[He's been on her mind a lot too, ever since she woke up certain she dreamed about him, unable to remember details but a deep ache in her heart, a vague sense it'd be horrible if he left.
Of course it'd be horrible if he left, he'd be deeply missed, but the feeling is something more pressing.
The sudden flurry of questions is unsurprising, and she's not sure how to answer when the answers are so mixed.]
I'm doing okay. It's busier here, there's always work to do, but they're taking care of me. They've been very kind and welcoming, especially the department heads.
The kitchen here is real nice, you'd like it a lot. Kimi does most of the cooking for us, he's really good at cooking. He usually brings food for me. Kiwami makes sure I'm taking breaks too.
But they're not you.
I think everyone would be jealous if I got a daily bento from you. They like your cooking.
[All of those answers are telling in one way or the other. Archer is relieved to know the others in Ebisu temple are friendly and take good care of her.]
That means I have to prepare two bento boxes, one for you and the other that you can share with your coworkers ;)
May I come to visit if you have some time? I'd like to see you.
[A moment later Ginia gets another message with a picture of Lucky's nose. Judging by the bits of background the puppy is sitting on Archer's lap.]
I think I'm not the only one. Lucky heard your name and immediately joined me.
[Ginia has to stifle a laugh at the winking emoticon. It's certainly the next best thing to a picture of him winking.]
You already cook for enough people, I don't want to give you more work.
I'd like to see you too. Give me a date and time and I'll work it into my schedule.
[No, that sounds so formal and stiff. Given how Caster's surprise call had her in tears within minutes, she needs time to prepare to see Archer, but she doesn't want things to stay formal and planned between them.]
Or you can come by the temple and surprise me. Tell whoever is at the front you're looking for Jitsumi, they'll come get me or show you to where I am.
[Oh, Lucky. The puppy was never truly hers, but it felt that way and she tears up a little.]
It's not work. You know that I enjoy cooking for those I care about.
[It's an accomplishment to have him admit that he does enjoy something. It's another to have him admit that he does care about others.]
I will make one of bento deliveries by myself then, to visit you and bring some furry company.
[Given that most of the bento deliveries are run by dog post. He's going to bring Lucky along. Speaking of the puppy Archer includes a short recording of her, his voice in background telling her to say hello to Ginia. Lucky barks a few times and starts running in circles happily. Suddenly she jumps at the camera, nudging it. Archer chuckles quietly and the recording ends.]
[It's a rare admission and it's touching to know she still falls into the category of people he cares about. The letter in her desk is proof enough, but it's still nice to hear.]
I look forward to seeing you and the dogs.
♥
[The heart is indulgent and silly and maybe unneeded, but dammit, she's tired and sentimental. Work pulls her away and it's awhile before she can watch the video. Ginia retreats to the break room, keeping the audio quiet as she watches. The sound of Archer's voice tugs at her heart the same way Caster's voice did and tears spring to her eyes as she watches Lucky bark and run around.
'Everything okay, Jitsumi?'
Ginia looks at her coworker and wipes her tears away, smiling and nodding. Yes, everything is fine.]
[It takes a few days for Archer to visit, although the day of their chat is the first when Regal brings nicely wrapped bento boxes adressed to Jitsumi, just as promised.
Archer comes with Regal and Lucky in tow, and asks for Jitsumi. Regal sits next to him and waits patienty while Lucky sniffs around with curiosity. Once Ginia is close enough the puppy runs to meet her barking happily.]
[Congratulations, Archer, you've up started the rumor mill again. Ebisu's temple may be full of hardworking office shinki, but even they can appreciate good food and cute dogs and pestering the newest shinki about her mysterious food benefactor.
When Archer makes an appearance in person, the shinki at the front desk - a young woman in her mid-twenties that wouldn't look out of place in an office on the Near Shore - is full of knowing smiles as she shows Archer to a seating area and goes to call Ginia.
It's another ten minutes before Ginia shows up, bending down to pick up the puppy rocketing over to her. White fur and a black suit is not a good combination, but Ginia scoops up the puppy and holds her close. Lucky wiggles in her arms and frantically licks her face before Ginia sets her down. She continues to run circles around Ginia's feet as she walks over, bending down to scratch Regal's head.
Finally, she looks at Archer and smiles. Her suit is well-tailored and it's an incredibly professional and sharp look on her. She looks well, save for looking generally more exhausted.]
It's good to see you, Archer.
[The urge to hug him is strong, the urge to hug and kiss him even stronger, but Ginia keeps a polite amount of space. Lucky is still wiggling all over her feet anyway.]
[Archer isn't too thrilled when there's a sudden influx of shinki passing by, most of them trying to stealthily take a good look at the owner of the delivery dog. He stands up once he notices Ginia, noting the changes in her look. True, he's had a chance to see her in a suit before, but this one is diferent, like a professional set of armor. Regal reacts to headscratches with tail swishing, apparently happy with seeing the errant part of their pack.]
Likewise, Ginia. That's a killer look, it suits you. [he jokes, suddenly feeling a bit awkward. Another shinki passes by, not so stealthily glancing at the two of them (and dogs.)]
[There's probably more than one giggle and quiet comment as the shinki pass by. Professionals they are, but that only means they're all the more starved for gossip. As another shinki passes by - there's a wink Ginia's way and she knows she's getting pounced on by her coworkers once she's back at her desk - Ginia sighs.]
There's a meeting room nearby we can use.
[Ginia scoops up Lucky and leaves the food for Archer to carry, leading the way to the room. Archer will notice that while her jacket has vents cut in the back for mobility and style, the usual profile of her knife is missing from the small of her back.
It's a simple meeting room with a table taking up most of the space, chairs surrounding it. While clean, there's also a sense it isn't used much. It's too clean, too still, a little cold.
But it's private. Ginia closes and locks the door behind them, holding Lucky up to take a good luck at the puppy before setting her back down so she can explore the room.]
It's been two months since Lucky showed up, but I swear she hasn't grown at all.
[Caster's temple hounds aren't real in the flesh and blood sense, so why would Lucky ever have to grow? Ginia watches her sniff around the room before looking at Archer.]
[Her question makes Archer avert his eyes for a moment. It still hurts, a bit less because of the time that passed, but it does. Somehow he gets the feeling that all of his relationships are going to end this way, that he's going to lose everyone that he cares for.]
I'm managing. [he answers, then shakes his head with a sight.] No, that's not the real answer. I've been thinking a lot, and I want to apologize for hurting you unintentionaly. I was trying to say that temporary separation will do us some good, and that trying other ways will give you a chance to figure out what you want for yourself.
[Ginia freezes a little, blinking owlishly at Archer. It's all very sudden and a lot coming from him and she wonders how long he's been thinking about that. It's strange, him apologizing when she was the one who broke things.]
You don't need to apologize.
[She approaches the table, unwraps the bento box to give her hands something to do. Time and space to figure out what she wants. She's still not any closer to figuring that out. Her hands still as she stares down at the carefully packed meal, so cute and filled with all her favorites. Archer does nothing in halves.
Her smile is strained as she forces herself to look at him.]
I had a dream about you. I don't remember much but...
[She remembers a sense of crushing sadness when she woke up, the feeling that if he left, it'd be bad.]
[Archer knows what she's talking about, that odd disjointed feeling of dreams that he doesn't truly remember, and meeting Ginia there.]
I had a dream too, and I remember that we've met.
[Then comes the question and it's not an easy one for him to answer. It takes him awhile to reply as he considers it, much more at ease with giving her the honest answer than avoiding it. Ginia must have her reason to ask, and she deserves honesty.]
I think so. [he says finally.] I have a place to return to and people that I care about that also care about me. I have a purpose that is more than just being a useful tool.
[He has a feeling that she will understand what does he mean.]
[Ginia nods at his reply, a slightly more genuine smile flickering. She's glad for that and she understands what he means. They are dedicated, devoted, and it makes them good shinki, but at the cost of what?]
Don't leave, Archer. Stay here and be happy, please.
[The words spill out. It's foolish, it's silly, it's not like they can choose who stays or goes or stay by will alone. But maybe, what if they could? She smiles and it hurts. Regal presses against her leg and she gives her head a brief scratch.]
[Archer's expression softens. For all the differences they are really alike. Having a purpose, a direction to follow is important. Without it they're adrift.
He glances aside at her words. Awkward turtle it is.]
I'm not planning to leave.
[Giving an empty promise is not his style.]
How about you, Ginia? Does being here make you happy?
[There are two different questions to answer as he turns the question back on her. Ginia buys herself time to think as she grabs a piece of fried chicken and eats it. The batter is crisp and light, the meat tender and moist, perfectly seasoned. It's as she remembers and misses.]
There are people I care about and who care about me. I have a safe place to sleep. Things to direct my time into.
[Didn't they talk once about the difference between a place to stay and a place to call a home? It was easier to decide then, back when the rooms were colder and more sterile.]
But if you mean being here, in Ebisu's temple....
[She leans on the back of a chair, takes in the conference room.]
The shinki are kind and have gone out of their way to make me feel welcomed. I enjoy their company. The work is hard, but I enjoy the challenge and the variety is engaging. I'm not unhappy, but it's different.
Different is different, not necessarily good or bad. Other shinki from our generation work part-time here, but I am the only one named by Ebisu. I have to be careful of what I say. And the long hours and amount of work is tough at times.
[She's tired, everyone here is tired, but so it goes when you're vastly understaffed and few people come in to help.]
The work is important and I greatly respect everyone here. The perspective is nice.
[It's a different experience,a chance to see the other side of godly work. A different perspective.]
I miss you. [he admits finally. It's hard for him to say so, to speak about his own feelings. It would be much easier to say that others miss her, but that wouldn't be fair.]
I think that I can understand some of your reasons. [Archer takes a small breath. There's something that he thinks she will understand, given their similarities.] If I had no skills aside combat ones I would feel completely adrift. It's different when there's something else that you can do, that gives you a clear direction. Finding it takes time and different experiences.
[Ginia's hand grips the back of the chair in front of her when he admits he misses her. It's one thing for him to mention in in a text, another for him to admit in person. He's a private, guarded individual so the admission means all the more. Another time she might have hugged him, kissed him, but that time is gone.
So there's only a smile, a silent acknowledgement of his feelings, hands releasing from the chair when she's certain she won't do something incredibly foolish as she listens to him.]
It turns out I'm good at math. And I know a few languages well enough to translate documents. I'm good at filing too. [The latter most perhaps isn't surprising; he's seen her organize information, he knows how meticulous she is.] And I guess all those photos I've taken mean I'm useful with photography too.
[So... she's finding things to do. She's figuring it out. They're not skills Caster needs. That's fine, but there's the sinking feeling the gulf between them will only widen further.
But what about her and Archer? "I hope we can still be friends", he said and she wonders if that's truly all he wants or if he misses more?]
Archer do--
[Does she want to know if it's the latter? Is it even her place to ask? He has Caster already, always will, hopefully.
Ginia smiles and changes her mind and signs instead:]
[It's a habit of his to not look at others when he admits his feelings, so Archer doesn't notice the tension. He looks back to Ginia when he catches her movement in periphery of his vision.
It's much safer to listen to her describe all the new experiences and skills than think too much about his own feelings.]
That's great. Never believe when someone tells you that you're good for only one thing. Even if it's your own mind. [he says it half-jokingly, but he does mean it. After all, he should have noticed it much sooner.
Ginia's request is sudden, but Archer nods and smiles. Like a proper gentleman he pulls the chair out for her.]
[She is her own worst enemy. It's difficult, but a thing worth remembering, as much as she doesn't need to take on every burden by herself.
Ginia smiles as she sits down and lets him push her chair in, a tiny twist of feeling at his charming ways. Lucky scrambles over and tries to climb up. She'll need to lint roll her suit before she returns to work, but it's worth it as she hoists Lucky onto her lap.
For a few minutes, Ginia doesn't say much as she eats with him, enjoying the peaceful silence and private moment. But eventually, Ginia waves her hand at him to get his attention.]
Caster told me he found cursed charms at shrines in Ireland, but only at ones represented by someone in the Far Shore.
[It's a familiar, comfortable moment of sharing food and dogs making puppy eyes at their humans. They often did so during work--
Ginia's words bring Archer back to reality.]
Right, he sent me photos. Their influence reaches so far. [he pauses.] It's another argument towards at least one god or shinki aiding the leader or leaders of the cult.
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Of course it'd be horrible if he left, he'd be deeply missed, but the feeling is something more pressing.
The sudden flurry of questions is unsurprising, and she's not sure how to answer when the answers are so mixed.]
I'm doing okay. It's busier here, there's always work to do, but they're taking care of me. They've been very kind and welcoming, especially the department heads.
The kitchen here is real nice, you'd like it a lot. Kimi does most of the cooking for us, he's really good at cooking. He usually brings food for me. Kiwami makes sure I'm taking breaks too.
But they're not you.
I think everyone would be jealous if I got a daily bento from you. They like your cooking.
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That means I have to prepare two bento boxes, one for you and the other that you can share with your coworkers ;)
May I come to visit if you have some time? I'd like to see you.
[A moment later Ginia gets another message with a picture of Lucky's nose. Judging by the bits of background the puppy is sitting on Archer's lap.]
I think I'm not the only one. Lucky heard your name and immediately joined me.
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You already cook for enough people, I don't want to give you more work.
I'd like to see you too. Give me a date and time and I'll work it into my schedule.
[No, that sounds so formal and stiff. Given how Caster's surprise call had her in tears within minutes, she needs time to prepare to see Archer, but she doesn't want things to stay formal and planned between them.]
Or you can come by the temple and surprise me. Tell whoever is at the front you're looking for Jitsumi, they'll come get me or show you to where I am.
[Oh, Lucky. The puppy was never truly hers, but it felt that way and she tears up a little.]
Can you send me a picture of her?
By the way, I talked to Caster a few hours ago.
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[It's an accomplishment to have him admit that he does enjoy something. It's another to have him admit that he does care about others.]
I will make one of bento deliveries by myself then, to visit you and bring some furry company.
[Given that most of the bento deliveries are run by dog post. He's going to bring Lucky along. Speaking of the puppy Archer includes a short recording of her, his voice in background telling her to say hello to Ginia. Lucky barks a few times and starts running in circles happily. Suddenly she jumps at the camera, nudging it. Archer chuckles quietly and the recording ends.]
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I look forward to seeing you and the dogs.
♥
[The heart is indulgent and silly and maybe unneeded, but dammit, she's tired and sentimental. Work pulls her away and it's awhile before she can watch the video. Ginia retreats to the break room, keeping the audio quiet as she watches. The sound of Archer's voice tugs at her heart the same way Caster's voice did and tears spring to her eyes as she watches Lucky bark and run around.
'Everything okay, Jitsumi?'
Ginia looks at her coworker and wipes her tears away, smiling and nodding. Yes, everything is fine.]
[action]
Archer comes with Regal and Lucky in tow, and asks for Jitsumi. Regal sits next to him and waits patienty while Lucky sniffs around with curiosity. Once Ginia is close enough the puppy runs to meet her barking happily.]
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When Archer makes an appearance in person, the shinki at the front desk - a young woman in her mid-twenties that wouldn't look out of place in an office on the Near Shore - is full of knowing smiles as she shows Archer to a seating area and goes to call Ginia.
It's another ten minutes before Ginia shows up, bending down to pick up the puppy rocketing over to her. White fur and a black suit is not a good combination, but Ginia scoops up the puppy and holds her close. Lucky wiggles in her arms and frantically licks her face before Ginia sets her down. She continues to run circles around Ginia's feet as she walks over, bending down to scratch Regal's head.
Finally, she looks at Archer and smiles. Her suit is well-tailored and it's an incredibly professional and sharp look on her. She looks well, save for looking generally more exhausted.]
It's good to see you, Archer.
[The urge to hug him is strong, the urge to hug and kiss him even stronger, but Ginia keeps a polite amount of space. Lucky is still wiggling all over her feet anyway.]
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Likewise, Ginia. That's a killer look, it suits you. [he jokes, suddenly feeling a bit awkward. Another shinki passes by, not so stealthily glancing at the two of them (and dogs.)]
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There's a meeting room nearby we can use.
[Ginia scoops up Lucky and leaves the food for Archer to carry, leading the way to the room. Archer will notice that while her jacket has vents cut in the back for mobility and style, the usual profile of her knife is missing from the small of her back.
It's a simple meeting room with a table taking up most of the space, chairs surrounding it. While clean, there's also a sense it isn't used much. It's too clean, too still, a little cold.
But it's private. Ginia closes and locks the door behind them, holding Lucky up to take a good luck at the puppy before setting her back down so she can explore the room.]
It's been two months since Lucky showed up, but I swear she hasn't grown at all.
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So you've noticed. [Archer looks at her sharply.] I've been wondering about it myself.
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[Caster's temple hounds aren't real in the flesh and blood sense, so why would Lucky ever have to grow? Ginia watches her sniff around the room before looking at Archer.]
How have you been?
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I'm managing. [he answers, then shakes his head with a sight.] No, that's not the real answer. I've been thinking a lot, and I want to apologize for hurting you unintentionaly. I was trying to say that temporary separation will do us some good, and that trying other ways will give you a chance to figure out what you want for yourself.
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You don't need to apologize.
[She approaches the table, unwraps the bento box to give her hands something to do. Time and space to figure out what she wants. She's still not any closer to figuring that out. Her hands still as she stares down at the carefully packed meal, so cute and filled with all her favorites. Archer does nothing in halves.
Her smile is strained as she forces herself to look at him.]
I had a dream about you. I don't remember much but...
[She remembers a sense of crushing sadness when she woke up, the feeling that if he left, it'd be bad.]
Are you happy here, Archer? Truly?
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I had a dream too, and I remember that we've met.
[Then comes the question and it's not an easy one for him to answer. It takes him awhile to reply as he considers it, much more at ease with giving her the honest answer than avoiding it. Ginia must have her reason to ask, and she deserves honesty.]
I think so. [he says finally.] I have a place to return to and people that I care about that also care about me. I have a purpose that is more than just being a useful tool.
[He has a feeling that she will understand what does he mean.]
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Don't leave, Archer. Stay here and be happy, please.
[The words spill out. It's foolish, it's silly, it's not like they can choose who stays or goes or stay by will alone. But maybe, what if they could? She smiles and it hurts. Regal presses against her leg and she gives her head a brief scratch.]
I'm happy you're happy. I really am.
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He glances aside at her words. Awkward turtle it is.]
I'm not planning to leave.
[Giving an empty promise is not his style.]
How about you, Ginia? Does being here make you happy?
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There are people I care about and who care about me. I have a safe place to sleep. Things to direct my time into.
[Didn't they talk once about the difference between a place to stay and a place to call a home? It was easier to decide then, back when the rooms were colder and more sterile.]
But if you mean being here, in Ebisu's temple....
[She leans on the back of a chair, takes in the conference room.]
The shinki are kind and have gone out of their way to make me feel welcomed. I enjoy their company. The work is hard, but I enjoy the challenge and the variety is engaging. I'm not unhappy, but it's different.
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Different in a good or a bad way? [his tone is light, but the qquestion is serious. 'Not unhappy' doesn't mean that she has found happiness here.]
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[She's tired, everyone here is tired, but so it goes when you're vastly understaffed and few people come in to help.]
The work is important and I greatly respect everyone here. The perspective is nice.
[She pauses to pick at the food again]
But I miss everything with you three too.
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I miss you. [he admits finally. It's hard for him to say so, to speak about his own feelings. It would be much easier to say that others miss her, but that wouldn't be fair.]
I think that I can understand some of your reasons. [Archer takes a small breath. There's something that he thinks she will understand, given their similarities.] If I had no skills aside combat ones I would feel completely adrift. It's different when there's something else that you can do, that gives you a clear direction. Finding it takes time and different experiences.
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So there's only a smile, a silent acknowledgement of his feelings, hands releasing from the chair when she's certain she won't do something incredibly foolish as she listens to him.]
It turns out I'm good at math. And I know a few languages well enough to translate documents. I'm good at filing too. [The latter most perhaps isn't surprising; he's seen her organize information, he knows how meticulous she is.] And I guess all those photos I've taken mean I'm useful with photography too.
[So... she's finding things to do. She's figuring it out. They're not skills Caster needs. That's fine, but there's the sinking feeling the gulf between them will only widen further.
But what about her and Archer? "I hope we can still be friends", he said and she wonders if that's truly all he wants or if he misses more?]
Archer do--
[Does she want to know if it's the latter? Is it even her place to ask? He has Caster already, always will, hopefully.
Ginia smiles and changes her mind and signs instead:]
Sit down, eat with me.
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It's much safer to listen to her describe all the new experiences and skills than think too much about his own feelings.]
That's great. Never believe when someone tells you that you're good for only one thing. Even if it's your own mind. [he says it half-jokingly, but he does mean it. After all, he should have noticed it much sooner.
Ginia's request is sudden, but Archer nods and smiles. Like a proper gentleman he pulls the chair out for her.]
Of course.
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Ginia smiles as she sits down and lets him push her chair in, a tiny twist of feeling at his charming ways. Lucky scrambles over and tries to climb up. She'll need to lint roll her suit before she returns to work, but it's worth it as she hoists Lucky onto her lap.
For a few minutes, Ginia doesn't say much as she eats with him, enjoying the peaceful silence and private moment. But eventually, Ginia waves her hand at him to get his attention.]
Caster told me he found cursed charms at shrines in Ireland, but only at ones represented by someone in the Far Shore.
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Ginia's words bring Archer back to reality.]
Right, he sent me photos. Their influence reaches so far. [he pauses.] It's another argument towards at least one god or shinki aiding the leader or leaders of the cult.
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[It's more effort targeting specific shrines than targeting all the shrines in an area.]
It worries me, honestly, preparing for whatever is coming next. Wondering how many gods the cult have on their side.
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