middaeg | [closed] Freeze the arrow in the air

[ The outfit might be free but it ends with a side-effect of getting a little too much attention than one could wish for. Of course, it's enchanted, he should have seen that coming— Caster laughs to himself as he is pulled into another wild dance. Is it a wedding or someone's bonding ceremony, or just a birthday? Who knows, he doesn't ask, freely going from one celebration to another.

If he notices he's being tailed, he doesn't make it clear. But he does move in the direction of smaller crowds. At few moments he scans people around as if looking for someone. Archer might get the impression their gazes meet, but it's broken so soon it could have as well be an accident. ]

[Well, someone like Cú Chulainn surely knows when he's being stalked. Archer won't be surprised if Caster notices him. It's not like he's trying to hide. Aside the outfit change - it's simply going along with festivities.

Yet Archer is still not sure if he wants to catch up to Caster, the earlier doubts returning as he follows. They've been slowly growing closer, in his selfish want to not give up someone who truly gets him, understands in a way no one ever had. He's loathe to lose this friendship to a supposed Bond.

Yes, he's aware that he's overthinking.]

[ Few drinks later and Caster grows impatient with the game. Archer might find himself suddenly losing track of him.

Nor for long. ]

Found you first! [ Caster bumps into his arm suddenly from a side ] That means all my drinks are on you tonight.

[ He takes a studious glance at Archer's new outfit. The colour scheme is of course the same but there is no denying it suits the man greatly. Caster gives an appreciative whistle to tailor's craftsmanship and comments ]

I see you're even dressed the part, good.

[ It's all very crazy idea but nights like this are for them ]

[It's surprising how his mood changes almost instantly. As soon as Caster gets into his personal space Archer's typical frown turns into smirk that's much more honest.]

Why am I not surprised. [his response is a part of the friendly banter they often engage in. It can hide true feelings well.]

So did you. [Archer tilts head to the side, taking a good look at Caster. It suits him, both colors and the cut shamelessly showing off his lean body. Such alluring look one may attribute to fae and their glamour spells.] You look so sexy that I may kidnap you to keep you all for myself.

[...wait, what. It takes him a moment to realize that he actually means it.]

[ See, Caster had this whole... course of action, maybe not planned, but a general idea how things will go. How things always go. He wanted to be the surprising one here, yet it's Archer who manages to blurt something that leaves Caster utterly speechless—

For a total of four seconds. ]

Ooh? [ Archer are you even aware what are you saying, or are you doing it on purpose, you sly bastard? ] While flattery won't get you far the idea is intriguing. I'd say— go on and give it a try.

[ He actually wanted to try and talk in private, so getting "kidnapped" suits his goals. ]

[No, he wasn't aware, but Archer isn't going to back off. He smirks as he moves closer and rests one hand on Caster's waist.]

I fully intend to. [it sounds like it's what he's been planning from the start. At the same time he considers and discards several spots - most are not as private as he'd like. Suddenly he grabs Caster and starts for the choosen roof. Short run followed by a series of leaps; honestly, parkour is best choice for such a city, and the stalls and all kinds of carriages make it too easy.

Archer doesn't let go of Caster even on the roof, which is surprisingly secluded.]

How do you like it?

Hey— [ That's... definitely more than what he had bargained for. Being literally swept off his feet is not how he expected the kidnapping to go. Even if in hindsight it's pretty obvious, right? When Archer starts parkouring the building he throws a simple enchantment, a variant of the slow-fall spell, to make the effort a bit easier (and them both a little lighter)

He's laughing tho, at the spontaneous craziness of the situation. He didn't expect this and he likes being surprised. ]

Good choice, nice view of the city and sky. Could use more amenities and drinks. [ A grin. ] Going to let me down or?

My bad. [Archer sets him on his feet and loosens his hold slightly without letting him go.] I thought you'd like the view.

[It's crazy. Archer is surprised how much he likes it; perhaps it has something with the way Caster's eyes light up, or his laugh. Heck, he wouldn't mind spending the celebration here, having Caster all for himself. The intensity of this sudden desire catches him slightly off-guard.]

Oh, I do— [ The city, the sky, just as he said. But that's not where his gaze is right now. Accepting the moment, not doing anything to end it. That's where they find themselves in these a few months. Accepting an offer of help the first time wasn't easy. OFfering it in return that was much more natural.

This alliance turned out to be far more stable, far more reliable than any of them expected at first. And with that, the changes started to set in place—

His laugh dies a little, turning into a more serious tone as he puts his hand on Archer's cheek. Feeling the texture of those small scales adorning sides of his face. They shimmer red and gold, reflecting the lights. ] But I'll cut off the chase. You know what I asked you here for?

[His first reaction is to lean into the touch, and Archer does so. If not for Caster he'd have much worse reaction to the changes forced upon him. It's touch like that, like nothing is wrong with him, that helps him to accept it all.

Caster's face is so close he can't help as he focuses on his lips. It takes a lot of willpower to not kiss him breathless. Only something important can make Caster act seriously, and Archer prefers to know what happens.]

No. I suppose it's time for you to tell me.

No guesses, or a suspicion? [ Caster cocks his eyebrow, tilts his head and teases a bit. His lips form into a curious smile, and yes he notices where Archer is looking. But if the other man hasn't even thought about it, then maybe the idea goes from just crazy to straight insane.

What is the plan if the answer is "no", had he really thought about it? Of course, he didn't, he never does. ]

[Damn that smile for making Archer crave what he should never have.]

A Bond. [that much is obvious. He's pretty sure that whoever the lucky gal or guy is he's going to meet them in due time. It never crosses his mind that he's the one.] It's what the festivities are about, the importance and worth. Am I right?

Good you got this.[ Archer's train of thought is different than how Caster can (and does) read his words. He assumes the simplest, that they are on the very same page. He might be here for a surprise

Well, they both are ]

Bond with me you fool, this is a perfect night for that. [ The insult is veiled in playful veil rather than venom. ]

[It's— no, it's definitely not what Archer expects to hear. What's worse - or better - the playfulness and feeling behind it is genuine. His eyes widen as he tries to think of something to say or to react. There's slight hope underneath the surprise and the sharp realization that he doesn't deserve—

So Archer does the first thing he can think of.]

[He pulls Caster closer for a kiss. It's desperate and needy, to get rid of thoughts and feelings threatening to overwhelm him. Archer has to make sure it's not a dream, that he won't suddenly wake up. Somehow Cú Chulainn gets too close, makes him want things that he should never have. Companionship alone isn't enough. No matter if this world forces him to rely on someone as much as they rely on him. No matter that what he becomes is a perfect counterpoint to Caster.

If he gets elbow to the ribs then be it. A proof it's anything but a dream.

Caster feels warm and real in his embrace. Too warm and too real to be a dream.]

[ That there are feral mind to soothe, magic to keep in check, in a sense a debt to be paid because Caster is not blind, and Archer has been giving way more than he had received back (at first taken as an attempt to win the trust, with time realized to be far more genuine). Hey, look this is all just pure practicality, look how pragmatic they are— now it's even harder to explain this choice like that.

It's not just pragmatism, it's not just logic— and that makes Caster kiss back with matched intensity, lips curling into a smile as he again treats it a bit as a playful fight. He takes to nip on Archer's lower lip when given a chance and laughs when they finally part only to kiss again slightly more gentle than before ]

If you dare to say "no" after this, I swear I'm going to kill you.

[ It's more than just pragmatism and than just logic, maybe there can be meaning found in that. ]

[Such response makes Archer chuckle. Only Caster can make a serious threat playful and actually mean it. He's still surprised but calmer now, as the reality sinks in. Gently leaning forward he rests his forehead against Caster's and allows himself to relax.]

I won't. [he says simply. While his loyalties may be different, there's no backing out on his word.] We need to talk first, though.

[Scathach is here, even if she's not the only reason.]

[ The threat was more playful, but yes, the possibility of it being carried through... is quite real. What a nice man he is... Caster leans closer, could use some relax too ]

Then talk, I'm listening. [ Not everyone is just living in the moment, making decisions as the ideas come. He's curious what Archer has to say and then realizes—

—yeah, he should bring up Lex as well. Bonding was never hailed as this big exclusive thing (like marriages) but it is pretty important, and that is something that should be out in the open. ] Wanna set some important ground rules... like no cleaning before 6 in the morning?

[Archer gives himself a moment to gather his thoughts. For a moment he wonders if it's a good moment to say what he really is, and hesitates. His origin doesn't matter. Another topic is more important.]

I don't start so early. [his protest is half-hearted at best, followed by a sigh.]

Let's start with Lancer that appeared yesterday.

[ His protest is met with a very doubtful gaze. Caster could swear there were times when Archer was doing something before that hour. Very rarely, of course, because he was careful to not wake-up his guest.

"Guest" ]

If you're worried that she would test you mercilessly, you are most likely right. [ He knows he will get judged for it, but it's likely he'd get judged for any choice, aside maybe several few. ] But it seems you've made a kind of impression.

[ Of course, that was just by knowing they have an alliance, not—— this ]

[That much is obvious, and Archer shows it with a shrug. It's not himself he's concerned about; Aefenglom has not been kind to Caster at all, despite his carefree attitude.]

She already did, but it doesn't matter. It's how her presence affects you. [knowing Cú Chulainn tales and his mentor's wish he's not sure how will it play out. They're all mortal here, without any of the boons of spirit origins. It's entirely possible that she will want to pursue her wish.]

Word of advice, never lower your guard around her.

[ Like it wouldn't be obvious at first glance, but he buys himself some time with that light-hearted warning. Just enough to figure out how to answer what Archer just said. What is it, is it... worry? That's how concern looks like.

He doesn't want to see it so he sneaks out of the embrace, his smile fade but that could be easily missed as he turns to the view of the city below them. ]

I probably wouldn't invite here anyone on purpose, but if this world is looking for the strongest warriors, she is one of its best bet. You can't find a warrior just as unstoppable— [ True honest admiration right there. ] I would leave it at this normally, but I can see you want to know the answer to an unsaid part of the question.

[ If they talked about Bonding just a minute before, it would make no sense to start omitting information now. So yeah, great timing. He takes out a cigarette, still using the same box that signaled the official— truce? alliance? —so many moons ago. Along with smoke, he lets out a small, airy complaint. ]

Sheesh, you just had to choose a moment like this.

[It is concern. How can there be none when it's Caster's favourite weapon that took lives of those dearest to him. Archer understands duty, understands how bloody and merciless it is. He wishes to spare him the weight of one more life, perhaps the heaviest of all.

Archer rests warm hand on Caster's back. What he's able to do is to give him all that he needs.]

Are you going to fulfill her wish if she asks you to do it. [it's not really phrased as a question. There's no need to.]

[ Seems that Archer already knows the answer. ]

Of course, it would be an honor to— but does death in a place like this really count, or is it just a fantasy?

[ The wish for swift and beautiful death on the battlefield, can it be delivered here? Her mortality here is certain, and there is a battlefield, but— Are they truly gone from their Worlds, or just reflections, like in a mirror. Can anything that happens here affect the real world? ]

Although, there is someone else here that unlike me, does have the spear.

[ The other Cú Chulainn and seems she had her sights on him. Not a time to have an identity crisis, but it certainly means Caster has his work cut out for him before he can catch-up.

And yes, it's just like Caster, to casually talk about killing someone dear to him, but that's true— it's been a pattern. There is a reason why Gáe Bolg is called a cursed spear. Still, it's also an unmistakable part of the identity of a hero known as Cú Chulainn. Does it mean he would enjoy killing his mentor? That's a completely different matter. But in fulfilling wishes, you should put your own feelings aside. Maybe that's why he failed the first time it happened, maybe because he wasn't able to truly put his feelings aside... ]

Does it bother you? [ Different places, different times. ]

It does—

[Yet Archer isn't sure if he can explain why it does. Each time Cú Chulainn killed someone close to him it seems it's been killing him inside. Not being given time to mourn or to move on the hero's been pushed onto another battlefield. His way of ignoring the problems until they explode into his face has been proven ineffective. See the whole Medb fiasco.]

What bothers me is not that you consider it as your duty, or are willing to bloody your hands. [he clarifies after a moment, choosing his words carefully. Archer's hand is still resting on Caster's back firmly as he struggles with suitable phrasing.]

What does is how willing you are to do so even if it weights on you heavily afterwards. [there's ages old bitterness resurfacing that taints his voice.]

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1/?

2/2

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are they going to have the mom talk?

I'm afraid they will xD

potatoh potatoh...

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