Prisoner's Key: A Luca Balsa X Reader

A Couple Vital Crosshairs

TW//Trauma being triggered/described, very very light mention of mental self harm

Prisoner's POV:
  "So, Luca," Emily handed me the small calendar, "Does this sound alright to you? Are you available any of the days circled in green?" Part of me still didn't quite feel steady, but that further indicates that this is a needed step for me. For us as a team, really. "You and Eli are really willing to put yourselves in a therapist position? All for my sake? That's a big toll you'll be taking on, are you sure I'm-", my mouth was hushed by Eli's finger. "We're certain. You have nothing to fear, we've already prepped for whatever comes of this routine, if you decide to take it on of course," Emily insisted. I gave it a little thought and came to the conclusion that this is for the best. Therapy was something I don't think I've ever considered, or maybe I didn't think it would be possible while inside the manor. Surely out of everyone here, I'm not the one that needs it most though, am I? Mm... No. Comparing what I've experienced just adds to the issue at hand. No one is more or less deserving of help. "I don't know what to expect from this," I said, my eyes fell to the floor, "but I appreciate everything you're doing for me. Both of you have no idea how much this means to me". Eli makes a remark, "I can guess". Emily nudges him. I go to shake the doctor's hand, only they both pull me in for a brief hug. "Remember- this same room is where we'll meet. Almost any time you need until match days come around", something about her voice bounced off the walls more than before, "If anyone else is interested in a session, direct them up here to the infirmary". My gaze shifted between her and Eli, "Will do. But, uh... I don't mean to be overly skeptical, Eli, but how would you help with the therapy? In terms of your seer stuff particularly". He chuckled, "My 'seer stuff' allows me to elaborate on the parts of your past you might be missing. I cannot force them to resurface, but whatever you end up telling me can be cleared up at least a little if you can't connect some dots on your own. Think of me as a glue or polish to the information you already have". Emily noted something abruptly, "Do not under ANY circumstances try to force yourself to regain multiple memories at once", I looked away as she continued, "We know you have a rough history of doing that, honestly that's understandable. Just please realize that you hurt yourself by doing that- Well, you have realized by now but you know what I'm trying to say". I hugged myself, still avoiding her eyes, "It stills happens... I don't do it on purpose most of the time though, and it's never more th-than one or two". They both looked saddened. "We could probably start our sessions with that?", I suggested. I had no idea if that was a good example or not, but Emily seemed quite pleased. "You're already doing great. Sure thing!" she confirmed.

My stomach rumbled on the way back to the bedroom. Apparently, it was loud enough to summon some attention. Edgar peaked from behind the crack of the door, his eyes were glossy and his face was all red. "Edgar? Are you alright?", I wanted to sound gentle since he doesn't like opening up to people, "What are you hiding in our room for?"
"Oh", he sniffled as he came out, closing the door behind him, "I just- I needed a place to hide..." he waved his hand around his face "this. I didn't want a third breakdown in the hallway today, so... Tried saving myself whatever embarrassment I could, haha. Not that it matters much". I stayed silent, hoping he'd drop some context. "Honestly you're probably the last person besides your thirty second fiancé that I should be talking to right now. Not everyone is lucky enough to mutually fall for someone that fast. Speaking of luck and Y/N, I saw them being dragged by string bean Santa towards the study if that's why you're here", Edgar was holding back more tears. "The study?", my curiousity over those three lingered a while, but I assume they're just up to no good like usual, "If Vic- 'String bean Santa' is taking the lead, they'll be fine. I can catch up with them later. You on the other hand don't seem like you're having a good time on your own. We can get something downstairs? Today might be a nice day to eat your feelings? You never know". He was still playing with his sleeves, "Well, actually, I was trying not to feel worse about myself, so..." the hurt in his eyes was so bright. While big teardrops fell to the floor, I noticed a pencil resting on his ear. I suppose a bribe couldn't hurt. "Y'know something inventors and artists have in common?", I baited. When Edgar tilted his head, I stepped into the room and came back with a small cardboard box. "Both tend to be in desperate need for a shit ton of erasers". We exchanged looks, he spoke with reluctance, "...Okay, maybe half the manor crushing on you is a little justified" Edgar's eyes rolled as he accepted the box, heading towards the stairs.
In the kitchen, Edgar sat on a bar stool while I rummaged around in the fridge and freezer, "There's some grape juice if you're thirsty? It's a little expired, but-". Edgar yelped, "NO". I turned to him with worry, he settled a bit, "Agh- I mean no. I'm alright. Water, I'll take water". The expression changed, he was panicked. Seems there could be more than one issue going on, we'll go through one at a time. "Water it is. For food... There's some of Andrew's icecream left over if you want that? He said it's public domain now, it's purple though so don't ask me what kind it is", I offered. "Homewrecker flavored," Edgar said under his breath. "What was that?", I didn't quite catch that. "I said 'horrible flavor'", he insisted. I kept looking around, "Mmm, looks like there's a few cupcakes?" Edgar's head perked up some, but his face changed upon seeing the cupcake topped with yellow icing flowers. "Heartbreaker flavored", he said, laying his head down. His hat fell to the side, it was a rather somber sight. I got Edgar the water and pat his back, trying to figure out what to say. There still wasn't too much context to go off of. Just when I thought myself useless, I felt his hand reach behind him to grab mine. He moved it to the top of his head and continued the patting motion. Seems as though we might be here a while.