▶ 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

[doctoring]

[ What kind of doctor would he be if he didn't respond to such a straightforward request for aid? Especially when he knows the Servant in question, at least kind of.

Romani immediately reaches out. ]

Was I just seeing things, or is your body starting to crystallize?

Tell me where you are, and I'll come over right away!

[anti_altruisms]

[ Archer just...looks down at his hand. ]

That does appear to be the case...

[ wtf Archer, why do you sound so casual about it??? ]

I'm stepping out for a moment, but I'll probably be back...in a few hours? If that works for you.

[doctoring]

[ If anything, his alarm only grows when Archer confirms Romani's suspicions—and then proceeds to put him off. ]

That's not okay?!

Your health is more important than grocery shopping!

[ Okay, look, he made an assumption here but his point still stands. ]

[anti_altruisms]

[ Roman, pls, he’s not that dumb. ]

I’m not going to the store. I have a previous engagement and then I’ll be back.

Maybe then I won’t have these, ah, growths.

[doctoring]

[ AKA, get in line, Dr. Roman. ]

I see...

Well, let me know how you're doing when you get back, all right?

[anti_altruisms]

I'll let you know.

[ He's not going to say 'no' to well-meaning people who want to help, after all. ]

Do you have an egg as well, Doctor?

[doctoring]

[ While he hasn't forgotten his concern over Archer's condition, his demeanor immediately shifts when Archer asks him whether or not he has an egg. He's also fallen prey to the compulsion to parent all over his particular charge, after all. ]

Yes, I do!

I wish I could show Magi☆Mari how pretty it is... all pink with gold swirls!

[anti_altruisms]

Magi☆Mari?

[ There's a name he hasn't heard before. ]

Mine doesn't look quite like that, but it is...handsome, I suppose.

[ For an egg, anyway. ]

Have you had any problems feeding it?

[doctoring]

[ Archer, what have you done— ]

Magi☆Mari is an internet idol! My favorite net idol, too. She's the best.

I haven't been able to access her site since I got here, though... I wonder if she misses me?

[ It's way more likely that he misses her more than she could ever possibly miss him, but let him have this little dream. ]

Oh... well... yes, I suppose so.

It's a bit rough by myself, although I'm sure it's a lot worse as a Servant.

[anti_altruisms]

[ ...this is a question he probably should not have asked. Wow, Roman. ]

I wouldn't know.

[ He's not quite mean enough to say she probably doesn't care. He does sigh, though. ]

Since I need Chroma to maintain this form, it is a bit difficult, yes. I wouldn't mind assisting you either, though.

[doctoring]

[ Why do the people he keeps trying to help... end up turning around and helping him instead? He's not that hopeless, is he? ]

Well, make sure you take care of yourself first.

If you still need more Chroma later, just let me know, okay?

[anti_altruisms]

[ Because despite his stuffy demeanor, Archer is a helper by nature. It's just how he's wired.

Also, moonlacing by default is mutually beneficial so they'd be helping each other regardless. ]

I'll let you know. Be sure you take care of yourself as well, Doctor.