Mask or Menace - IC Inbox

[dreadinquisitor]

He's gotten better with his communicator - a part of him even likes it! He'll probably get back to you, if you leave him a message.

Conversely, do it the old fashioned way. He'll definitely get back to you.

Comments

I love it don't change anything

[dreadinquisitor]

[The reply comes only a moment later. Archie hasn't disturbed him in the slightest.]

Of course. Just say the world.

Though I'll warn you that my sword arm is not what my bow eye is. My knowledge is both limited and specific.

!!

[h2no]

[it takes him a good couple of seconds to realise maxwell doesn't actually mean a literal sword arm and bow eye.]

you know they have to be different, that's about 100% more than i know
we will also have the internet to help!!!!!!!!!

[dreadinquisitor]

I've been training with a bow since I was physically big enough to hold one. A sword on the other hand-- if you want to challenge someone to a duel for your family's honor, I'm here for you. To go to war, well...

[A beat, as he considers Archie's last and imagines Cullen's reaction. He smiles, both amused and sad.]

Somewhere, my trainer suddenly feels insulted and doesn't know why.

[h2no]

it's just a big sharp stick how hard can it be

[better to clown than think about war!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]

[dreadinquisitor]

And he just fell dead, I swear.

Good thing he's not here, you'd be running laps as we speak.

[h2no]

i spent my childhood swimming in currents that could capsize an unlucky ship
those from my town are known for our stamina

i could run twice the amount of laps he'd order. thrice, even, though that would be out of pure spite.

[dreadinquisitor]

And known for their humility too, yes?

[h2no]

i'm so goddamn humble it would blow your mind

[dreadinquisitor]

A god among us mere mortals. I always suspected.

[h2no]

and also very handsome

howve you been doing max power?

[dreadinquisitor]

Of course. I have eyes.

[A pause. Then because it's Archie and Archie knows, he decides on honesty.]

Well enough for keeping on.

[h2no]

[he cackles, but seriouses up. probably helps that max doesn't see him laughing and kicking his legs on his seat.]

sorry for getting so serious suddenly
i'm glad it's not getting worse, at least
have you seen him again at all?

[dreadinquisitor]

It's fair. I did bring it to you first, after all.

No, I haven't. I made it clear should he need me, I'm available-- [as an Inquisitor - a fellow being from Thedas - if nothing else, he could do no less]-- but he has not reached out. So I have left him his space.

[h2no]

he could be going through any number of things
at any rate, i was worried this was gonna go real bad. i'm glad it hasn't for the time being.
this timeline thing is real crazy piece of shit, huh?

[dreadinquisitor]

[His mouth twitches wryly.]

It's still early.

But yes, I expect it's difficult for him too. As much as he is not mine, I am not his either. ...And I think he suspects that there's more I'm not telling him. Not what. Just that there is.

My kingdom for one normal day.

But then I suppose I wouldn't really believe it was my life otherwise.

[h2no]

if it helps
my best friend here, maxie, is from another timeline
our histories split at some point and our roles were reversed in each other's time
he tried to stop me in mine, i tried to stop him in his
its not exactly the same but
its still the donphan in the room
and theres a chance if anyone i know shows up, they could be from his timeline
so wed be completely different people to each other

[dreadinquisitor]

[And how many of them were you in love with, he wanted, instinctively, to ask. But as soon as it formed in his mind, it was smothered by shame. Just because the pain was different, didn't mean it was any less.

He takes a moment, repeating that fact over to himself.]

It's always nice to know one isn't alone... but neither is pleasing to know a friend is unhappy.

I'm sorry, Archie.

[h2no]

it's the import state of being
i think
i'm not trying to say i know exactly how you feel and stuff
i think i meant like
i dunno
like you said, i hope it helps knowing that at least you're not alone in this stupid timeline bullshit
it doesnt mean any less its just
a porter bullshit


i lost my point somewhere

[dreadinquisitor]

It's alright, I think I understand what you meant.

And there is something... in knowing you and he have found an understanding? Can live together without it being the biggest part of your relationship anymore.

Hopefully Dorian and I can get there.

[h2no]

i hope so. it's not easy, but it's a better state of being than the alternative.

i believe you and dorian can get there, for what it's worth.

[dreadinquisitor]

And if not, at least I have good friends willing to distract me.

Thank you, Archie.

[h2no]

i'm here for you, sad man
though i think i'll lay off on the blackout drinking for a while
my head still hurts, dunno about you

[dreadinquisitor]

[He does laugh. Archie can't hear it, but it was there, real despite the doom and gloom.]

It's the greatest temporary solution. Temporary, being the key.

[h2no]

nothing stands up to it

[a pause.]

it'll be okay, max. i know it doesn't feel like it and might feel like it never will but... if nothing else we can survive, right?

[dreadinquisitor]

The sun still rises, the days keep coming. And just because I hurt is no reason to hurt others if I can help it.

Annoy them with my mewling... well, that's what friends are for.