▶ 001. video

[anti_altruisms]

Good evening.

[ The video flickers on, and there's a very pale, very fatigued-looking Archer sitting in his apartment. A dragon egg is also visible, nestled in a bundle of blankets next to him. (Is he nesting??)

In any case, he doesn't mince words. ]

Since we're all likely experiencing similar symptoms, I'll be brief - I'm looking for moonlacing partners, specifically hand-holding and basic physical contact. Anything more than that is subject to discussion.

[ He moves a hand, and just for a moment, it almost looks translucent. Or maybe, it's just the crystals staring to form on his skin. ]

Thank you for your time.

[ With that, he ends the feed. ]

Comments

[ringlette]

[ That face is so recognizable as that of the chef Archer from Chaldea she got so much good food from, and her chest tightens at the sight of his hand.

So many people have taken on this task without finding a partner earlier... how reckless! But worry not, the Queen is here now! ]

Tell me your location, if you please. I'll be there in a flash!

[anti_altruisms]

[ Well, that is...the most enthusiastic reaction he's received yet. He blinks in surprise. ]

And you are...?

[ringlette]

[ There's an instant where she looks confused at the fact he doesn't recognize her. Then again, Timelines happen, and not every Servant here had been in Chaldea proper. It's a fact she's aware of.

So she recovers enough to loudly state: ]

I'm a Servant like you! Please, do call me Marie!

[anti_altruisms]

[ Another who knows him...well, in this case, he supposes it's a blessing. ]

I see... It's good to meet you, then, Marie.

[ He sort of wants to ask which version of him she knows (Chaldea or the Moon Cell), but that can wait. ]

I'll send you directions.

[ringlette]

Thank you kindly, Archer. Please hold on tight until I arrive!

[ Thanks to his directions, she will shortly be at his door and straight out reach for his hand with both of hers as soon as they're face to face.

Woth ordeals like these, it's silly to waste time on formalities! ]

Coucou, it's me! Pleased to meet you again, even though you don't remember me.

[anti_altruisms]

[ Well, she is...quite forward.

Archer blinks with clear surprise, not when she arrives promptly, but when she immediately reaches out and takes his hand. He definitely doesn't look flustered (not even a little); he just...clears his throat and makes a welcoming gesture. ]

Ah, yes. I am aware that my memories are...not quite the same as many others'.

[ It's really weird, but he's...almost used to it now? Maybe. ]

Are you from Chaldea, Marie?

[ringlette]

[ Squeezing her hands around his, she nods happily. ]

Oui, indeed! I'm from the timeline where many of us gathered together at Chaldea. You were also there. I remember so clearly because you were such a great chef and your food was ever so delightful to taste!

[ He could follow his dreams as a housewife, making everyone happy. If only this one Archer could go down that route...! ]

[anti_altruisms]

[ Archer just....stares at her. ]

A great chef...?

[ What. ]

[ringlette]

Mhm! Everybody was ever so happy with your cuisine, myself included.

[ His confusion is amusing to see, but it's a tinge sad he doesn't recall anything of that time. ]

You were pretty much Chaldea's most popular housewife!

[anti_altruisms]

[ The most popular....housewife....... ]

...I see.

[ Man, how is he even supposed to take this? ]

I must have cut loose a little, then.

[ Nailed it. ]

[ringlette]

I guess? From what I've seen, you looked really happy!

[ A squeeze around his hand, with Marie scooting a bit closer to increase the contact. ]

And with how many of us are here, it wouldn't be bad if you picked cooking up again.

[anti_altruisms]

[ He was...really happy?

Archer blinks at that statement, and for a moment, he just...doesn't even know how to respond. He can't really remember a time that he felt anything like that so it's strange to hear. ]

...I haven't made much since I've been here.

[ Just tea, but doesn't really count. ]

You...think I should?

[ringlette]

I think... no, I wholeheartedly believe you should start again!

[ If it made his Chaldea counterpart that much happy, why would it be a bad idea?

Marie nods vigorously, backing up her statement further. ]

It will be no doubt good for you, and those you'd be cooking for.

[anti_altruisms]

[ Well...when she puts it like that... ]

I suppose I can...

[ From the Queen's lips to God's ears, etc. ]

I'll think about it.

[ringlette]

[ To have him think about it is enough of a victory! She happily holds his hand tigher. ]

Tres bien! In case you pick up on it, I'd like to be one of the first people to taste your food again!