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[swordboning]

...you've reached Archer. Leave a message and if it's suitable, I'll get back to you.

Comments

[codere]

[ Reality Marble..? That sounds a lot like... ] That's your Noble Phantasm, isn't it?

Unlimited Blade Works.

[swordboning]

....yes. Who told you about that?

[Despite asking that question, he knows.]

1/2

[codere]

I've seen you use it.

Or at least, I've seen a 'you' use it. I don't think you're the same even if you look alike.

... just like I'm not the same as the Rin you have known. I'm just a cheap imitation who can't use boundary fields or heal my Servant.

[codere]

[ Smiling faintly at that. ] I'm going to learn from Natalia and be able to protect both Saber and you.

Then I'll find a way to find for you to have access to your reality marble.

[swordboning]

Rin...

[Sheesh. This was dumb.]

You're more than real for me.

[also...]

Would you like me to speak with Natalia or do you plan on doing it yourself?

[codere]

[ He's dumb. ] Why would I ever speak to her?

I'm already in her debt even if she doesn't think so. Accumulating so much in a short time is unbecoming and will reflect me as a person who only takes, and takes, and takes.

[swordboning]

I've done a lot of cooking and work for her. If you're in debt, my credit is your credit. So I would say you're even.

[codere]

Nonsense. I won't take credit for the things you've done, Archer.

That's criminal and irresponsible of me as your Master. As your, um, your other thing. That other thing.

[swordboning]

I'm guessing you mean girlfriend?

[codere]

Is that what you think of me? [ Just making sure. ]

[swordboning]

I thought we happened to be in that kind of relationship. If not, I'll cease speaking about it.

[codere]

[ Haa. ] That means I can call you my boyfriend instead of my Servant.

... right?

[swordboning]

I won't stop you from doing what you wish.

[But he did tell Saber to ask Natalia to teach Rin some magic.]

[codere]

What if I want to kiss you? Would you stop me then?

[ Probably.
This is the kitchen. ]

[swordboning]

As long as it doesn't take too much time and a certain someone is looking.

[AKA: Saber.

But he just needs to make this stuff bake, it's not that bad.]

[codere]

Oh.

[ Tilting her head. ] Archer, is this something we should keep from her?

[swordboning]

...I wouldn't know anything about that.

[Seriously said, as he pours the batter into cupcake papers.]

Out of all my experiences, that's not part of it.

[codere]

You have no experience in this thing? It feels kind of odd to keep it a secret, but... [ Lowering her face into her hands to run her fingers through her hair, she gives a heavy sigh. ]

I don't want anyone to be strained. We need her as much as she needs us, right?

[swordboning]

Do you want me to straight out explain it to her? I can handle that fairly easily.

betrayal

[codere]

How can you explain something like that to her-?! She'd probably accuse you of foul play.

And me of favoritism!

[swordboning]

I certainly can't say you're wrong. On the other hand, that's a risk I'm willing to take for you.

[codere]

That's just because you enjoy getting beat up.

[swordboning]

No, I don't. As a matter of fact, I sincerely dislike losing unless it serves a greater purpose.

[codere]

And what kind of purpose does losing serve? None that I can think of.

Either way, I suspect this is one of those situations where we'll lose no matter what.

[swordboning]

Speaking objectively, we have three options. We can keep it to ourselves until she finds out, tell her at an opportune moment, or rip off the band-aid so to speak. Thoughts?