It had been a whole week since BB almost single-handedly brought Chaldea to the brink of disaster.

How, you ask? Well, it all began with what should have been a routine mission. Ritsuka, along with a few trusted Servants, were on the cusp of entering another singularity—a dangerous but familiar task. Their goal was clear: find the Holy Grail and restore balance to the distorted timeline. But just as they were about to leap into the unknown, fate—BB's twisted sense of humor, more like—had other plans.

BB, had devised yet another one of her infamous "games." It was a convoluted setup, as usual, one that was meant to trigger after the singularity had been dealt with, ideally back at the safety of Ritsuka's dorm room. There, BB had planned to whisk Ritsuka and a few of his companions into an elaborate, playful challenge. The destination? A grand, luxurious bathhouse-like realm, filled with who-knew-what—puzzles, traps, and undoubtedly some of BB's personal "quirks."

However, her chaotic timing was nothing short of disastrous.

As Ritsuka and his team were moments away from entering the singularity, a seemingly harmless errand unraveled everything. Artoria Pendragon, ever dutiful, had realized that Ritsuka might not have dressed appropriately for the cold weather of the singularity.

Always the responsible knight, she hurried back to his dorm room to get him something to shield him from the cold. But as she stepped inside, she unknowingly triggered BB's game. Instantly, a flash of blinding light enveloped the entire room, transporting Artoria and all the female Servants nearby into the heart of BB's bathhouse realm.

And that was when everything went horribly wrong.

Left standing alone in the singularity, Ritsuka barely had time to process what had just happened. One moment, he was in Chaldea, portal open for his servants to come through and the other he was all alone in a frozen landscape,utterly isolated in a dangerous and unfamiliar territory

Back in Chaldea, the situation wasn't much better, Da Vinci was scurrying all over the place trying to find a way to reopen the portal as panic ensued, the servants that hadn't been trapped remaining on standby to rush into the singularity if possible. Artoria and the rest. . .seethed and shouted inside BB's game.

The worst part? None of them could leave until the game had been completed. . .or so BB thought.

Meanwhile, Ritsuka was left to fend for himself in the singularity, struggling without the powerful support he had come to rely on. He had fought countless battles before, but this time, the odds were against him—facing enemies and dangers without the strength of his companions at his side. Luckily he had all the info he needed with him but. . how far could that get him?

BB, of course, found the entire situation endlessly amusing. From her digital perch, she watched with a wicked smile as her impromptu game unfolded in two realms simultaneously. Ritsuka's plight in the singularity, the Servants' struggles in the bathhouse—it was all just another layer of entertainment to her.

But to everyone else in Chaldea, it was nothing short of a crisis.

As the days passed, tensions rose and withintwodays the servants were able to break out of BB's game and along with others that were already furious, hunted down and captured the purple haired woman.

Thesameday Da Vinci also broke them the news that Ritsuka was in fact all alone in there, stuck in a singularity he would have to deal with all on his own. Luckily for them time moved differently in there, one day on Earth being four in the singularity.

Though wetwodays already through, it meant that eight had passed for Ritsuka, eight whole days of surviving on his own, eight whole days where he could have at any point died and ended it all, condemning the world to a horrible faith.

By thefourthday, BB had become a crying sobbing mess. She never, ever wanted it to end up this way and slowly, women that had saw Ritsuka as less of what he was were starting to break up too. And, servants like Artoria, Jeanne and Raikou that loved their Master, were shadows of their former selves.

Somehow they reached asixthday without their Master and by then Chaldea had become cold and shallow. Little life was in the servants eyes as they simply sat there, waiting to either die or. . . somehow greet their Master back.

They still carried hope but. . .twenty one days all alone in a singularity with no outside support, how was Ritsuka even supposed to- *Bip*

On theseventhday, that sound alone was enough to bring everyone back to life. Somehow Ritsuka had done it, somehow he had retrieved the artifact and was starting to make his way back to the rendezvous point.

A time had been set and for the first time in forever, all the servants that ever were had gathered to greet him back and to congratulate the young man on his achievements. Twenty eight days all alone in a singularity was one thing on it's own but managing to retrieve the holy grail too, now that deserved some congratulations.

The guys had prepared booze and a feast while the ladies once again looked their best, oozing with happiness and some of their power, unable to hide their excitement. The minutes didn't seem to want to pass and despite what it felt to them, Ritsuka sept his final two days as they counted their hours.

Finally, the portal once again opened up and while they all sat there, waiting for him to jump through and kiss the ground, all tired and hurt nothing happened for a while.

"Master?" Mash faintly questioned, as the sound of snow being caved in was heard from the portal. Then, silence once again took over, before a small, golden cup that was all too familiar to them flew in from the portal and crashed against the hard concrete floor.

The moment stretched into eternity.

As the golden Holy Grail clattered against the cold floor, every heart in the room skipped a beat. Eyes, wide with shock and anticipation, darted from the cup to the portal, where the faint crunch of snow echoed once again. Silence clung to the air, heavy and oppressive, until a low, strained groan broke through, sending ripples of realization through the gathering.

Mash was the first to move, her voice barely above a whisper. "Master?"

A figure emerged, shrouded in the dim light of the portal—thinner, and undeniably wearier than before. The Ritsuka that stepped through the portal wasn't the young, lively man they all remembered.
His eyes, once filled with warmth and determination, now carried the weight of twenty-eight days spent alone in the unforgiving singularity. His clothes were torn, his skin bruised and weathered by endless battles, but there he stood—alive, and victorious.

For a moment, no one moved. The reality of it all seemed too surreal to process. He had survived. Against all odds, he had made it back, and with the Holy Grail in hand, no less. Slowly, the shock ebbed away, replaced by a swell of emotions too overwhelming to contain.

"Ritsuka!" Mash's voice cracked with relief, and she rushed toward him, tears spilling from her eyes as she threw her arms around him. "You made it back!"

Her embrace jolted the room into motion. Servants who had once been frozen in despair surged forward, their voices a chorus of disbelief and joy. Jeanne, Scáthach and Artoria, their regal composure shattered, followed close behind, their faces etched with raw emotion. Raikou, usually the picture of grace, nearly collapsed with the relief of seeing him alive.

Ritsuka swayed on his feet as the wave of affection hit him, his body clearly exhausted from the ordeal. But he managed a tired smile, lifting his hand to gently pat Mash on the head as she sobbed into his chest. "I'm... home" He murmured, his voice hoarse.

The entire room seemed to exhale all at once. The weight of weeks of anxiety and fear lifted in an instant. But as they all crowded around him, the silent truth lingered just beneath the surface—Ritsuka had changed. The war veterans that were all of them could see it in his eyes. . .they all knew that he had stories to tell.

Artoria, who had been standing off to the side, her knuckles white from clenching her fists, finally stepped forward. Her voice, though steady, was laced with guilt. "Master... I—" She faltered, her usual poise giving way to something vulnerable. "This is my fault. I never should have—"

"Shhh."

The sound was soft, but it held a gravity that silenced the room. Ritsuka's gaze, now sharper than ever, turned toward her, and Artoria froze under the weight of it. He lifted a hand slightly, his expression both calm and unyielding. "Mash" He whispered, his tone commanding despite the quietness. "Let me go."

Mash hesitated, her arms still wrapped protectively around him. She could feel the strength in him, not just physically but in the air of authority he carried. She knew what he was capable of, and a quick glance at the glowing Command Seal on his hand told her that if it came down to it, he wouldn't hesitate to make her comply.

With a deep breath, she reluctantly released him, stepping back to give him space. She didn't like it, but she knew better than to argue.

Ritsuka's eyes scanned the room, his expression shifting as if searching for something—or someone. And then he saw her.

BB.

The playful grin that usually danced on her lips was gone, replaced by a pale, anxious expression. She stood rooted to the spot, her gaze flicking nervously around the room, her usual confidence melting into fear. She knew exactly what was coming.

Ritsuka's shudder was barely noticeable, but it rippled through him as their eyes locked. His exhaustion vanished in an instant, replaced by a burning resolve. Without a word, he began to move, his steps deliberate and heavy as he made his way toward her. Servants instinctively parted to give him space, the tension palpable as they watched in stunned silence.

BB, for once, was not grinning. She stumbled back as he approached, her confidence crumbling under his intense glare. Panic set in as she tried to find her voice, her usually sharp tongue faltering in the presence of a man who had survived the singularity she had carelessly thrown him into.

"I-I didn't mean for—" She stammered, but her words fell flat, drowned by the oppressive silence that followed Ritsuka like a shadow.

Her back hit the wall, and she lost her footing, collapsing into a heap on the floor. She looked up at him, wide-eyed and trembling, as he loomed over her. The room seemed to shrink around them, the air thick with anticipation.

For a moment, Ritsuka said nothing. He simply stared at her, his expression unreadable. But the weight of his silence was heavier than any words he could have spoken.

Finally, he broke it, his voice low but razor-sharp. "Do you have any idea what you did?"

BB's lips quivered as she struggled to find a response, but Ritsuka didn't wait for one. "Twenty-eight days" He continued, his words cutting through the air like a blade. "Twenty-eight days alone in that frozen wasteland. Without my Servants. Without help. And all because you wanted to play another one of your games."

Her eyes welled up with tears, but Ritsuka didn't soften. "Do you think this was funny, BB? Do you think it was all just entertainment? Because I nearly died, and if I had, it wouldn't just be me who paid the price. The entire world would have fallen apart because of your reckless, selfish actions."

BB opened her mouth to protest, to explain, but no words came out. She was trembling now, her eyes wide with fear and regret.

"I never fucking cared about what you did to me. . .but putting the world in danger? Putting your friends in danger? The hell do you think this is?" He asked, as BB shrank further under his gaze, her playful persona completely shattered. The weight of her actions had hit her time and time again these past few days but having him stand above her like, was a whole different thing.

Ritsuka's expression softened slightly, but the anger in his eyes didn't fade. "I don't know what you thought you were doing" He said, quieter now but no less intense. "But you need to realize that this isn't a game. People's lives are at stake. I won't tolerate this kind of recklessness again."

BB swallowed hard, nodding weakly. "I... I'm so sorry" She whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ritsuka took a step back, his exhaustion finally catching up with him. He closed his eyes for a moment, drawing a deep breath. Then, with a final glance at the broken woman before him, he turned away.

"I'm going to inform the Mage's Association of my return" He said, addressing the room. "And when I am done, I hope that there will be nothing more to deal with"

With that, he walked past BB without another word, leaving her to sit in her guilt and shame as the eyes of the Servants around them lingered on her, all knowing that despite how much she had already cried and sobbed these past few days she deserved to be scolded by the man that had suffered the most.

A few more kind hearted servants even neared BB to console her a bit, knowing she did fully regret everything and that his harsh yet fair scolding had left dents in her ego. Dents that would at some point be fixed. . .but that was for later.

After The Conference With The Mage's Association

Ritsuka stood outside the conference room almost in a haze, his blood was pumping, faster than it had these past few days, he was angry and very much so. The shouting match that had transpired between him and the Mages was heard all throughout Chaldea and in case one would ask, all servants would agree that their Master had the last word.

From their side he had been completely right even if they barely understood half of what he had said to them, the other side didn't matter at all, only their Master's word.

Master let out a deep sigh, his eyes focused not and his head a bit slumped to the side. He still wore the tattered clothes that he had come out of the portal with, he was still covered in mud and dirt and all sorts of things that a man shouldn't be covered with.

"A bath" Ritsuka murmured under his breath, his voice barely more than a whisper as he began to move, exhaustion weighing down every step. The thought of cleansing away the dirt, the grime, the blood, and the memories from that singularity was the only thing he could focus on. His mind felt sluggish, still reeling from the confrontation with the Mage's Association, his body worn from the ordeal he had endured.

He made his way to the group baths, a place rarely visited. Most Servants preferred the privacy of their personal rooms, where their own baths awaited them. But the group baths had something different—an expansive hot spring attached to them, large enough to allow one to soak in after the cleansing.
Ritsuka didn't care about the solitude or the space. All he wanted was to feel warm, clean water wash away the remains of a battle that felt as though it had lasted a lifetime.

As he entered the bath area, the sound of his footsteps echoed in the empty space, the faint mist of steam rising in the air, beckoning him. The room was silent, save for the steady dripping of water against stone.
Ritsuka stripped out of his tattered clothes, each movement slow and deliberate, as if the weight of his armor and clothing had become one with the fatigue he carried. Mud and dirt fell to the floor in clumps, the filth of days of combat and survival finally being cast aside.

He lowered himself into the bath, hissing slightly as the hot water made contact with his skin, the temperature burning away the tension in his muscles. He leaned back, closing his eyes, letting the warmth envelop him completely. For the first time in what felt like weeks, he allowed himself to relax, to breathe deeply, and to exist without the constant pressure of danger looming over him.

His thoughts, however, were not as easily calmed. Flashes of the singularity came rushing back—the isolation, the fear, the relentless enemies, and the desperate scramble to survive. BB's betrayal, however unintentional, still lingered in his mind like a raw wound. He clenched his fists beneath the water, feeling a surge of anger that hadn't quite dissipated after confronting her.

"She better have learned her lesson" He muttered to himself, only for his eyes to shoot open at the footsteps of others. His head snap around fast and his eyes searched for the rather obvious source of the sound.

"Someone's jumpy~"

Master sighed, rolling his eyes and falling back onto the edge of the hot spring, his back muscles conforming around the end of the floor. "If only I had a good reason to be. . .if fucking only"

"You do" The response had come quick and from none other than Artoria who started to make her way to the hot spring followed by a number of servants.

Ritsuka sighed, watching as each Servant gracefully entered the hot spring, the water rippling with their movements. It was a surreal sight—so many powerful figures, from Artoria's quiet grace to Jeanne Alter's intimidating presence, all gathered around him. He let the warmth of the water seep deeper into his sore muscles, but the tension in his chest remained, coiled like a spring.

"You truly do" Artoria's words hung in the air as she lowered herself into the water beside him, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and guilt. The others followed suit, settling around him in a silent semicircle, their gazes heavy with anticipation.

Mash, closest to him, tilted her head, worry evident in her soft expression. "Master, what happened with the Mage's Association? We... heard the shouting."

Ritsuka leaned back, his eyes closed as he exhaled deeply. "They tried to question my authority. After everything we've done, aftereverythingwe've been through, they had the nerve to doubt me." He opened his eyes, the flicker of anger still simmering beneath his otherwise calm demeanor.

A murmur of discontent spread through the group. Jeanne Alter's brow furrowed, her voice low and dangerous. "They dare question you? After all you've sacrificed?"

"Seems they forgot who's been holding the world together" Nero added, crossing her arms as she sank into the water, her golden eyes narrowed.

"That's exactly what I told them" Ritsuka said, his tone sharp, though his exhaustion softened it. "I reminded them who I am. Whoyouare and whatWeare together. But you know mages... arrogant as ever. They wouldn't back down until I threatened them with some... creative reminders of their mortality."

Jeanne Alter's eyes widened slightly in surprise, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. "You... threatened them?"

"More like reminded them" He clarified, rubbing his temple. "But thinking back on it, it was very much more like a threat than anything else"

"They needed to hear it" Scáthach interjected, her voice firm yet approving. "You've earned that respect tenfold"

Ritsuka nodded slightly but remained quiet for a moment. "It wasn't pleasant, but I made sure they knew—no more trying to raise themselves off of my work. . .no more trying to undermine My authority"

The tension in the room eased as the Servants relaxed back into the water. Their anger on his behalf was clear, but so was their loyalty. Ritsuka closed his eyes again, letting himself feel the warmth—not just of the water, but of the presence around him.

"I'm just glad it's over" He murmured, quieter this time, the anger giving way to a weariness that spoke volumes.

"God I missed being able to just NOT. . .you know?" He said with a light smile before stretching his arms, resulting in cracks galore. Some cringed at the sound, not the most pleasant thing to hear after all.

"We can guess Master" Carmilla stated, before shifting where she sat, putting one leg over the other. "Must have been a hectic month for you" She went on, offering him a smile with those puffy red lips of hers.

"A hectic month of injuries" Nightingale added and the Master couldn't help but chuckle before offering her a weak smile.

"I am fine. I know it seems weird. But I am fine. Not one. . .serious injury. I have scratches and bruises tho. . .you can see those" And in fact they could, some very much obvious like the ones on his hands and legs and some less so, hidden behind the shine of the water.

"Even so, I would advise going through a proper check with me tomorrow morning"

Ritsuka chuckled softly, glancing at Nightingale's serious expression. "Of course, Nightingale. I wouldn't dream of skipping a checkup with you. Tomorrow morning it is" He said, his smile weak but genuine.

Nightingale nodded, her stern demeanor softening just a touch as she gave him an approving look. "Good. You may feel fine, but after what you've been through, we can't be too careful. Even the smallest wound can hide deeper damage."

Ritsuka sighed, leaning back again, feeling the water ripple against his bruised skin. "I know. I'll do it... promise."

The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken tension. The Servants around him exchanged glances, their eyes tracing the bruises and cuts marring his body. They all knew the physical toll was just a fraction of what he had endured.

After a moment, Ritsuka's eyes darkened slightly, his voice dropping low as if to himself. "You think the bruises are bad now... you should have seen me on day fourteen. That was... a different kind of hell." His gaze flicked up briefly, meeting no one's eyes in particular, before drifting back to the water.

Ritsuka closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the water soothe his aching muscles. But as the memories bubbled up, the comfort of the spring couldn't drown out the chill that seeped into his bones from the singularity.

"I had to hurt people" He murmured, almost to himself, the weariness in his voice taking on a sharper edge. "Not enemies, not monsters... people. Just... trying to survive." He let out a shaky breath, the confession hanging heavy in the air. The silence around him grew, the tension palpable.

"The singularity was twisted. Some of them, they were trapped too... lost souls, remnants of a timeline that had already fallen apart. I tried to save them at first, but there was no saving them—only fighting. They didn't care who I was and to be honest. . .after a point neither did I. . .they were the key to me coming home." His fists clenched under the water, the bruises on his knuckles standing out starkly.

"I don't think they knew who they were anymore. Some of them looked... human. Too human. It was like looking at myself, at people I could've known, and I had to..." He trailed off, jaw tightening. "I didn't have a choice. If I hadn't fought back... well, I wouldn't be here." He said with a nervous, hurt chuckle as he tried to defend all he did.

The Servants around him sat in stunned silence. Even the ones accustomed to the horrors of battle couldn't hide the flicker of concern in their eyes. Artoria looked particularly stricken, her hand covering her mouth as she imagined what he must have endured alone.

Ritsuka's voice was steady, but underneath, there was a tremor—something vulnerable that hadn't surfaced in years of combat. "It wasn't just the battles either. The isolation... it messes with your head. Time moves differently in there, and after the first week, I wasn't sure I'd even make it back. I wasn't sure I evenwantedto. I just... kept going because I had to. . I Needed to prove to someone that I could make it back. And that someone soon became. . .BB. . .you. . .the mages. . .my. . parents. . .all the people I had already hurt and all the creatures I had killed. . .all needed to see that I was just better than them. . .that I was meant to survive once more, to live on so I can. . .kill again"

Mash leaned closer, her eyes filled with quiet heartbreak. "Master..." Was heard all around as was his name by two. "There is nothing left to prove to us dear. . .Nothing." Morgan solemnly stated, before he turned to face her.

He opened his eyes then, meeting hers briefly, offering a tired smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I had to become someone else in there. Someone I don't want to be again." He exhaled deeply, the weight of it all pressing down on him as he slumped back against the edge of the spring.

But then, Ritsuka's expression shifted, the shadow in his eyes lightening just a bit as he glanced around at the familiar faces surrounding him. "But it's over now. And getting to see you all, first thing back... that's enough for me. More than enough."

His gaze landed on Boudica, who had been sitting quietly, watching him with warm eyes. "Still, if it's not too much to ask... I could dare ask for something from Chaldea's kitchen, even at this late hour. I'm starving."

A ripple of laughter echoed around the hot spring, the tension easing ever so slightly. Boudica grinned, a motherly warmth in her tone. "Well, we can't have our hero going hungry now, can we? I'll make sure the kitchen is fired up the second I get out."

"Make it something hearty" Nero chimed in, a playful glint in her eyes. "After all, a victor deserves a feast worthy of Rome!"

Artoria smiled, before gently nudging his arm. "Me and Scathach will make sure the food reaches it's intended target. . ." She stated, a silent promise in her words. . .one not regarding the food.

Ritsuka chuckled, the sound a little rough but genuine. "Thank you. Honestly, I'll eat whatever you bring me at this point. As long as it's hot."

Scáthach leaned back, her voice calm and rather gentle. "No more training for the week Master. . .I think you understand that much"

Raikou, her maternal instincts flaring, clasped her hands together. "Then it's settled. We'll make sure you have everything you need, Master. Food, rest, and—"

"A proper check-up in the morning," Nightingale interjected, eyeing Ritsuka with a soft, yet unyielding expression.

Ritsuka smiled wearily at all of them, the warmth of their presence cutting through the chill that lingered inside him. "Thanks... all of you." He stated with a smile, his brain finally catching up to the situation he was in.

Ritsuka's heart started to pound as the weight of the situation truly began to sink in. The soothing warmth of the hot spring no longer felt as relaxing as it did moments ago. Artoria, sitting close to his right, wore that gentle yet commanding smile of hers, her hand resting softly atop his thigh. On his left, Mash was equally close, her protective demeanor ever present, but the soft blush on her cheeks didn't go unnoticed by him.

As he tried to subtly shift his position, hoping to create some space, he could feel the pressure of eyes upon him. Scáthach's intense gaze was the most piercing—calm, calculating, and full of purpose. Artoria's attention felt similarly weighty, her smile hiding layers of emotion that he couldn't quite read. Even the others, while more restrained, watched him with knowing smiles, a warmth in their eyes that only added to his growing sense of unease.

"I... uh..." He cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, trying to think of a way out. "I think I should get some rest. It's been a long day—month, really."

Artoria's hand stayed where it was, her expression soft but firm. "Of course, Master" She said, though her voice carried an undertone that sent a chill up his spine. "You deserve to rest... but don't forget our plans for later."

Scáthach tilted her head ever so slightly, her eyes never leaving his face. "Yes" She added smoothly, her voice rich and low. "You won't fall asleep on us, will you?" There was something hidden in her words—an unspoken promise that lingered in the air between them, heavy with meaning.

Ritsuka's face flushed, the heat of the spring now nothing compared to the warmth rising in his cheeks. "R-right... later" He stammered, quickly standing up, the water splashing around him as he did. He could feel their eyes following his every movement, and it took everything in him to maintain a semblance of composure as he grabbed his towel, wrapping it around his waist.

"I'll... see the rest of you in the morning" He mumbled, offering a weak smile before turning toward the exit. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest as he quickly made his way out of the bath, his mind racing.

As he left the room, he heard the soft, teasing laughter of the Servants behind him, their playful gazes lingering in his mind. He didn't dare turn back, his thoughts already spinning from the mix of exhaustion, affection, and... something else he wasn't quite ready to name.

Once alone in the hallway, he exhaled deeply, trying to calm the rush of emotions. But even as he headed toward his room, Artoria and Scáthach's words echoed in his mind—each a reminder that his night was far from over.

About Half An Hour In Ritsuka's Room.

Ritsuka paced back and forth in his room, a knot of nervous energy tightening in his chest. He didn't know what to expect—not from Artoria, not from Scáthach, not after how much closer they had grown since the last singularity the three of them had shared. Their bond had deepened in ways he hadn't anticipated, and now, with their words lingering in his mind, that closeness felt more charged than ever.

He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling slowly. "What are they planning. . .?" He muttered, glancing toward the door. The thought of facing them again made his pulse quicken, the uncertainty gnawing at him. But he couldn't lie to himself. . .he wanted to see them and he very much wanted to hold them, either of them.

It was one of those things that had kept him going those 28 days, that need to just feel them against his skin. He didn't know what to call the butterflies he felt from the two of them.

As Ritsuka stood there, his mind wandered back to everything he missed about them—bothof them. Artoria's quiet strength had always been a source of comfort. He missed the way she'd rest her hands around his neck or on his back, the subtle affection in her touch that only he had grown to know.
She had a habit of brushing her fingers through his hair when they were alone, moments of softness that contrasted with her stoic presence in battle. Her smiles—rare, but when they appeared, they werejustfor him.

Scáthach was different, but no less significant. Her intensity had always been a grounding force for him. He missed the way her eyes would linger on him in quiet moments, that unreadable expression she wore, one that somehow made him feel seen and understood.
They had shared late nights of quiet conversation, where her barriers would lower, and she'd pull him close—holding him as if he were the one thing keeping her grounded. The feeling of her steady breath against his neck, the subtle warmth of her embrace... those were the moments that had kept him going in that desolate singularity.

And then, when he would get to spend time with the both of them. . .the three alone in his room, he would turn into putty in their arms, melting under their words and breaking all trains of logical thought as he surrender to their every whim.

Yet, no true label had been put on what they had. What they shared.

He couldn't lie to himself and say that he had never thought of closing the little distance between them at times and press his lips against theirs. . .either of theirs. He wanted them, he knew that much and at that moment he needed them.

Ritsuka's thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door, his heart skipping a beat. He already knew who it was, anticipation building in his chest. Taking a slow breath, he tried to steady himself, though the pounding of his pulse betrayed his calm façade.

"Come in" He called out, his voice controlled, but barely.

The door opened, and there they were—Artoria and Scáthach, stepping into the room side by side. But it wasn't the armor-clad figures of battle he saw this time. Instead, they wore casual clothes, something far more intimate.
Artoria, in a soft cream-colored sweater that hugged her form, paired with dark jeans that accentuated her curvy body. Scáthach wore a deep burgundy knit sweater, its loose fit complementing her sleek, powerful frame and leaving much to wander as to what she wore under the knee reaching cloth.

Both held a plate of food, but their eyes were on him, not the meal they brought. Artoria's blonde hair fell loosely around her shoulders, her soft smile radiating warmth. It was that familiar look—one she reserved just for him—that always seemed to ease the weight he carried.

"We hope we didn't keep you waiting~" Artoria said, her voice tender as she stepped forward. She set the tray down gently, her movements careful, as though she didn't want to startle him. Her fingers brushed against his arm for a brief second, a subtle touch, but it sent a rush of warmth through him.

Scáthach followed behind her, her eyes locked on him with that same intense focus that always made him feel as though she saw through every layer of his defenses. The casual wear suited her, the rich color of her sweater contrasting with her dark hair that spilled down her back in loose waves.

She didn't need to say much—her presence alone spoke volumes. When she placed her tray down, she stepped closer to him, her hand coming to rest gently on his hand, the weight of it grounding him in the present.

Artoria's eyes softened as she moved a step closer, standing just to his side. "You've been through so much" She whispered, her voice barely above a murmur, as if the space between them required nothing louder. "And we both think you deserve a lot more than just a warm meal. . .love"

Ritsuka glanced between the two of them, feeling the tension in his chest almost crush his heart. He couldn't speak, didn't know what to say if had the ability to do so. 'love'? Did she really just call him that?

He stammered in place, stuck in between the two beauties that were the servants around him. His cheeks were painted a fair red and his eyes danced between red and green that were their own.

Artoria stepped closer, her hand rising to cup his cheek, the warmth of her touch grounding him, yet sending sparks through his body. Her soft blue eyes held his, unwavering, as if she could see right into the confusion, the longing, the unspoken desires that had simmered for so long.

"You've been through so much, Ritsuka" She whispered, her voice soft, intimate. Her thumb brushed lightly across his cheek, and the sensation made his breath hitch. "We... want to give you what you've been missing. What you deserve."

Ritsuka could barely respond, his mind spinning. Artoria's gentle words, the tender way she looked at him—it was overwhelming. But before he could even gather his thoughts, he felt Scáthach's presence to his other side, her hand slipping over his, fingers intertwining in a way that sent shivers through him.

"You've been ours for longer than you realize" Scathach said, her voice low, a seductive undertone to the words. Her grip on his hand tightened slightly, grounding him. "There's no more need to hide it."

Artoria's hand slid from his cheek to the back of his neck, pulling him closer. His breath caught as her lips brushed against his, tentative at first, then firmer as she kissed him fully. The warmth of her mouth against his was everything he had been longing for. She tasted like comfort, like everything he had missed in those lonely days. Her fingers tangled gently in his hair, holding him close.

Before the haze of the kiss could fully consume him, he felt Scathach's hand on his jaw, tilting his head toward her. Ritsuka barely had time to register it before her lips pressed against his, her kiss deeper, more intense, sending his senses spiraling. The heat of her breath against him, the way she held him—it was a different kind of passion, but no less consuming.

Both women were so close now, their hands roaming—Artoria's fingers still tangled in his hair, Scathach's palm resting firmly on his chest. The space between them had disappeared entirely, and all Ritsuka could feel was the warmth of their bodies pressing into his, their lips claiming him in a way that made it impossible to think.

Artoria pulled back just slightly, her lips hovering near his, her breath warm as she whispered, "We love you, Ritsuka. You've always known that, haven't you?"

Scathach's lips grazed his neck as she spoke, her voice a hushed murmur. "You're ours, and we're yours." Her hand moved up, resting against his collarbone, her touch careful but possessive.

Ritsuka closed his eyes, the weight of their words sinking in, their touches unraveling every last bit of restraint he had left. This was everything he had wanted, everything he had missed, and now that it was here, he couldn't imagine ever being without it again.

Still his hands remained idle, something that both women were quick to notice and very much eager to aid him with. Each clasped a hand of his and slowly guided it to their waists, holding it close up until he tightened the hold on them a fact that both enjoyed with a sweet hum.

"Come on Ritsuka. . .touch us. No need for it to be something lewd, just keep us close" Scathach whispered before she placed another kiss on his neck, sending goosebumps down his spine and slowly shutting his brain off.

But just as the moment threatened to sweep him away, Artoria pulled back, her lips hovering over his for just a second longer, her breath mingling with his. She smiled softly, a teasing glint in her eyes.

"As much as we'd love to continue" She said, her voice a mix of affection and playfulness "You need to eat." She placed one last kiss on his lips, gentle but lingering, before pulling away completely. "We'll have time for more later."

Ritsuka blinked, still dazed, his pulse racing as he tried to gather his thoughts. Scathach, her hand sliding away from his collarbone, let out a low chuckle, her eyes flicking from his face to the food waiting on the table.

"She's right" Scathach said softly, her lips brushing his ear one last time. "We'll take care of you. But first, you take care of yourself." She gently stated, before guiding him over to the nearest chair.

Soon the two plates they had brought with them were offered and he begun to eat making sure to enjoy every bite of the warm food he was finally able to enjoy once more.

Back in the singularity, the best Ritsuka had managed to scavenge was half-baked bread and poorly cooked meat—if it could even be called that. The food in front of him now, warm and delicious, was a stark contrast to those meager meals, especially compared to Boudica's nurturing, motherly cooking. But despite the tempting aroma, his mind was hardly on the food.

Instead, it was divided between the two women who currently occupied different corners of his room.

Artoria sat beside him, her hand always just inches from his, offering a warm, inviting smile. Her skin, glowing softly under the gentle light, drew his gaze time and time again. He stole glances at her body—the curve of her waist, her chest, the softness of her lips, the way her fingers rested delicately on her knee. Every detail of her form sent his mind wandering, filling him with an overwhelming urge to reach out and feel her beneath his fingertips.

Across the room, Scáthach lounged casually on his bed, her intense gaze never fully leaving him. She exuded an effortless allure, her body relaxed yet poised, as if ready to move at a moment's notice. The loose fit of her sweater couldn't hide her elegance, and Ritsuka found his eyes drifting to the way the fabric clung to her in just the right places. Her lips, slightly parted in quiet observation, and the casual way her hand rested on the bedframe made it clear that she was just as aware of his glances. The desire to close the distance between them, to feel her touch and the warmth of her presence, gnawed at him like an unspoken need.

Ritsuka let out a shaky sigh, setting the fork down with a soft clink against the plate. His heart raced as the words tumbled out of him, raw and unfiltered. "I-I really need you both."

For a moment, the room seemed to freeze. Artoria and Scathach exchanged quick, knowing glances, both pleasantly surprised by his sudden confession, but neither moved immediately. They didn't match his energy, though, their eyes still lingering on him with that same controlled intensity, as if waiting for him to take the next step.

Artoria leaned in slightly, her voice steady but carrying that soft edge of authority he was all too familiar with. "Finish your plate," she said, her words cutting through the tension like a clear command. "Then you can join us in bed. But not a second sooner."

Her tone left no room for argument, and Ritsuka swallowed, his gaze flicking between them both. Scathach remained lounging on his bed where she was soon joined by the blonde woman, her lips curling into a small, knowing smile, her eyes half-lidded as she watched him.

"You heard her" Scathach added, her voice rich and smooth. "No rushing this. Eat first. Then... we'll give you exactly what you need."

The promise in her words sent a shiver down Ritsuka's spine, but he picked up his fork again, the weight of their gazes heavy on him as he returned to his meal. His mind wasn't on the food, though, not with the way they both sat there, waiting for him, their presence like a silent invitation.

He gobbled everything up quickly and didn't even bother with getting the plates off the table and into the sink.

There was a certain fire in his eyes and as he marched towards them he took off all the excess wear, leaving just his black shirt and shorts on. The two women in front of him smiled before eagerly inviting him into their arms.

With only just his knee on the bed he leant down to capture Artoria's lips, whose hands grasped the back of his neck, keeping him nice and close.

Ritsuka felt Artoria's lips move softly against his, the warmth of her touch spreading through him as her fingers tangled in the back of his hair, pulling him closer. The fire inside him blazed, and he couldn't hold back anymore.
His body pressed firmly against hers as she guided him down onto the bed, the two of them melting deeper into the kiss. Artoria's lips were gentle, puffy and soft but filled with hunger, and Ritsuka responded in kind, savoring every second as her grip tightened on him.

He barely had a chance to catch his breath when he felt Scáthach's hand sliding up his arm, her touch commanding yet delicate. She pulled him toward her, breaking his kiss with Artoria just enough for him to turn his head and meet Scáthach's lips next. Her kiss was different—deeper, more demanding. It sent shivers down his spine as she wrapped an arm around him, keeping him firmly between the two of them.

Artoria's hand rested on his chest, tracing slow, lazy circles, while Scáthach's lips moved expertly against his, her fingers slipping beneath the fabric of his shirt to feel his skin. Ritsuka's pulse quickened as both women's touches worked in unison, their warmth enveloping him, pulling him further into their embrace.

Artoria's lips found the side of his neck, kissing the sensitive skin there, while Scáthach kept him locked in her kiss, her hand now resting possessively on his waist, holding him in place between them. Ritsuka's body responded instinctively, his hands exploring the curves of their waists, gripping them tighter as their bodies pressed against his from both sides.

The room was filled with nothing but the sounds of their heavy breathing, and the quiet, electric tension between them as Ritsuka surrendered fully to the moment, to the overwhelming need he had been holding back for so long.

He dared to let his hands wander just a tiny bit more, his fingers brushing up against Scathach's chest before he instinctively pulled back. Their kiss was immediatly broken and where he expected to find some type of anger he only found the same need that fueled him.

"Why?" She whispered breathless. "Please don't tease me like this" She moaned out and he could only gulp down in surprise before his curiosity got the better of him and his hands dashed to her chest.

The result was a low moan just as she initiated another kiss, her lips crashing against his own in a needy, loving exchange.

Slowly Artoria moved to his back, her bountiful chest pressed nicely against him as her hands snaked their way to his abs, touching them through his shirt as she placed long, wet kisses all around his neck and shoulders.

For each time he would break his kiss with one of them, the other would take over showering him with affection and warmth just like he wanted, hands gently prodding his sensitive skin as his shirt had by now become completely obsolete.

It took what felt like hours but was actually only tens of minutes of this for him to finally calm down, with him backed against the wall behind the bed and the two spirits pressed up against him in a warm, loving hug.

Arms crossed around his body, some on his back, some on his chest, their lips still inches away from his skin, glistening with spit and puffy red.

As Ritsuka's breathing slowed, the air between them shifted, growing softer, more intimate. Artoria's hand lingered on his chest, her fingers tracing gentle patterns over his skin, while Scáthach's hand rested on his waist, her touch possessive yet careful.

Artoria was the first to move. With a gentle tug, she guided him further onto the bed, slipping under the covers alongside him. "I think it's about time you got some rest. . . right love?" She whispered in her lovely British tone.

She pressed her body close against his back, her arms wrapping around his waist as she spooned him, her chest pressed softly against him. Her fingers slowly trailed up and down his side, her touch featherlight. "Let us take care of you tonight."

Before Ritsuka could respond, Scáthach moved to his front, slipping in under the covers as well. She pulled him closer, her arm softly placed on his head as she guided it to the valley of her chest. Her fingers ran through his hair, gently scraping his scalp and sending shivers down his spine.

Ritsuka could barely think as both women surrounded him, their bodies pressing firmly against his from both sides. Artoria held him securely from behind, her warmth sinking into him as her hands moved lazily over his skin, tracing slow, calming circles along his stomach. Her lips pressed tender, affectionate kisses to the back of his neck, her breath sending shivers down his spine.

At the same time, Scáthach's fingers continued to do their thing, her free hand going to his back to hold him closer than ever. Her leg slid over his, holding him close as she placed a few random kisses on his head and forehead.

"You don't need to be strong right now" Artoria murmured softly against his skin, her voice filled with warmth. "Just let go."

Scáthach smiled, her fingers brushing over his cheek as she spoke, her voice rich and soothing. "We're here, Ritsuka. We've got you."

Ritsuka let out a long, deep breath, feeling himself relax completely in their arms. The weight of the day, the stress of everything, seemed to melt away as they held him close, their bodies keeping him enveloped in warmth and care. He closed his eyes, surrendering to the tender way they spoiled him, feeling every kiss, every caress, and the protective hold they had around him.

As Artoria spooned him from behind, her chest snug against his back, and Scáthach cradled him from the front, their gentle affection made everything else disappear. There, wrapped in their arms, Ritsuka finally felt asleep feeling safe. . .

(something spicy coming soon as promised)