[AU RL - nothing within is game canon.]

[unknownrival]

Issei hummed softly to himself as he sat on the top step of the stairs to the temple. It really was a beautiful day outside - the sun was shining, the breeze was blowing, his boyfriend was coming over for a visit and would be arriving in a few minutes - everything he could have wanted out of the day.

"But I'm sure Archer will surprise me with something I didn't even know I wanted," he remarked. "Even after a few months, it's rare that what he says doesn't make me blush."

Oh, well. Some things never changed. And Issei would have been lying if he said that he didn't enjoy it.

Comments

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"Do you plan on showing those any time soon?" No, Issei still hadn't gotten it. There was nothing wrong with wanting to see more of your boyfriend's talents, right?

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

"Depends," Archer said as they walked into the temple.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"On what?" Issei asked, leading Archer into the kitchen, where he set the bag down.

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

Archer smiled and said, "Depends on you."

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"I'd like to see your talents," Issei answered honestly. "Is that all I need to say for you to show me them?"

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

Archer replied, "Well, I was hoping you'd know what context I was talking about."

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"Hmm? What are you-" Something finally, finally clicked in Issei's brain, and he stopped, almost freezing in place.

Then, very quietly: "I still would like to see them."

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

Archer studied Issei and stroked his cheek. He said, "Let me know when you're ready. I'm not pushing."

[stripping.livejournal.com]

Issei smiled weakly at him. "D-don't you remember? I've been ready longer than you have."

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

"Let's get that tea then and see where we go from there," Archer said quietly.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

Issei nodded, blushing once again, and moved to start preparing the tea. "How have you been lately, Archer?"

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

"Better now," Archer said honestly, "And be gentler with the tea leaves."

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"Oh, all right." Issei followed Archer's advice. "I'm glad to hear that you're doing well."

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

"Well, you had something to do with it," Archer replied as he watched Issei's movements.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"That..." Issei paused, a small blush on his cheeks, before continuing. "You don't know how happy I am to know I've made you happy."

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

Archer smiled and said, "I think I have an idea."

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"How happy am I, then?" he asked, teasingly.

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

"Ecstatic, that you can't believe this is happening to you," Archer said with a smile.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"That's... exactly it, actually," Issei admitted, his blush deepening. "You know me too well."

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

Archer smiled and said, "Well, I've known you longer than you've known yourself."

[stripping.livejournal.com]

Issei raised an eyebrow. "You've known me... what, twelve, thirteen years? I'm eighteen. Close, but not quite."

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

"Remember, I was 28 when I died," Archer pointed out, "so I've known a version of you for about . . . twenty years."

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

Archer smiled and said, "I do."

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"...I think the tea is about ready," Issei commented, staring to pour it into teacups. "Please let me know what you think."

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

Archer took a sip of tea and tilted his head thoughtfully as he tasted it. He replied, "It's improved."