{ ayato, sadly, is used to doing this where needed though. for years he's been the one to keep collected while other people give into grief. he'll have his time after things are sorted, and only then will he allow himself to properly break down.

he had a small cry on thoma when he got back, again a little when he told ayaka what happened. but both instances were more like his eyes leaking water while the rest of him tried to hold it in. }

It hasn't been long at all, I know. Do you need anything before I tell them to get ready to go? Or perhaps after we've been? There's a question I want to ask Olwen unrelated to this I'll ask both of you to step outside for, as I don't think it will be relevant. It will give you time to lean on Alhaitham as you need as well. Then perhaps later on... we could have drinks? If it's too soon, that isn't a worry. I can wait until you're ready.