▶ 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

[flirtations]

Oh? What do you mean, unusual?

To be honest, someone as handsome as you, I'm surprised you have to resort to asking the network like this, even with your lack of charm.

[anti_altruisms]

[ .......................................oh great. A shameless flirt.

Archer just...pinches the bridge of his nose. ]

I need Chroma to maintain this form. Ordinarily, I wouldn't need to ask, but this is...more demanding than I thought it would be.

[flirtations]

That's interesting. And disturbing, to say the least. I didn't know people could actually disappear from lack of chroma.

[ Though Archer did say his situation was unusual, which makes him wonder what leaves him so dependent on chroma. ]

Very well. Normally, I like to be wine and dined first, but seeing as your life is on the line, I'm willing to grace you with my presence for "basic physical contact".

[ he's humble, too ]

[anti_altruisms]

[ ...man you know what, maybe he should just pass on this one.

He looks like he's swallowed a lemon. ]

Most people won't.

[ The driest answer ever. ]

Your name?

[flirtations]

Don't look so excited. I wouldn't offer to just anyone, but I can hardly have someone's death on my conscience.

[ He can't hide his amusement at Archer's distaste, though. It may be that Archer reminds him of a certain someone— the straightforward, brusque manner, the surly expressions... it makes him feel a small pang of homesickness. ]

I'm Jae-ha. And you are?

[anti_altruisms]

Archer.

[ He's really starting to regret making this post, frankly, but he can't just be a rude asshole to people who offer to help, can he?

siiiiiigh. ]

Where can I meet you?

[flirtations]

Are you sure that's a good idea? Given your... condition. I could come to you.

[anti_altruisms]

It's not as bad as it looks.

[ It is, actually; he's just a stubborn asshole who doesn't want everyone and their mother knowing where he lives. ]

Choose a place, and I'll meet you there.

[flirtations]

Stubborn, too. Color me surprised.

[ Sarcasm. ]

Fine. How about the crepe stand in Lunatia Square?

[anti_altruisms]

[ More like, extremely stubborn. ]

That's fine. I can see you there in about an hour.

[flirtations]

[ Jae-ha was already out and about, so it doesn't take him long to find the spot. He was perched on the edge of a roof, watching the crowds below and keeping an eye for anyone who resembled the person on the network. Once Archer wanders into the picture, he hops down, waving as he approaches.

Wow, he really is looking rather... crystallized. ]

You didn't die on the way here. That's a good start.

[anti_altruisms]

[ Jae-ha, pls.

He is still looking a bit crystallized, though it hasn't gotten to the point where he's unable to move (thankfully).

His egg is with him, all swaddled and wrapped up in a sling. Even in this state, he doesn't seem to notice the weight of it.

Archer's brow furrows at the greeting. ]

What a stunning observation. Is this normally how you greet people?

[ Just taste that incredible saltiness. ]

[flirtations]

Only when they've done foolish things like neglect their well-being. Did you forget, or were you too prideful to ask for help until you got this bad?

[ His own egg is strapped to his back. He's not exactly a doting father, but for someone very reluctant about this whole thing, he's at least not a deadbeat.

He takes a step forward and his smile softens, less mocking and more polite. ]

Whatever the reason, we shouldn't waste anymore time, right? Holding hands should at least be a good start.

[ He offers the other man his hand. It may not be entirely noticeable, but the bags under his eyes imply that he could use it, too. ]

[anti_altruisms]

[ Wow, shut up, Jae-ha!! He's not dumb or prideful; he's just stubborn!!

Archer snorts. ]

Neither.

[ He just doesn't like people that much, let alone being close to them.

Looking at the other's hand with an almost skeptical expression on his face, nonetheless, Archer relents and takes his hand.

Hopefully, he won't look like he's swallowed a lemon the entire time. ]