explosivecombat | 029. [Text]

Memory seems to be something of an elusive thing for some people, from what I've heard; I've never really considered it to be much of a problem myself, for various reasons both personal and not. But since we're all in this more or less together, and we have no obvious indication of if - or when, depending on your level of optimism - we'll be returned to our worlds of origin, I have to admit curiosity regarding the experiences of others.

Memories being the finicky things that they are, I'm sure we all have things we remember vividly about home - people, places, various other whatnot that I'm sure mattered to you at the time. I'm mostly curious about the people; you don't have to give me specifics if you choose not to, but I want to know -

What sort of things do you remember most vividly about the people that were important to you, and what sort of things do you not remember but wish you could? I'm sure we've all had that jarring moment when we realize that we don't remember what someone's voice sounded like, for example; I want to hear about things like that, if you don't mind. As always, do it anonymously, if you wish; I have less interest in your name than I do your answer.

Perhaps someday I'll learn to ask questions that are more seasonally-appropriate for any oncoming holidays; unfortunately, I've never really been one to adhere to the spirit of a season that I have no real understanding of in the first place.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Archer knows his response should be to tell Kimblee not to kill the other version of himself. He should be irritated that Kimblee would even consider that, especially given what they're going through to try to bring him to this world.

But he doesn't say that. This must have upset him more than he thought it had.]

...He didn't act on it, but I know he was working out how best to...

[He can't bring himself to finish, shaking his head instead.]

Why the hell did he think that was a good idea!? We're-- We're friends!

[...Archer, are you five?]

It's possible that his idea of "friendship" really just means "the person I'm closest to that's most convenient." Once that convenience is either taken away or replaced with something that he likes better, he'll take that option.

Believe me, Archer, I had a fair amount of "friends" before Ishval.

[Archer flinched but he still didn't turn toward Kimblee. For a long moment it seemed like he wasn't going to speak.]

That's--! That's bullshit! He wouldn't do that, not to me! I understand him - much better than anyone else! Better than Greed, better than those chimeras--!

[...you are really not going to like this, but...]

You say that he wouldn't, but the fact is that he did.

[Archer's shoulders twitch sharply but he doesn't respond. Yes, Kimbley did want to kill him, that much he can't argue. He can't even ask Kimbley why he thought that was a good idea because he's not here and Archer didn't want to deal with it while he was here.

He doesn't respond at all, staring down at the notes he's been rewriting instead. He's not seeing them of course. He's still shaking, but he's not sure if it's through anger or fear.]

[Kimblee studies him in silence for a moment before eventually pushing himself away from the wall; as interesting as he's finding this entire discussion and whatever's going on with Archer, that much emotion at once is never a good thing, in Kimblee's experience. It occurs to him vaguely that Archer could choose to lash out or shove him away, but he ignores the thought for now; he never has so far, and if he starts now, the results likely won't be nice and he's fairly sure they both know that.

He reaches out once he's close enough, running his hand lightly through Archer's hair.]

I'll teach him a lesson, when he returns - just enough to ensure that hideous thoughts like that won't happen again.

[Archer doesn't move at first. He closes his eyes and allows Kimblee to run his hand through his hair, slowly relaxing. It takes him awhile to properly respond, but when he does his voice is much calmer.]

...How many times do you plan on killing him?

[Kimblee just laughs softly at that.]

How many times would you like me to?

Once should hopefully be enough, but he is incredibly stupid. It might take a bit for it to sink in.

[And suddenly Archer's smirking as though there's nothing wrong at all.]

I have your permission to do as I see fit, then?

Indeed. I trust you'll know when to quit blowing him up.

My, you really are angry.

[He offers a soft humming noise at that - just a couple of notes, clearly pleased, as he runs his hand through Archer's hair again.]

Am I to assume that I have something equally horrible in store for me, should I invoke your ire?

[He doesn't sound bothered, however; his tone is light.]

[Archer makes a soft sound of amusement, not quite a laugh but close.]

Kimblee, that would involve getting someone else to kill you. Who would I turn to? Cobra?

[He shakes his head, actually laughing this time.]

I trust you won't do anything to upset me that badly.

So I'm saved by merit of being too difficult to kill - I'm flattered.

[There's a light laugh under his words, however; clearly he's pleased by it.]

Of course, you won't have to worry about it either way, Archer.

As you should be.

[He's pleased to hear that though and Archer absently leans into Kimblee's touch.]

Good. I wouldn't want to worry about you turning on me.

Really, Archer, I'm in the same situation as you - who would I turn to, Cobra?

I'm genuinely interested in seeing what he'd do with an assignment like that. Of course he would fail, but I want to see just how badly he'd fail.

Please. That would leave me taking orders from him.

Well we certainly can't have that, now can we?

No, I rather like succeeding.

[...]

We should actually finish what we came here to do.

Of course. I believe we should be able to strike soon, it's just a matter of finding the proper time to do it.

029. [Text]

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