You're getting too dehydrated. [Archer sighs. The situation is truly amusing, with him completely naked sitting in the cold water and Caster still having his towel, albeit a bit loosened, wrapped really low on the hips.]
As if nakedness ever bothered Caster before. Especially in the sauna, or in a bath that's like a normal thing. If he ever started going to local onsens, he'd adapt immediately to not using towels-
Got it. I will remember to never go swimming with you. [ Which is a shame, cause there are so many nice waterparks and poolhouses in this city. But he's not going to risk having his fun ruined by a sudden rescue-- ] Or sauna.
[ case in point ]
You worry too much, you know? It will give you wrinkles. [ Caster kicks Archer lightly in the chest, and crawls out of the tub. ]
[Archer just sighs with exasperation. He's trying to be a responsible one here, and all he gets is elbow in face and drowning attempts.]
I will remember to not spoil your fun, as long as you don't take stupid risks.
[...and additional kick. Wow. Luckily he's steady enough to avoid another drowning attempt.] Only when I have valid reasons to.
[Archer waits until Caster gets out of the tub to get up, and goes straight to snatch his towel. While he's not self-conscious he's not really thrilled to show all of his scars.]
[ Caster turns around, puts his hands on his hips and- idk, it looked like a good idea in his head when he started. ]
Yeah, I can stand straight, not much of a proof... [ And he casually waves it off. Some VERY drunk people could probably not even stand straight, sure. But that's not a level he's aspiring to right now. Neither it is the point he's trying to make- ]
But! Being overly serious makes you lose opportunities! [ Now he points shoots his hand in front of him, pointing at Archer. At least he's not close anymore, because he is going to drop a bomb- get ready for it Archer... ] Like a chance to relax and bond with your boyfriend in a sauna!
[ "Boyfriend." At least if a good portion of the people at party is to be believed, that's what they are supposedly are. That's probably what this dumb shinki wants too. And Caster is too drunk to care about brain-to-mouth filter- not that he had much of it in first place ]
[Archer freezes in place. Whatever Caster said he must be hearing wrong, because they're not boyfriends. Sure, Caster went along with the whole dating, and never shoot him down, but--
There's a tiny sliver of hope he doesn't dare to feel. Doesn't dare to consider that he may deserve something for himself.]
What- [it's hard to speak and he has to swallow.] are you talking about.
Oh, so you didn't get the memo on the party? I'm surprised- [ What a shame... but no seriously, they've been sort-of low-key dating for a while now, not to mention the kisses- which were annoying when Archer tried to pretend it's SOMETHING ELSE, yeah fuck you, stop making excuses, "mana transfer" my ass-- the most tired excuse of them all. But ever since the bowman decided to admit and try to be honest act on his feelings-
--like any normal person would, at least according to Caster-
well, Caster didn't shot down his attempts afterward, even played along. And if he didn't shot them down, it means he's not opposed to the possibility. He has no problem turning people down after all ]
That's what you ultimately want, right? [ He sits down, and grabs a bigger towel to throw it over his head, as he glances at Archer. He's terribly casual about the whole ordeal, again. It might again blow in his face, but eh, that's how this day is. ]
[Archer frowns. It doesn't make sense, unless- right. It actually explains the change of mood and state of inebriation. He purposefully turns his back to Caster, it's not as if he has less scars there, but nevermind. His tone is light, with usual sarcasm.] What, a girl turned you down because of me?
[Such casual way of adressing the case doesn't bother him in the slightest, it's how Caster is, after all. Next words make him pause, though.
Archer grabs the towel and starts drying his hair, pondering on the question. What exactly does he want? There's a bit of warmth in his chest, if he's honest, but he's fine with keeping things casual. Anything more than that is a responsibility, and a serious commitment isn't to be taken lightly.
Then what Caster is proposing is much more casual than that; an open relationship akin to friends with benefits rather than the whole package. It suits them for completely different reason.]
I suppose so. [he says finally after a long moment.]
Ah-- [ Damn, was he that obvious? ] Yeah, you could say so.
[ Wow, now they both have convenient towels on their heads. What is this shit? ]
It was going well, but I guess we both misjudged. OF what we want from each other. [ There's disappointment in his voice. He really likes Mai, he cares for her and yes he is attracted to her. But no promises were ever made. ] Didn't realize it could be a problem since I was never planning on going between her and her shinki-
[ Trunks dedication to her is pretty sweet, and he always sort of assumed they were a thing - or were going to be a thing - but until then she's keeping her options open. Like he does. But then he was always keeping the options open, even with Emer, aka person he was 220% serious about ]
[Archer soon decides his hair is dry - the advantage of keeping it short - and towels himself off, while listening intently. Perhaps the problem here isn't exactly misjudging the intentions, but lack of communication, he ponders.]
That's not how relationship goes nowadays. You should at least mention that you're for open relationship. [he shrugs.] Most women tend to think that being in relationship equals monogamy, with them being the one and only.
[He's not foolish enough to expect such thing, for once. That's why he's fine with the idea.]
[ How can you be from modern times and be a Heroic Spirit at the same time? Because he's almost convinced this is the deal here, but it doesn't make much sense. Still having a helpful shinki knowing what's going on today is very useful.
He's outdated, yeah. ]
Good to know, I'll keep that in mind.
[ Monogamy? What is monogamy? Oh well, he messed up, he's going to properly apologize later, and then they can see where it's going. ]
But hey, what that makes of you? [ He just said they could go out, then topped it with hey I also kind of have a not-yet-girlfriend that dumped me ]
You chasing skirts is an integral part of your legend and I don't see it changing anytime soon. I don't see a problem as long as both of you know what you're getting into.
[As far as Archer's concerned there's no problem with Caster having others as long as no one gets hurt. While he may prefer to have his partner for himself only, he's realistic enough to know it doesn't work like that. He's happy enough to have a bit for himself.]
[ "Integral part of your legend"... what a way to put it. He barks a short laugh at that. ]
Look, it's not even about the legend... [ But he can't figure out how to explain it. Times were different back then. He cared about a lot of people, but he was always aware it never will last long. The care-free life, full of intense emotions, and bonds not limited to just one person, type of life born from an acute awareness of mortality. ]
Ah, nevermind. [ He decides to not care about explaining ] Looks like I completely ruined the mood.
[ Archer doesn't seem overly content and that's puzzling. ]
If you want we can pretend this never happened, and I'll try again when the time is better?
[It's Archer's time to chuckle. He's fine with it being temporary and not lasting long, that tiny bit of happiness for himself that he may deserve. There's no ruffled feathers about having to share either.]
You're an idiot. [he snorts and crosses the room, leaning over Caster to take hold of his chin and kiss the said idiot of a god until they're both out of breath.]
[ If you follow up an insult with a kiss, you give no reaction time. That's cheating. But he will let that slide because a certain another idiot here, is a surprisingly good kisser;
This might not be a good idea, god duties, shinki duties, and so on- but yeah, let's just have fun for how long it lasts.
When Archer tries to move away, he might find himself in trouble, because a pair of strong arms sneaks around his neck. ]
[Archer certainly doesn't mind. Quite on the contrary; there's a serious amount of pride in the knowledge that Caster does enjoy his kisses.]
No, just giving you a moment to catch your breath. It won't speak good of me if I let you suffocate because of my kisses.
[He doesn't stop himself from running his fingers through Caster's hair. Wet strands cling to his skin; Archer just shakes his head and starts drying his boyfriend's hair.]
[ Don't let your brain turn to mush, just because of something so simple! Is Caster going to regret this decision? -well, he makes a point of not regretting even worst things, so whatever happens, will be dealt with.
Right now he's satisfied with this subdued feeling similar to happiness radiating from his shinki. ]
I see, that's how I get access to more of your services. [ Caster quips from underneath the towel on his head- maybe one day he will get a hang of using that mysterious tool known as the hairdryer. ]
You don't have to dress me though, I can do that myself!
[Archer isn't in the mood to go grab the hairdryer right now. It feels good to dry Caster's hair and finger-brush it, letting it pool on his palm as he untangles long, blue strands. He's surprisingly gentle; it's obvious that he's had a lot of practice.]
Good, it means less work for me. [Archer counters with a chuckle.]
[ Okay, you need to stop smiling like that, stop that "unlocked hidden Shirou" game right now. Oh well, a permission was given, the decision was made, and so on- Caster will just hang his head down and allow the hair-drying, or is it playing with his hair, really?
It's nice, he likes it, part why he kept the hair so long in first place. But then something else flares up and ruins the moment entirely. He tries to ignore that annoying, nagging feeling... you know, hold back for the sake of the moment, but without success
When he raises his head up, his face is unusually pale- or maybe it's green ]
...I think I'm going to throw up.
[ Hi, too much alcohol, thanks. Don't take it personally, Archer ]
[Right. Whose brilliant idea was to get wasted. Archer pushes a wooden basin close with his foot so Caster won't decorate the floor - scrubbing it clean would be a pain - and steadies him with one arm across his chest and other holding his hair up. Seriously, is this supposed to be romantic or what.]
Go on.
[Mental note to himself - bring some fruit juice or green tea to his room so Caster won't get dehydrated.]
[ Yeah, that's so goddamn romantic. A good partner will have your back in the worst situation, even if it includes holding your head over the metaphorical toilet. Basket in this case.
Okay, let's make a time skip-- you know, to that point where Caster does indeed end up feeling better. Actually even further ahead, that they're probably getting sort of dressed, and teeth scrubbing deed is done too.
He's not saying anything, just looking so...done... with this evening, and night and everything. NOTHING, NOTHING CAN GO WELL APPARENTLY. When it started to fall apart, everything went with it. ]
[Archer has already managed to clean the mess and prepare himself for bed. Now there's only one thing left - pr rather one person left to escort.]
Ready to brave the stairs?
[Caster no longer looks greenish, which is a good sign, although his expression could turn the milk sour. It's better to not drag him up all the stairs, Archer's bed can easily accomodate two.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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You forcibly dragged me out of my relax spot, what did you expect?
[ Why did you dislike him lying on that bench so much? If you wanted space you could say so ]
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Your well-being is my main concern, that's why.
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Got it. I will remember to never go swimming with you. [ Which is a shame, cause there are so many nice waterparks and poolhouses in this city. But he's not going to risk having his fun ruined by a sudden rescue-- ] Or sauna.
[ case in point ]
You worry too much, you know? It will give you wrinkles. [ Caster kicks Archer lightly in the chest, and crawls out of the tub. ]
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I will remember to not spoil your fun, as long as you don't take stupid risks.
[...and additional kick. Wow. Luckily he's steady enough to avoid another drowning attempt.] Only when I have valid reasons to.
[Archer waits until Caster gets out of the tub to get up, and goes straight to snatch his towel. While he's not self-conscious he's not really thrilled to show all of his scars.]
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[ Caster turns around, puts his hands on his hips and- idk, it looked like a good idea in his head when he started. ]
Yeah, I can stand straight, not much of a proof... [ And he casually waves it off. Some VERY drunk people could probably not even stand straight, sure. But that's not a level he's aspiring to right now. Neither it is the point he's trying to make- ]
But! Being overly serious makes you lose opportunities! [ Now he points shoots his hand in front of him, pointing at Archer. At least he's not close anymore, because he is going to drop a bomb- get ready for it Archer... ] Like a chance to relax and bond with your boyfriend in a sauna!
[ "Boyfriend." At least if a good portion of the people at party is to be believed, that's what they are supposedly are. That's probably what this dumb shinki wants too. And Caster is too drunk to care about brain-to-mouth filter- not that he had much of it in first place ]
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There's a tiny sliver of hope he doesn't dare to feel. Doesn't dare to consider that he may deserve something for himself.]
What- [it's hard to speak and he has to swallow.] are you talking about.
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--like any normal person would, at least according to Caster-
well, Caster didn't shot down his attempts afterward, even played along. And if he didn't shot them down, it means he's not opposed to the possibility. He has no problem turning people down after all ]
That's what you ultimately want, right? [ He sits down, and grabs a bigger towel to throw it over his head, as he glances at Archer. He's terribly casual about the whole ordeal, again. It might again blow in his face, but eh, that's how this day is. ]
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[Such casual way of adressing the case doesn't bother him in the slightest, it's how Caster is, after all. Next words make him pause, though.
Archer grabs the towel and starts drying his hair, pondering on the question. What exactly does he want? There's a bit of warmth in his chest, if he's honest, but he's fine with keeping things casual. Anything more than that is a responsibility, and a serious commitment isn't to be taken lightly.
Then what Caster is proposing is much more casual than that; an open relationship akin to friends with benefits rather than the whole package. It suits them for completely different reason.]
I suppose so. [he says finally after a long moment.]
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[ Wow, now they both have convenient towels on their heads. What is this shit? ]
It was going well, but I guess we both misjudged. OF what we want from each other. [ There's disappointment in his voice. He really likes Mai, he cares for her and yes he is attracted to her. But no promises were ever made. ] Didn't realize it could be a problem since I was never planning on going between her and her shinki-
[ Trunks dedication to her is pretty sweet, and he always sort of assumed they were a thing - or were going to be a thing - but until then she's keeping her options open. Like he does. But then he was always keeping the options open, even with Emer, aka person he was 220% serious about ]
But, ah, again. Misjudged.
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That's not how relationship goes nowadays. You should at least mention that you're for open relationship. [he shrugs.] Most women tend to think that being in relationship equals monogamy, with them being the one and only.
[He's not foolish enough to expect such thing, for once. That's why he's fine with the idea.]
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He's outdated, yeah. ]
Good to know, I'll keep that in mind.
[ Monogamy? What is monogamy? Oh well, he messed up, he's going to properly apologize later, and then they can see where it's going. ]
But hey, what that makes of you? [ He just said they could go out, then topped it with hey I also kind of have a not-yet-girlfriend that dumped me ]
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[As far as Archer's concerned there's no problem with Caster having others as long as no one gets hurt. While he may prefer to have his partner for himself only, he's realistic enough to know it doesn't work like that. He's happy enough to have a bit for himself.]
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Look, it's not even about the legend... [ But he can't figure out how to explain it. Times were different back then. He cared about a lot of people, but he was always aware it never will last long. The care-free life, full of intense emotions, and bonds not limited to just one person, type of life born from an acute awareness of mortality. ]
Ah, nevermind. [ He decides to not care about explaining ] Looks like I completely ruined the mood.
[ Archer doesn't seem overly content and that's puzzling. ]
If you want we can pretend this never happened, and I'll try again when the time is better?
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You're an idiot. [he snorts and crosses the room, leaning over Caster to take hold of his chin and kiss the said idiot of a god until they're both out of breath.]
how fast I can turn a thread to trash, a saga.
This might not be a good idea, god duties, shinki duties, and so on- but yeah, let's just have fun for how long it lasts.
When Archer tries to move away, he might find himself in trouble, because a pair of strong arms sneaks around his neck. ]
What, leaving so soon?
we're in the same handbasket, so
No, just giving you a moment to catch your breath. It won't speak good of me if I let you suffocate because of my kisses.
[He doesn't stop himself from running his fingers through Caster's hair. Wet strands cling to his skin; Archer just shakes his head and starts drying his boyfriend's hair.]
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Right now he's satisfied with this subdued feeling similar to happiness radiating from his shinki. ]
I see, that's how I get access to more of your services. [ Caster quips from underneath the towel on his head- maybe one day he will get a hang of using that mysterious tool known as the hairdryer. ]
You don't have to dress me though, I can do that myself!
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Good, it means less work for me. [Archer counters with a chuckle.]
I am here to ruin everything
It's nice, he likes it, part why he kept the hair so long in first place. But then something else flares up and ruins the moment entirely. He tries to ignore that annoying, nagging feeling... you know, hold back for the sake of the moment, but without success
When he raises his head up, his face is unusually pale- or maybe it's green ]
...I think I'm going to throw up.
[ Hi, too much alcohol, thanks. Don't take it personally, Archer ]
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Go on.
[Mental note to himself - bring some fruit juice or green tea to his room so Caster won't get dehydrated.]
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Okay, let's make a time skip-- you know, to that point where Caster does indeed end up feeling better. Actually even further ahead, that they're probably getting sort of dressed, and teeth scrubbing deed is done too.
He's not saying anything, just looking so...done... with this evening, and night and everything. NOTHING, NOTHING CAN GO WELL APPARENTLY. When it started to fall apart, everything went with it. ]
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Ready to brave the stairs?
[Caster no longer looks greenish, which is a good sign, although his expression could turn the milk sour. It's better to not drag him up all the stairs, Archer's bed can easily accomodate two.]
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He could maybe try and teleport, but he doesn't want to RISK IT. What if he throws them into a wall, or worse. ]
Yeah, yeah, going that way right now.
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I'll be right behind you. [he's just going to grab some fruit juice from the fridge.]
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Why did he decide to occupy the highest placed room in the temple? Oh right, high perches.
No, seriously, Servant metabolism should make him damn immune to side-effects of getting hammered ]
Half-way there...
[ You have a bed on this floor, don't you Archer? ]
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