now, now. Take it easy, Master." Ryoma guided Ritsuka to a seated position and he settled beside them as they leaned into his shoulder. "We should get you back to your room."

"No, no, this is fine." Ritsuka murmured. They didn't have the energy to get up again. "I just need to…" Ritsuka pulled Ryoma's coat tighter around them, tremors taking over their body.

"We shouldn't be this close to the window anyway," Ryoma added. "Your room will be warmer-" Ryoma paused, realizing that the tremors weren't resulting from being cold but rather...

"Sakamoto-san, I'm scared," Ritsuka's voice cracked as tears began streaming down their face.

Ryoma felt a wave of pity overwhelm him. Curled up against him, wrapping his jacket around them like a blanket, Ritsuka was nothing but a child thrown into a situation that most adults would fold against. Idealistic, naive, and yet their journey has caused them to mature much faster than they should have. They've gone through and lost so much.

"It shouldn't have been me…"

Ryoma perked at Ritsuka's exhausted statement, listening closely as they continued in their delirious state.

"I'm third-rate at best. Mash...she deserved someone stronger than me...maybe if it had it been someone different...maybe then we could have saved everyone."

"Third-rate or not, you did save everyone," Ryoma assured them.

"Not everyone."

Ah . Ryoma never met the man Ritsuka was referring to. He had passed on before he and Oryo were summoned. From what he gathered, this man was very important to Mash and Ritsuka, and his absence often took a large toll on them.

"If it had been someone else...not me…" Ritsuka hiccuped. "Romani...he would...and Mash...she wouldn't have lost her connection...she wouldn't be hurting now...it's my fault; it's my fault! If I could stop-"

"Master," Ryoma cut Ritsuka off abruptly, his tone changing very sharply. "Regret is one thing, but wishing it undone completely is another thing entirely. It's better to regret doing something than not."

"Well, it doesn't feel better!" Ritsuka bristled. "I held everyone back! They could have helped more people, done a better job, if it had been anyone but me!"

"That's not true at all, and I'm sure Miss Kyrielight and everyone else would agree." Ryoma smiled softly. "I know I do."

A moment of silence fell between the two before Ritsuka spoke up. "I'm heading back to my room," they murmured. "Sorry for bothering you."

Ryoma winced internally at their dour tone, but he continued to smile softly at the young mage. "Do you need me to accompany you?"

"I'm sure you have better things to do than escorting me. I'm sure Oryo-san is wondering where you are."

Ristuka paused, suddenly sitting up to look at Ryoma. "Where is Oryo-san?"

"I had her dematerialize for the time being to reduce our strain on Chaldea's resources," Ryoma replied. "With everything shutting down soon, us servants wanted to reduce our impact while also trying to stay a little longer."

"Oh." Ritsuka pulled the jacket a little tighter around them and shrunk down. "I'm sorry."

'There's no need to apologize," Ryoma chuckled. "It was entirely our decision."

'Is it lonely?"

"A little," Ryoma admitted. He often found himself tapping his shoulder where Oryo's hand would be only to be met with his shirt or jacket collar. "But there's no need to worry. She can return at a moment's notice if we need her."

Ritsuka nodded as Ryoma continued, partially speaking to himself, "In a fight, I wouldn't be of much use, especially against mages. I'm just a man with a sword and a gun. And even then, during my time alive, there were others who were much better at that. If I hadn't had Oryo with me, I would have surely died a lot sooner than I did."

"I don't think I would even be here without Mash," murmured Ritsuka. "I'm just completely useless-"

"Now, now," Ryoma cut them off gently. "Your strength comes from your allies. There's nothing wrong with-"

Suddenly, Ryoma felt Ritsuka slump into his shoulder. He felt panic rise in his throat as he whispered, "Fujimara?"

He relaxed a little once he saw the soft rise and fall of the young mage's chest. "I suppose it's time we get you to a proper bed," Ryoma murmured to himself as he adjusted himself to pick up Ritsuka.

Ryoma maneuvered to crouch in front of Ritsuka, gently pulling them onto his back by placing their arms around his neck and supporting their knees in the crooks of his arms.. As he stood, he could feel their arms begin to slip from his shoulders, but he felt a gentle touch lead his young Master back into place.

"Ryoma shouldn't hold Master so carelessly," he heard a soft voice murmur behind him. He glanced over his shoulder to see Oryo hovering behind him. "Shield woman wouldn't forgive him if something happened to Master."

"I'm not sure I would be able to forgive myself," Ryoma chuckled as he started walking down the hall with Ritsuka tucked neatly onto his back.

Oryo hovered beside him, keeping an eye on both Ryoma and Ritsuka. After a moment's silence, Oryo spoke up. "Is it true what you said?"

"Hm?"

"That you would have died sooner without Oryo?"

Ryoma nodded. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have accomplished as much as I did."

"Well, you humans are much more fragile." Oryo's gaze swept over him and Ritsuka. "If Oryo could make you as strong as a dragon, she would." She reached out to brush hair out of Ritsuka's face. "This child is too much like you."

"Is that a good or bad thing?" Ryoma chuckled.

Oryo didn't answer his question. "Oryo will be here to protect you both. You'll both be able to accomplish what you wish this time."

"I'm grateful, and I'm sure Fujimara is as well."

The pair eventually arrived to Fjujimara's room. With the help of Oryo, Ryoma laid Ritsuka in bed, gently pulling the covers over them. He pulled his white jacket back on.

He observed the sleeping child for a moment, carefully brushing the hair out of their eyes. In this moment, Ritsuka looked peaceful. Ryoma wished that he was able to ensure that peaceful look remained.

"Sleep well, Fujimara," Ryoma murmured. "No matter what, we'll be here to be your allies again."

With that, he turned on his heels and strode out of the room. "Let's go, Oryo-san. Let's help Mash finish up the last of her tasks."

Oryo floated away from Ritsuka and trailed after Ryoma. She glanced back at the sleeping child before closing the door behind her.