♕ NINTH COMMAND | ACTION [OLIVINE CITY] | FOURTH WALL

[determinator]

[If you happen to be exploring Olivine City today, you may run into Archer. That's really not all that unusual - contrary to popular belief, he does spend some time outdoors (some being the key word there) - but what's striking about it is... well, the insane number of cats following him.]

Where did you all even come from...?

[They're all the little cats rather than the larger ones. That means there's a herd of wild Meowth, Glameow, Skitty, Shinx, and Purrloin following Archer around. He loves cats, sure, but this is a bit much!]

[...He may or may not have started carrying around one of those Purrloin though. It's only because he doesn't have one, it's not like he actually likes it or anything...!!]

Comments

[alchemicals]

That would be kind of anticlimactic, yeah.

[.........]

Lighten up a bit, Archer, it won't kill you.

[determinator]

Are you sure?

[Somewhere between sarcasm and tsun oh god what has happened.]

It's just... really good to see you again. I'd rather not have that ruined.

1/2

[alchemicals]

[Shrugging!]

Come on, it's not like you've been alone this entire time.

[alchemicals]

...at least, I don't think you have. That other one you told me about - he's still around, right?

[fuckin' johto how does it work]

[determinator]

[BBTHING YOU ARE SO CUTE OH MY GOD WHAT DOES HE DO WITH YOU]

Yes, he's still here, and yes, I enjoy his company. But it's different with you, Kimbley.

[...very different.]

[alchemicals]

Well, then, I guess I'm flattered.

[determinator]

As you should be.

[Tsun tho!!]

...I don't suppose you'll be here for too long this time either.

[alchemicals]

[That actually gets him to pause; he hadn't actually considered that, but...]

...I don't know. Probably not.

[determinator]

...I didn't think so. Most people start in New Bark Town, anyway. I haven't heard of anyone starting out here.

[Still, he's disappointed.]

We'll just have to make this time count, won't we?

[alchemicals]

You have something in mind?

[The shift in mood is so fast it'd give a guy whiplash; he knows better than to assume that Archer won't notice, but at the same time, he's relieved enough at the possible subject change to not care.]

[determinator]

[Well that was... certainly something. Archer would have accused Kimbley of being forward if they were on the same page at all - but he's positive that that's not the case. He moves to run a hand through his hair, glancing away awkwardly.]

Well. Not... particularly. I mean, if this is something I won't remember much of, I'd at least like to have some record of it.

[alchemicals]

How do you mean?

[...no, really, what the hell are you even talking about?]

[determinator]

Ah, well. I take a lot of notes here; I'd like to at least keep a record of what we're doing here on paper. Though the Gear does have the capability to record videos, so I suppose that would work as well.

[alchemicals]

Oh, come on, you are not filming me.

[determinator]

Why not? I'm sure it would capture you perfectly.

[And in all your herpy glory too! Notes can't quite describe just how much of an adorable herpderp you are!]

[alchemicals]

Do I want to know what your idea of "capturing me perfectly" would be?

[determinator]

Well, I think it would involve more Pokéballs...

[BA DUM TISH]

...But I'd like to have something to look back on and remember you by when you're not here.

[alchemicals]

[...ARCHER...]

Shit like that is why you shouldn't be allowed to even attempt wordplay, you know that?

[But anyway...]

...we'll see, okay? I still think the whole thing is weird as hell.

[determinator]

Oh come now, you were asking for it.

[But! On to far more serious matters.]

It is, yes. I really would appreciate it though.

[...How does he say this, exactly? He knows what he wants to say, but this will just make things awkward...]

I... I just don't want to forget anything again, Kimbley.

[...Close enough. He can't exactly tell Kimbley he has two notebooks full of memories regarding him because he's terrified he'll forget something. That would be weird. And creepy.]

[alchemicals]

...I'm not following.

[No, really, what...]

You've been acting really strangely today. Talk to me.

[determinator]

Well, last time I forgot most of what we did and talked about. I had... dreams about it. That was it. I don't want to forget this. That's all.

[He might be beginning to pick a few things up from Kimblee; he's not entirely aware of open his expression is. It's not quite "my whole brain is crying" levels of oh god what, but it's getting there.]

[alchemicals]

...you're doing a bad job of lying to me, you know. That wasn't what I meant by "talk to me."

[His tone isn't angry, however; if anything, it's a bit too casual, given his words.]

[determinator]

[Archer glances away again, frustrated. Of course Kimbley wouldn't buy that. Kimbley knows him too well.]

I really have missed you. It's been... months since I saw you last and even then I didn't remember everything. I don't... remember everything about you, Kimbley, and that bothers me. I shouldn't be forgetting anything. You're... very important to me, you know.

[alchemicals]

Yeah, you told me that last time - the whole 'best friend' thing, right?

[He actually isn't being condescending, either; clearly, that little title there doesn't bother him at all - if anything, he seems to like it. It's weird for him, sure, but nothing he didn't already know; it's equally weird to have it out in the open like that, but it's not...bad-weird.]

If it's bothering you that much, you can ask me whatever you want. I still don't think it's all that interesting, but if you want to know, then sure.

[determinator]

Yes, that's right.

[Archer smiles at that - it's a genuine smile and not something he really shows very often, but that's quickly covered by the usual smirk.]

Thank you. That should probably help.

[Now if you don't mind, he'll just be whipping out a notebook and pen! ...Yes, he does always keep a pocket-sized one with him, why do you ask?]

I remember you took me to visit your sister. I remember that she hated the fact that you joined the military. I don't remember anything you've told me about your childhood, however.