continuations

[steelmyself]

Comments

[softariel]

[ He narrows his eyes at that, still almost vibrating with his rage. ]

Oh, and what is it now? Will you try to play it off? Will you tell me that because I am just some foolish little thing, there's no way I can understand? I refuse. I have enough to be concerned about than your petty judgments.

[steelmyself]

You love them, huh? All these fools and murderers and whoever else who you've charmed.

[ his voice is soft and without judgment now--it's almost wistful ]

[softariel]

I love a great many people. And if you cannot understand that, then I've nothing more to say to you.

[steelmyself]

--you aren't a hero after all.

[ his smile is brief and tired ]

[softariel]

[ What does that even mean!! ]

Of course I'm not. I've never pretended to be.

[steelmyself]

Then that's my mistake. You certainly seemed as stubborn and pure as one.

[softariel]

You've a very peculiar idea of heroes. But it is not my responsibility if you misidentify someone based on a few short conversations.

[steelmyself]

Still, it's pretty careless of you to wander into a group of murderers and start scolding one. Even if some of them are your dear friends.

[softariel]

Is it? What is the worse they can do to me? I'm not so easily felled.

[steelmyself]

Oh?

[ suddenly he's just. Lunging forward to try to scoop Winter up ]

[softariel]

[ He jerks back at that at once, though he's neither fast nor good at dodging, and there's something on his face that is genuine mindless fear. ]

[steelmyself]

[ the actual fear on Winter's face stops Archer, and he pulls back, a surprised look of regret flashing onto his own face before he can stop himself ]

Tch...

How do you intend to defend yourself?

[softariel]

[ His own expression smooths out flat and blank at that, but he takes another step back to put more space between them. ]

Does it matter? Whether I do or I don't, there would be consequences for both of us.

[steelmyself]

I see. You trust others to defend you?

[ he doesn't pursue, and his expression drains of emotion as he speaks ]

[softariel]

I am well-aware of my own physical limitations.

[ He spreads his hands a little to indicate himself, his expression still neutral. ]

And I trust that there are those who love me enough to help me where I need it.

[steelmyself]

[ he gives a rather defeated-sounding sigh. ]

I see. That's your choice, in the end.

[softariel]

It is.

[ There's a flash of anger again at that, rising and gone again. ]

And you, however you've cast yourself in the world, have no bearing on me or mine.

[steelmyself]

Or yours...?

I see. Haha, you're pretty bold.

[softariel]

It's not boldness. It's only the truth.

[steelmyself]

Hmm.

I didn't say there was anything wrong with it.

[softariel]

Not with your words, no.

[steelmyself]

Is there anything left to me but words?

[softariel]

I wouldn't know. But as far as your manners go, they say a lot more.