explosivecombat | 02?. [Action/Text

02?. [Action/Text - Fourth Wall]

[Kimblee has just kind of accepted this sort of thing, regarding those odd weekends where, for some completely arbitrary reason, everything is beautiful and nothing hurts (assuming that no one happens to get in the way of the explosions he's usually laying down); however, this time around he hasn't seen Archer all weekend, he's been unbelievably agitated for some reason he can't work out, and about the only saving grace is that he seems to have awakened in the Lake of Rage area today.

He can't say he minds.

He's got his gloves off today, if anyone is in the immediate area through either intent or chance; surprisingly, he isn't transmuting...obviously, though what he's doing makes it rather clear that something's going on before too long - he's never been any sort of particular genius when it comes to chemistry, but he knows certain things when he sees them, and he's currently picking up rocks along the shore, appearing to assess them as he holds them before a flash of blue fires off and he throws the result into the water.

It's surprisingly easy to get a good transference going, to get sodium out of the rocks by the waterfront; of course, sodium in water is known to make one hell of a bang. Admittedly, it's not a very aesthetically pleasing bang, but he's working on it, okay.

Of course, there are some other signs in the area that his activities haven't been quite so docile (if blowing up the surface of a lake filled with terrifying sea serpents can be considered docile); there are some rather impressive swaths cut into the ground by what look like something ripping it all up from within. However, for the time being he seems pretty content to be bored, seeming to have calmed down from the earlier...fit that caused all that; he'll be having at the whole sodium thing for a while tonight.

Granted, for those not in the area, he'll be showing up over the device later - not via video, but via text, as per usual.]

I trust you've all been enjoying playing with your toys. Some of my most prized ones weren't returned to me this time around; I'm assuming this means they're still in the region somewhere.

I imagine I'll find them eventually.

However, for the time being I find that I really can't complain; the most relevant part of what I can do is functional again, and if I had to select between having my abilities with no enhancements and no abilities at all, choosing the latter to spite the former would be tantamount to solving the problem of a low doorway by cutting off my head.

Indulge me in my curiosity, however: were things like this weekend to be something controllable, something you could do at will, what would you bring here and what sort of abilities would you retain from you world - given power like this on a regular basis, what would you do with it?

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[He manages to bite back the Since when? that threatens to slip out when Archer starts discussing his loyalty to the Fuhrer and Amestris; he's still looking entirely disturbed, however, and he obviously isn't sure what else to do with his face.]

It's only been a few days here, so I definitely remember what you told me regarding the array; I've been...all right, I suppose.

Only a few days? It feels like it's been years. Ah, of course that's not possible, I'm quite certain it hasn't been that long back home. Or rather, it wasn't that long between the time the array went off and I received the automail...

[He fumbles over his words for a moment, looking mildly disturbed at his inability to word this properly. Like before, he shrugs it off with a smirk.]

Anyway, I remember more than enough to know what that look is. What's the matter?

[He still sounds vaguely amused, though it's a bit hard to tell over the mechanical sound underlying his voice.]

[He tips his head a bit at that.]

...I know what you meant, Archer, it's fine; you've been through a good amount, from the look of it, so I'm not surprised that it feels longer than it could have been.

[...that's...the issue, right?

He doesn't want to think about the implications if it isn't.]

Ah, am I being rude, though? Nothing's wrong, exactly. As I said, I just wasn't expecting all of this, that's all.

No, no, you're not being rude. I was just under the impression that that expression was for when you were... concerned, I suppose.

[The mildly disturbed look is back, if only because he's beginning to question how well he knows Kimblee. Maybe he was mistaken? Could that be possible? It certainly feels like it's been a long time since he's seen Kimblee, so... it's possible he's forgotten, isn't it?]

My apologies for getting confused.

[Perhaps it was the other version of Kimblee who got that expression when he was scared? That does make more sense, doesn't it? This one doesn't get scared of anything. He's not aware he's started talking and he isn't looking at Kimblee either, looking at some point on the ground behind and slightly to the left of where Kimblee is standing.]

...I suppose it would have been the other version who got that expression. He was always very expressive; he's the sort to express fear, not this one. It would be wrong if this one--

[He seems to realize he's talking to himself then, and for a split-second Archer looks downright frightened before he manages to get his expression under control. It's kind of amazing that the automail can follow his features well enough to mimic the expression.]

Ah, my apologies. I didn't mean to speak aloud. It is... a bit difficult to select what I say now.

[He moves the automail hand up to tap against the speaker where his left ear should be.]

From what I understand, talking normally would have been far too difficult to maintain with the automail; the wear and tear on my skin would have been horrid as well.

[He says, sounding as though he's talking about nothing more important than the weather.]

[Kimblee shakes his head; that odd expression is certainly back, at any rate, and even if he's not exactly sure how much he wants to, he finds himself approaching Archer just the same, his steps measured.]

You don't have to apologize to me.

[His words are uncertain, though it's not because he doesn't mean them.]

Are you...certain you're all right? You don't have to lie to me, either, you know.

I'm perfectly fine! I've never been better! I'm a weapon now, Kimblee! Of course I'm fine!

[He's protesting too much and he knows it, but Archer can't exactly stop himself.]

This is what I've always wanted - or at least, as close to what I've wanted as I can get. I'm not useless any more! I can look out for myself, I don't need any alchemists to protect me or any soldiers to command! I'm built for battle!

[He's not really aware that he's started shaking, though the automail makes a noise in protest of the slight movement.]

I've never been happier! I'm a weapon!

[...But that's all he is now, isn't it?]

[Kimblee is quick to halt at that, and his eyes narrow at the initial outburst - he still doesn't take very kindly to being yelled at, after all - but it doesn't take him long to figure out why this is happening; this is still Archer, after all, still the person he's known for over a year and a half here in Johto, even if he's...decidedly different now in more ways than Kimblee had initially realized.

He finds himself hoping quietly that not everything has changed, when it comes to how Archer responds to things. Approaching while Archer is feeling volatile is likely a terrible idea if it has - weapons tend to be functional during these weekends, and Kimblee doesn't want to really imagine what will happen if Archer decides to turn those guns he seems to be armed with on him; he doesn't know what else Archer is armed with, if anything, but he wouldn't be surprised if there are more concealed weapons on him somewhere, and even if there aren't - hell, even if Archer can't shoot him here for whatever reason - he still has what appears to be a potential four-foot reach with reinforced steel and bludgeoning the shit out of Kimblee would literally be a nonissue if he got it in his head to do that.

He can think of many, many reasons why approaching Archer might be a bad idea, why he would be well within his rights to stay where he is, why he really shouldn't move unless he's going to put some more distance between them; he closes his eyes just long enough to force himself to breathe, to steel himself before closing some of the distance between them.

He's wary enough to be able to get the hell back if he needs to; for the time being, however, he reaches out left-handed; he isn't going to touch the automail too much if he can help it, but he runs his fingers lightly through Archer's hair on the still-intact right side, forcing his expression into the usual placidity as he does so.]

...If anyone would understand that sort of sentiment, I would, don't you think?

[Just let him play with your hair, Archer. Just like he always used to.]

Hopefully you don't mind still spending time in the company of one of your soldiers. Or am I being dismissed?

[His words are light, facetious, though he's still clearly expecting an answer.]

Edited 2013-06-06 23:12 (UTC)

[Archer flinches hard as Kimblee approaches (the automail once again protesting), but there's no clapping involved and it takes him a moment to realize why he's relaxing so easily. Kimblee always does this. This calms him down. This is normal. This is the one normal thing here. It takes him a moment, but he leans into Kimblee's touch, glancing away with a flush of embarrassment. They normally don't do this out in the open, but Kimblee does know how to calm Archer down, and if there's anything he needs right now, it's this.]

Of course I'm not dismissing you. You know me better than that.

[He's positive of that; Kimblee knows him better than anyone else ever has, or ever will, he assumes.]

I'm fine. It's just a lot to get used to.

[But he sounds tired and he's sick of pretending that everything is perfectly fine. He wants to tell Kimblee about how horrible it is - living like this, if one can even call it "living" - but he can't bring himself to. Shouldn't he be grateful that he is alive? But why didn't Johto get rid of the automail? Is it only back for this weekend, or is he going to be stuck like this for another year and a half, or perhaps longer?

Archer moves to latch onto Kimblee, starting with his left hand as usual. The automail arm comes up and Archer glares at it for a moment before lowering it. He can't properly latch onto Kimblee in this position. He settles for clinging to Kimblee's jacket with his right hand instead, left hand absently clenching as well.]

It's... not easy like this. The only reason I'm even moving is because of painkillers. I can't eat, I can't drink, and sleeping is nearly impossible as well. Why couldn't they have built for functional automail!?

[Kimblee doesn't relax, but he doesn't try to pull away, either; he didn't miss that flinch, and his touch is gentle when he makes contact.

His gaze flicks down when that automail moves next to him; even though he's still on-guard, and even though his mind is screaming at him that he needs to move, that that thing is a loaded weapon and a ridiculously heavy blunt object and he can't get a good enough read on Archer's mental state to know what he's feeling like doing with it, he doesn't flinch. He just keeps playing with Archer's hair; he isn't sure how he knows, but he's rather aware that Archer doesn't need him showing fear around him right now.

And so he remains calm, and just keeps playing with Archer's hair, tousling it softly between his fingers; he lets his free hand remain down at his side for the time being, not sure what he should do with it otherwise. It takes him a moment to realize that Archer is trying to hold him, of all things; his expression softens a bit at the realization, but he doesn't stop what he's doing with his left hand.]

I'll do what I can for you, you know that - and I'll see what can be done regarding all of that.

[The look in his eyes is a bit distant when he says it, however, and he can't maintain eye contact after a moment; he's fully aware that he won't have access to anything required to keep Archer alive, not like this, so literally the only thing he can do is try to deal with it for the weekend.

And if this isn't dealt with by the end of the weekend...well. He'll cross that bridge if they get there.]

I...may need to get in contact with Miss Rockbell eventually. She's a good mechanic, and she owes me a favor right now besides.

Ah, does she?

[The question is an idle one, not something Archer is actively seeking an answer to. He recognizes the name of course, and he is aware of just how good of a mechanic she is, but he doubts she's seen automail like this before. Hell, he doubts she can do much to help given what little Johto has to offer in terms of automail technology. For a place so technologically-forward, it certainly didn't have much in the way of automail.]

Of course, Kimblee. I appreciate it.

[The words sound strangely hollow though and Archer can't quite place why. Kimblee's managed to calm him down a great deal, which means he's left with frustration and the pain that comes with the automail. Not physical pain - the pain medicine is still working wonderfully - but the pain of knowing he will always be like this, assuming Johto doesn't take pity on him and get rid of the automail once the weekend is up.]

You're still too good to me, you know.

[There's a bit of humor in his voice when he says it, but he's entirely serious. No one else would have approached him like this, he knows that. No one else would have been fearless enough - or reckless enough - to try to calm him down like this. Hell, he doubts Kimbley would have tried.

Thinking about Kimbley brings another stab of pain, but Archer brushes it aside - he's gotten good at that. His grip on Kimblee tightens for a moment though, but he finally releases after a moment.]

Perhaps we should head back to the house-- ah, the base, I mean.

[They don't own that house any more, after all.]

Oh, come now, you're flattering me.

[Again, his words are light; he's aware that something's still not quite...right, with Archer, but he's likewise aware that it probably shouldn't be discussed until they're somewhere indoors, with more privacy.]

But if that's what you'd like, we can return to the base; shall I set the traps up, once we're there?

Yes, yes that would be appreciated.

[Normally he'd offer to help, but given his... condition he doubts he could get close to the Electrode without them setting off at the mere sight of him. It's the same reason why he hasn't let any of his Pokémon out of their Pokéballs. He doesn't want to frighten any of them and risk getting punched in the brain by Alekhine or something along those lines.]

And I only flatter you because you deserve it.

[That is stated teasingly though, and Archer smirks. It's easy to go back to pretending like everything is perfectly fine. He's had to do it quite a few times while he was adapting to the automail, after all.]

[Well, at least some things haven't changed.

Neither, for that matter, has the base; setting the traps there is second nature by now, and it doesn't take Kimblee long to have everything fired up again power-wise. He'd told Archer to wait for him in that room they'd considered theirs all that time ago; they still tended to use it when they were in the base by themselves, even now, so he expected Archer would be able to locate it just fine on his own, given that he seemed to remember this place...reasonably well.

He hesitates outside the door for a moment, collecting himself before entering; he finds himself knocking, feeling sort of stupid as he does so, but it's more of a formality than anything - doing anything to startle Archer at this point strikes him as a bad idea.

He remains near the door after he closes it behind him, however, leaning up against the wall.]

We won't be disturbed; we'll know it if anyone approaches.

Of course. The Electrode serve as a decent security system.

[It's difficult to tell if that's sarcasm or not since there is an edge to Archer's voice, but it's not as easy to tell if he's genuinely being sarcastic anymore. He moves to rake his left hand back through his hair, pauses before he can do it, and switches hands. He waited for Kimblee patiently enough, but he did find a mirror in the room and he's staring rather intently at that, frowning.

While Archer might have had some qualms about his appearance before the automail, he had generally been fine with how he looked. Yes, he was touchy about the dents, and yes, he did get a bit offended when people called him busted, but who didn't? The automail mimicked his features nearly perfectly, but it was more of a mockery than anything else. It was clear the automail creators had tried their best to keep things simplistic, but did they have to shove a bolt into the dent? Someone hated him, that was the only thing he could think.]

I hate this.

[The remark is abrupt and unprompted and for a moment, Archer doesn't follow that up with anything.]

I've never given much thought to my humanity. I would have traded that away in a heartbeat before this happened. I would have done anything to become stronger. I thought I would have given anything to become this.

[He gestures to himself with his human hand, the automail one clenching in frustration. He still doesn't turn to look at Kimblee.]

I was wrong. I've never been more wrong in my life. The power is nice, yes, and I do enjoy how much of a threat I am now, but that's all I am: a threat. I'm not a person anymore.

[He laughs, the sound sharp and grating against the underlying mechanical tone in his voice.]

I got exactly what I wanted. They turned me into a gun. I'm the perfect human weapon, at least, as perfect as I can be without alchemy. Isn't that amusing? I'm perfect!

[He laughs again the sound getting into crazy-laughter territory. He suddenly lashes out, slamming the automail hand hard into the mirror, shattering it.]

Perfect! What do they know about perfection!? I was better off before this happened! I wasn't perfect but I wasn't... I wasn't this! This... abomination!

[It seems like this has been building for awhile and he's only now able to let himself fully realize how angry he is with all of this.]

[Kimblee flinches when the mirror breaks, but he doesn't hesitate beyond that; he's quick to move back to Archer's side, pushing himself away from the wall and trying to position himself such that Archer has to look at him, or at least acknowledge his presence.

He's aware that putting himself between Archer and anything is likely a bad idea right now, especially something like the damn wall; he can't really say that he cares, however, and his hand is quick to settle on the right side of Archer's face, his fingertips tracing lightly along his cheek as he does so.]

Don't. You know how I am about pitying oneself; don't start now.

[His words are firm, but there's nothing harsh or angry behind them.]

If you weren't still human, we wouldn't be having this conversation. You wouldn't be capable, and I would know, besides - I specialize in energy manipulation, remember, and I would be able to tell if you no longer had enough of a soul to be considered a person; I've worked with the Homunculi for half my life, I know abominations when I see them. They're either soulless or Ishvalan, and you're neither.

[It's a blatant lie; after all, Kimblee had never been able to tell the difference between Envy and anyone else if he was transformed, and as far as he knew Envy always remained as genuinely soulless as he ever was regardless of appearance. But it doesn't matter if it's a lie right now; what matters is that it's convincing, and he's managing to keep eye contact and keep his tone straightforward while he says it, so he hopes it's convincing enough.

Casual racism aside.]

You'll be strong enough to handle this. I know you will.

[Casual racism aside...

That does go a long way to getting him to calm down. Archer doesn't lean into Kimblee's touch, but he allows it, human eye sliding closed as he counts backwards from ten to calm himself down further. He doesn't want to lash out and hurt Kimblee. He still doesn't have a good grasp on his strength - his control with the automail arm is another thing entirely - but he knows well enough to know that lashing out will seriously hurt Kimblee. He doesn't want to do that. Even if it is an accident, Kimblee won't forgive him for it, he's certain of that. Kimblee will leave if that happens. He can't let that happen.

Kimblee's words aren't something he's heard before - he never knew Kimblee could tell the difference between a human and a Homunculus - but he believes him. Kimblee would have no reason to lie to him, right? Of course not. The obvious answer goes soaring over his head as always.]

...It's difficult not to pity myself, Kimblee.

[The answer is softer than usual, but still far too loud for their close proximity. He can't control his voice as well as he'd like.]

It... it is good to know you still consider me human.

[He can't meet Kimblee's eyes at that, glancing away instead. For some reason this is flustering him far more than anything else with Kimblee ever has. The intimacy has nothing to do with it - they've been intimate like this before - but something about this is making him feel incredibly shy, which is so unlike him it's almost funny.]

I'll try not to pity myself. I wouldn't want to disappoint you, now would I?

[That's louder, more confident. It's a goal to work towards. He doesn't have orders here, but if he has a goal, he can work towards it. That much is easy enough and something he still thrives on. He'll accomplish this goal, then move on to the next. Assuming he doesn't get another three goals in the meantime, but that's not the point.]

Thank you.

[Kimblee seems to relax when Archer does, though he twitches a little at the volume; come on, Archer, he's right in your face, it's fine to quiet down a bit...

However, he can feel his own breathing slowing down - he hadn't even realized how shallow it was getting until Archer starts to settle - and he smirks a bit when Archer seems to find some reason to get flustered among all that; it would be almost endearing, were this entire situation not so unsettling.]

Don't mention it, Archer; that's what I'm here for, after all.

And if it's coming down to a matter of you doubting your humanity, of all things, then I obviously can't let that stand, now, can I? I'm still going to consider you human because you are, that's all there is to it.

Now relax, all right? I've no doubt that everything will be fine.

Of... of course. It was silly of me to worry.

[Kimblee's words and nice, comforting, and for a moment Archer allows himself to simply accept them without question. That doesn't mean he won't question them later, but for the time being he's fine. He reaches up to press a hand against Kimblee's (right-handed of course). He smiles faintly before he seems to realize what he's doing and he pulls away, that light flush turning into a few shades darker. He turns away immediately and makes his way toward the bed, hesitating a bit before managing to get himself into a sitting position. It takes more effort than he would care to admit, but finally he manages it, the bed creaking under the weight of the automail. He frowns at that, but says nothing about it.]

I appreciate your words, Kimblee. I apologize for showing such weakness.

[And suddenly everything is back to normal - or at least it would be, if Archer could meet Kimblee's eyes.]

And as I said before, you don't need to apologize to me.

[He remains standing where he is, keeping an eye on Archer without commenting on what he's doing; he folds his arms low against his body, moving back over to lean back against the desk across the room from the bed.

His posture is casual, but his gaze is still highly attentive.]

Is there something on your mind, Archer?

No.

[The answer is too quick and too forceful, but before Archer can amend it, he's already speaking.]

It's just that... well... You've been so good to me - even before all this - and I... I can't ever possibly return that, no matter what you've said in the past. I really care about you and I--

[He cuts himself off there, looking rather horrified with himself. Once again he goes to run his left hand through his hair and stops himself at the last second, switching to his right hand instead. He's not flustered this time, but rather openly nervous. He knows Kimblee's going to ask him to elaborate on that and he can't think of anything to say.]

I can't elaborate on that, I don't want you to know, it's not something that I should be saying now, at any rate...

[Again, he doesn't seem aware that he's speaking. He moves to rest his human hand on his knee, the automail incapable of mimicking the position, but it gets close enough for him to attempt to relax a little bit.]

...Never mind, Kimblee.

[...Oh.

There's a lot to work through, when it comes to what Archer just threw at him; he realizes at some point that he's staring again, though it's less because he's startled or concerned and more because he's not entirely sure what to do with his face.]

...What do you mean, "it's not something you should be saying now"?

[...let's...let's start there...]

It's not something I should be saying at all! It's ridiculous! Especially after all we've been through--

[Goddammit, would it kill him to have a brain-to-mouth filter? Apparently it would! Archer clenches his teeth like that will help, trying to keep himself from saying anything else.]

It's not important!

[As much as he'd told Archer that he still considered him human, that he was a person and not simply a weapon, there was still something about him that set off alarm bells in Kimblee's head, telling him that actively moving toward a threat rather than pulling away was going to bite him one day. He disregards it for now, however; had it been someone like Pride, he wouldn't have attempted the first time, but this is Archer he's talking to. He knows Archer; he doesn't trust him, because Kimblee never fully trusts anyone, but he knows him.

He doesn't join him on the bed, but he does stop in front of him, in very close proximity; he reaches out to play with Archer's hair again.]

You can relax - there's nothing to get so worked up about. It's fine.

[One of these days you're really going to have to learn to stop approaching danger, yes, but today isn't that day. Archer manages to calm down again, though it's obvious that he's still jumpy. He knows Kimblee won't just leave it at that, but it's nice that he's trying to at least get Archer to settle.]

Yes. Yes, I know. It's nothing important anyway.

...if you say so, Archer.

[He doesn't stop playing with Archer's hair, however.]

Regarding something you said earlier, however - you've been very good to me. You don't owe me anything; you know me well enough by now, I think, to know that I would be very irritable with you if I thought you hadn't repaid me for anything I've done.

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