▶ 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

[cheir]

[ Well. Isn't this familiar? Incredibly so, but Fiore (who is pale but definitely not translucent) is very quickly reaching out a response. ]

I'd be more than willing to help.

[anti_altruisms]

[ Shhhh, everything his fine, his hand isn't translucent right now. ]

That's kind of you.

[ This is so awkward; he hates it. ]

Are you also having difficulty, Miss Fiore?

[cheir]

I-- [ She struggles, inwardly, with just admitting the burden this has taken and doing what she's always done. Hiding it. Handling it on her own. Enduring and presenting a strong front, so that no one has to worry or doubt her or underestimate her.

But... ]

... Incredibly. I can't do this on my own, it seems.

[gwenhwyfar]

Well. That's not very fun, is it? [ Sounding very, very enthused, clearly. ]

Are you going to tell me how to hold your hand, too?

[anti_altruisms]

[ Mmm, nope. ]

Are you going to waste my time with pointless questions?

[gwenhwyfar]

You, first. Otherwise, I am feeling absolutely wonderful and I could be of great assistance to you.

Your pick.

[anti_altruisms]

[ Archer sighs. ]

Nor can I, it seems...

Would it be easier if I came to you, this time?

[anti_altruisms]

Yes, clearly, you're feeling very helpful.

[ Doubt. So much doubt. ]

In fact, I'm sure you're relishing the thought of holding my hand right now.

[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!

[cheir]

If it's not too much trouble. I'm also in my apartment.

[ Which she will still provide directions to if need be. ]

[flirtations]

[ Jae-ha doesn't look quite so bad, just a little tired, but his egg is never far from his side, either, and is currently strapped to his front like it's an actual baby. ]

Your charm could really use some work. I can't think of anything less romantic than calling it "basic physical contact".

[ He grins, but despite how.. uninspiring Archer's message is, it is pretty concerning that this person is almost translucent. ]

Geez, you really let it get that bad, huh?

[gwenhwyfar]

Aside from being a haughty man? Yes, absolutely. And I'm feeling incredibly generous, as well. Besides... I have higher stamina than a human does.

[ What she innocently means she could stay up all night holding a hand but one can also see it another way. ]

[anti_altruisms]

It isn't.

[ He's not immobile....or at least, not yet. ]

I'm sure I can find it.

[timemachine]

[Here's a girl who looks pale, but she seems to be getting by. Somewhat.]

Just hand holding, right? I'm not interested in anything more than that. [And anything more won't be up for discussion for her.]

[anti_altruisms]

[ Yeah, he doesn't look impressed. ]

I find that highly unlikely.

[ That she's feeling generous, that is. ]

Oh? Am I supposed to be impressed by that?

[ He's not human, either, okay. ]

[anti_altruisms]

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

And you are...?

[gwenhwyfar]

Do you want to rely on humans?

[ From what she knows in this world, white hair isn't necessarily an indicator of something otherworldly or other half-demons. For all she knows, he is a human. A little of that disdain seeps in her voice. If there is one thing she can be proud of. It is trekking through the frozen highlands during winter and surviving, unlike some of her former human abductors. ]

I'm sure they don't have as much energy to spare, unlike some of us. And do not speak like you know me; if you need another to hold your hand to stop you from dissolving, I would think that this is an easy solution. Unless you prefer that, then... by all means. As I said, your pick.

[anti_altruisms]

[ He's just gonna ignore that comment about his charm (or lack thereof), thanks. ]

My situation is...unusual.

[ When you need Chroma to live yourself, life is a bit difficult. ]

I wasn't expecting it to be quite like this.

[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]

That's perfectly fine.

[ He's not fully adjusted to furry sex land yet himself so he is Very Okay with just hand-holding. ]

[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.

[cheir]

All right. Let me know if you need anything additional.

[ but otherwise she'll wait. ]

[anti_altruisms]

I have relied on humans before, and they have relied upon me.

[ He doesn't hate them or look down on them. Certainly, humans have their faults, and he's sick of cleaning up after them, but that's not the same thing. ]

You make it sound as though no one else has contacted me or exhibited any willingness to assist me. I'll accept your offer, if it's genuine, but I will not suffer your presence if you merely think you'll use the time to mock me.

[nihonkoku]

[ oh. he looks a little like japan feels. ]

That.. seems very straightforward. Will that truly be sufficient..? [ because.. this looks more like an emergency at this point, though japan doesn't want to come out and say it. ]

[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.