boneofsword | Aefenglom Inbox

[ 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.

[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.

[ 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. ]

[This gesture disarms Archer, makes him lean towards his Bonded and rest cheek on his hair. Feelings reaching him through their connection make him unable to speak. It takes him a few tries to find his voice again and it sounds a bit hoarse and quieter.]

It's not as easy. I'm used to protecting, so my first instinct is to shield others. Moreso when it's someone dear to me. It's where things turn a bit tricky. [Archer reaches to caress knuckles of Caster's hand.] You can be damn reckless sometimes, but it doesn't change the fact that you're a seasoned warrior, capable of surviving on your own. Thus I chose to fight by your side, figuring out when it's safe to give you a hand and when to just focus on the fight.

[ Well, they're not that different on that front. Being a shield. Funny, huh? Though Cú's way of being a shield contains more sharp pointy edges than being a protective wall. Still works. ]

Were someone to target you and I saw the attack coming, I would have protected you too. That's part of "fighting together". Fighting with someone you trust to get your back.

[ From the sound of it, they should be on the same page. And yet, they seemingly are not. ]

But you know, you can't be everywhere. And that's okay. As part of every fight, there are winners and there are losers—

I know. It's not quite what I mean.

[Archer huffs, messing blue hair. What he's been saying is the root of his feelings towards Caster. What he wants to say is the cause of their miscommunication.] As a Dragon and as who I am now I respect you— your strength and your wit, your pride and your skill. So don't think I slight you when I think you may need company.

[Another huff.]

Neither is my intention whenever I act a bit protective.

[ Caster makes a sound as his hair is messed fondly by dragon's hand. It feels nice, but hey, you are also ruining his styling! Putting the bangs all over his face again ]

I— don't? [ He responds in turn, putting his hands to use and mess Archer's hair instead ] I don't think you slight me when you offer me company— the hell? Do you really think I don't enjoy having you around?

[Archer doesn't really mind Cú messing his bangs, even if affection on their link contains a hint of exasperation.]

I mean then, not now. [he clarifies with a bit of awkwardness.] You've been angry after I got protective— and I felt protective not because you may be in danger but because you've been hurt.

[ Ah, they're getting there, they're getting somewhere. Cú leaves Archer's hair in peace, and remains silent for a moment. Cogs of memories rotating, wondering. Trying to find words, really. ]

I know. I knew. [ He says finally. All casual ease, even the memories weight on him ] I wasn't in a good place that time, and couldn't appreciate your gesture. It was what I didn't know I needed, and thus I resisted—

[ He knows his words then hurt Archer. In hindsight, his presence helped, and the simple, caring gesture meant the world to him. But he doesn't regret or finds mistakes in being firm back then. Sometimes there just isn't enough of him, he feels ]

If anything like this comes up again, maybe we could agree for something ahead of time?

Aefenglom Inbox

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject