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[boneofsword]

"Archer here."

[ TEXT x VOICE x VIDEO x ACTION ]

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[futhark]

Make it for three, Yona is busting me out of the infirmary

[boneofsword]

[A flicker of warmth and fondness makes it through their Bond, wordless proof how much the grumpy Dragon cares about his Bonded. Archer may be unsure where exactly they stand, given the latest happenings, but Caster's place is in their cottage. No matter if they agree to disagree Cú is a constant presence in his life.]

Consider it done.

[He could leave it at that, but after a moment sends a second message.]

The house feels empty without you.

[futhark]

[ Cú welcomes it with a casual acceptance. Whatever there is to agree to disagree they can handle it later. For now, it's time to celebrate the reunion. So he teases ]

Oh come on, you got Myr to keep you company at home! It couldn't be that bad

[boneofsword]

[It's as close as Archer comes to saying that he missed his partner without actually saying it out loud.]

Myr is a good company, but he makes half as much noise as you do, and isn't as distracting.

[He doesn't mind such distraction as much as he makes it sound like atm, and it's obvious.]

[futhark]

[ D'aww. Archer. You big softie ]

You need to get out more and hear the bustle and hustle of the city, if it's the noise that you crave

[ Is he just called himself on causing rackets? Sure he did ]

[boneofsword]

That depends on the kind of noise. There's good and bad kind.

[Does he have to spell it? Archer is aware there are certain admissions he's not sure if he's ready for.]

[futhark]

[ He doesn't have to. At least not now. Sometimes other... maybe? ]

Get ready then, your quiet days are over

[boneofsword]

I'll keep your warning in mind. ;) [Text can't convey the tone of his voice, but that's what Bond is for— warmth and affection are obvious and unmistakable. Right now Archer simply wants to enjoy this moment the way Cú taught him, without reservation.]

action & timeskip

[futhark]

[ One big, tasty dinner later shared with his Bonded, Caster moves around the cottage as if refamiliarizing himself with the layout. It's not like he had been gone for long— month is nothing, after all. But it's still a weird feeling to return.

Eventually, he settles on the veranda, draped in blankets in the cold air and holding onto warm tea. Petalwolves hibernating in the ground, waiting for spring to come. When he spots Archer he pokes at him through the window. ]

Hey— mind joining me?

[ There's been something bothering Emiya, that much he can tell ]

[boneofsword]

[Despite knowing what to expect the sight of his Bonded so thin and worn out shocked Archer. He's not used to seeing him so frail, and Cu being his reckless and daring self often makes him forget entirely that he's very much human now. But the spark is still in red eyes and Archer's so overjoyed at finally seeing him that he's been hesitant to release him from the welcoming hug. Now that all settles into semi-familiar routine his mind keeps harping on their earlier disagreement. Caster's invitation offers him a distraction as well as a way to resolve it, so he eagerly joins him after a moment of fussing over not enough warm blankets on his Witch (that somehow acquires a stray or two; there's always some around the house though not necessarily in the cottage.)] Gladly. It's been some time— [he gestures vaguely, not finishing the thought.]

[futhark]

[ Getting first-hand experience in infection was a shocking thing. And it's going to take some time before he truly, fully recovers. But that's a future problem for a future him. Right now and right here...

And right now it's time for closeness. ]

It's okay to say you missed me. [ Time to tease a bit. Maybe that's how they get into that thorn that sits in the side ]

[boneofsword]

[It's like always - his Bonded knows him too well. Archer leans forward so their foreheads touch. It's a casual gesture between Bonded but to him it's as intimate as a kiss. Now he can feel the mana flow between them, drawing him closer like a moth to a flame.]

Hmph. I did miss you, you dumbass. [there's no mistaking the affection in his tone that turns insult into endearment.]

[futhark]

Oh, you went for it— [ There's a small surprise in his voice, part of him expected more bickering, instead of honest admission, so... yeah. The forehead touch always makes him more aware of Archer's presence, more— in-tune

He basks in the heat and closeness, while his hand instinctively looks for Archer's so it can cover ]

What's eating you?

[ Because there's something under surface and he can feel it ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer huffs, but his hand turns around so that he can loosely hold his Bonded's hand. Trying to put his feelings and thoughts into words never comes to him easily, and he doesn't want it to turn into misunderstanding.]

I wonder how things are between us. After all that happened before—

[futhark]

[ That genuinely surprises Cú. He moves away just a bit to get a better look at his Bonded ]

What do you mean?

[boneofsword]

We've had a disagreement after your network post. [Archer reminds him with a light frown. He's not going to say he's overprotective, but he knows well how stubborn he can be.]

[futhark]

Oh, yeah. That. [ Cú hums with understanding as he remembers the event. That day he wasn't on his best, he went out to try and do something that he forgot about anything else, including himself, and it... kind of backfired

It didn't take much longer and he went down with the Cwyld infection, caught on one of those patrol routes, and rest is history ]

Wasn't my finest hour, but being honest, I thought we patched it out. My bad. [ He doesn't hold grudges unless they're truly well earned and is honest in that he already threw that on the 'forgotten' pile. But just because he could do that, doesn't mean Archer did. And he intends to make up for it ] So what do you need?

[boneofsword]

Neither was mine. [it's a honest admission, and one that bothers Archer as well. News about the disappearances did bring the whole nightmare back. All they've been through, all that he wished to protect his Bonded from, all that seemed to be forgotten and that he tried to distance himself from. Even when he tries to curb the protectiveness, respecting Cú as a warrior and as a partner, Archer can't deny a certain instinct to keep nearby in case of danger.] I'm not sure if we did. Not talking about it won't make it disappear.

[futhark]

[ In Cú's book, it is best to not dwell on the past too much. But he knows that if one can't move on, it turns into poison. So he wants to do whatever's in his power to help Archer process whatever he needs. ]

Then let's talk. [ He breathes out softly ] Or do you wish to go at it a different way?

[boneofsword]

[That makes Archer chuckle and lean closer, his grey eyes brightened by amusement.]

Cú. [he murmurs with affection, then sighs softly.] I do wish to talk.

[He stays silent for awhile, his hand resting gently on Witch's neck. Touching his Bonded helps him to focus, and the closeness comforts him.]

I tend to get overprotective about you.

[futhark]

[ Well, there it goes. Out in the open. Cú stays close before he tries to slip out of the touch. ]

I know. It's part of your current nature, no? You can't really help it.

[ And he can't voice properly what it makes him feel. He likes being treasured, more than he'd want to admit— but he bristles whenever his competency and strength might be put into question by it. They've been dancing on that line, and Archer has always did best to not cross the line. ]

[boneofsword]

[It's been a long time coming. Archer allows his Bonded to slip free, understanding that Cú may need some distance during this talk.] You're right, I can't. [It's not that easy to talk about. Archer has spent a lot of time mulling it over and over and trying to gauge the possible reactions.] I have been trying to curb it. Focus on simply guarding your back during the battle. [a fond smile splays on his lips as his tone conveys the admiration for his partner. He's come to understand Caster's side of it a bit better, and hops it will be enough.] You're a capable warrior first and foremost, and I respect that. No one can stop you from standing proudly in the front lines.

[futhark]

[ It's instinctual, finding that distance. Not too far away, it's not a rejection. It's just asserting where he ends and his Bonded space begins. ]

You don't have to butter me up, Emiya. [ He says, but there is no hiding across the Bond that part of him really likes the compliments. There's also a small suspicion where it might be leading, though.

Archer had to deny what he is to make this all work, isn't that what he's saying? It's painful to consider, but he is ready for that to hit ] If you think it's not going to work, you don't have to cushion it. I can take whatever you decide to dish out.

[boneofsword]

[For some time he's been figuring it out, forcing himself to consider each and every possibility. It's the part of him that stays the same, that calm analysis of his own reactions and thoughts. Archer runs a hand through his hair with a sigh.] I'm not trying to flatter you, it's what I think and what I know about you. [he glances at his Bonded, grey eyes troubled.] I'm trying to find a middle ground here. Not rushing to your side during the fight because I trust you. [A breath or two before he continues.] As a Dragon I want to keep my Treasure safe. Thus I have to accept that my Treasure doesn't belong in a cage but where he wishes to go. As a warrior I understand and respect your need to fight your own battles, be it alone or in company. [a hint of amusement tugs at his lips.] For me a Treasure isn't a thing to keep guarded and hidden. Treasures have freedom to make their own choices, take their own paths and decide if they want me at their side. It took me some time to figure it out. To learn how to fight by your side, and to shield you only when necessary.

[futhark]

[ Cú paces around, all in the spot. Not going further than an arbitrary distance. If anything he gets back closer, as he sits down next to Archer again. Thigh pressed against thigh, simple touch once again enhancing their connection.

Analysis, that's what Archer is known for, isn't it? But this dissection of one's feelings and needs feels almost clinical, detached. ]

You sound like you're more likely to keep your heart in a cage, rather than nurture it. [ He lies his head on Archer's shoulder, the concern with melancholy seeping into their Bond. ]