route_1065 | (no subject)

Entry tags:

(no subject)

Who: Frank Archer (

sadisticwarfare) and Solf J Kimblee (

explosivecombat)
Where: En route to Blackthorn, Ice Caves
When: 9/15
Summary: This really isn't the way Archer wanted to spend his birthday.
Rating: PG? I'll edit this if it changes.
Log:
[It's cold in here. Archer absolutely loathes the Ice Caves, and he's fairly sure they're lost. He's let Kimblee lead the way so far because Kimblee knows where they're going, but the further in they go, the more convinced he is that they're lost.

They're taking a break from traveling for the time being and Archer is pacing about, trying to keep warm. He's tired already, but going to sleep now is the last thing he wants to do.]

How much further is it to Blackthorn?

[He finally turns his attention to Kimblee, frowning. He's sure Kimblee doesn't know, but he can't stand the silence. Archer's a bit on edge today - more than usual - because of the date. It's the fifteenth of September; his birthday. That's not the only reason why he's tense though; in a few days it will be the nineteenth; the anniversary of the day they invaded Liore.

Needless to say, he's a bit worked up about that.]

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I can't help it.

[When he's worked up, he paces. But after a moment Archer circles back to join Kimblee, resting his hands on his knees.]

This time of year is always difficult.

Mm, I'm aware.

[His expression doesn't flicker any at it; clearly he's feeling a bit impassive today, though it's not much to worry about, as far as he's concerned.]

Thirty-eight, aren't you?

[...]

Again.

Yes. Again.

[Archer shifts a bit, folding his arms and trying not to shiver. He hates being cold.]

I'm not thankful that we returned home, but it is better than turning thirty-nine.

...Your priorities, Archer...

[At least he seems amused.]

Unfortunately, I don't have anything particularly extravagant for you this time around, nor is it anything particularly useful.

[Yes, yes, his priorities. Archer does seem to settle a bit when Kimblee mentions a gift - he puts emphasis on material items as gifts and expects everyone else to do the same - glancing sideways at Kimblee.]

Oh? What is it?

[It's obviously not a Pokémon - or at least, not a very useful one. Hopefully it's not a Shuckle or something equally awful.]

[He'll just reach into his pocket at that, locating a length of cord long enough to be slipped over one's head and worn; he allows it to unwind from where it's wrapped around itself, drawn down by the weight of the pendant attached to the end of it.

The pendant itself is a deep red stone, wrapped in black wire as opposed to mounted through puncturing; for those who recognize it, it's probably obvious why one wouldn't want to try breaking it.]

It's the one I used in Ishval; it served me well there.

I want you to have it.

[Archer recognizes the stone of course; his eyes widen once he realizes that that's what it is.]

You're... You're giving it to me?

[He can't quite believe that. This is one of Kimblee's most prized possessions. Why would he willingly give it away?]

But this is... You don't need to give me this, Kimblee.

[He does reach out to examine the stone though, expression still openly awed.]

Oh, come now. You know that if I were put under some sort of obligation to give it to you, that would just make me not want to - I'm aware that I don't need to.

Edited 2013-09-15 23:03 (UTC)

W-Well yes, but this is... it's something very important to you. I never would have imagined that you'd give it away.

Are you going to take it or not?

[The chiding is light, though; come on, Archer, it's fine.]

[Archer does take it then, examining the necklace carefully, as though he's afraid it'll break if he handles it too roughly.]

You certainly didn't have to give this to me. I really appreciate it.

[In fact, he looks almost pleased! Without the usual smirking!]

I still have one of my own; that will be enough, I think, whenever we're successful.

[He does seem amused at how delicately Archer's handling it, though.]

They're surprisingly resilient, so don't worry about breaking it; they'll crack if they're used up, but there's not really any chance of that happening here in the first place. That one survived a drop down a mineshaft, among other things.

We will be successful, and should you need this one back, all you have to do is ask.

[His smile turns into the usual smirk and Archer moves to slip the necklace on over his head. It's rather obvious that he's not used to wearing jewelry of any sort, because he keeps playing with the stone once he has it on, but he'll get used to it eventually. He plans on wearing this necklace every day, after all.]

It certainly does sound resilient. That's good to know.

Of course, Archer.

[He's quiet for a moment after that, though he's humming softly under his breath to fill space while he thinks; these things are awkward, all right.]

I thought it was time you had something of mine, anyway. You've been good to me; it's almost been two years.

[Archer turns away at that, trying to hide how badly he's flushing. He's sort of embarrassed by that, but he's also very pleased to hear it.]

I suppose I'll have to find some way to return the favor someday. I really... I really appreciate it.

You don't have to repay me, Archer. It's something I'm giving you, because I want to; I'm not expecting something in return.

And besides, you're always telling me that not everything has to adhere to Equivalent Exchange anyway, aren't you?

[That's... possibly the most touching thing Archer has ever heard. He clearly doesn't know what to do with it and fumbles over his words a bit.]

Y-Yes well...! I would like to give you something equally important in exchange! You are incredibly important to me, after all!

[...He's sorry he's so awkward, okay.]

Mm. I know I am; you keep reminding me.

[...Archer let's face it

we are both awkward as hell

we just like to pretend we're not]

Of course. I really appreciate the gift, Kimblee. Thank you.

[At least that has calmed him down a bit! Archer continues to toy with the necklace a bit, turning the stone between his fingers so it catches the light. It's easier to look at that than it is to look at Kimblee.]

[Oh, fiiiiiine - just let him reach out and run his fingers through your hair a bit, you.]

Just don't broadcast it, my reputation will suffer.

[Well that will certainly get him to lean into that touch and make a small, pleased noise.]

Oh of course not. We can't have that, now can we?

[There's a note of teasing in his voice though; he knows exactly how that feels, after all.]

[Excellent, it did its job, then.]

I imagine we'll have another day in here, at the longest; it's fortunate that I can stand this particular cave system, hm?

That makes one of us.

[Archer sounds vaguely displeased, but at least he doesn't sound as upset as he was before.]

At least it's only one more day.

Oh, come now - it's not so bad. A bit on the cold side, perhaps, but it still has nothing on Fort Briggs.

Thankfully I've never been to Fort Briggs.

[Ughhhh it's too cold though...]