[That is what he wants right now. For her to feel safe and warm. For her to be able to lean, but at the same time know that she's leaning not because she is weak and needs someone else to hold her up, but because he knows she is strong enough to let down the walls and deal with the things that she needs to deal with.]

Interestingly enough, you are not the first person to tell me that.

[Diarmuid laughs softly before becoming more serious again.]

There are so many hard truths we wish were not true. It's why taking advice is never easy. Were we willing to accept what we know is true but do not like easily, I would not have to say what I am saying. If it helps any, I am terrible at taking advice myself no matter how easy it is for me to speak it.

[There is a moment of silence as Diarmuid shifts the arm he has around his shoulders so he can gently run his fingers through her hair.]

I too wish there could be less pain involved. Your family has already been through so much, but pain is strange sometimes. As much as it hurts, in the end, those hurt usually come out of it stronger. I know I don't know Caesar that well, but he doesn't seem to be the type to leave things undone. When he is ready, I have a feeling he will come to you to find out more. You have been through a lot together and no matter how angry one gets, it is not easy just to walk away from that. Maybe he will yell when he comes to talk to you. Maybe he will curse, and maybe it will hurt more, but that time will give you your chance to find understanding. If we are lucky, he will find that understanding for himself as well.