#archie fletcher

[hajimsblog]

[hajimsblog]

DING

For the fifth time, the clock chimed and broke the silence of the common room. Only two other people sat within the room. Povi, who was idly tapping on her phone from the kitchen counter, and Archie, who was staring at the clock. He had been alone with Povi for over 2 hours, and she never once looked up to acknowledge him. He had actually came in to get himself a drink, but he was afraid to walk past the woman. Although her glare was laser focused on her phone, Archie was afraid she'd toss it at him.

Suddenly, the blonde slammed her phone onto the counter and rushed towards Archie. He yelped as he was pulled up to his feet.

"What are you doing?!" Povi snaps.

"Oh, me? Nothing I was-"

"I need someone to help me to fill my quota and Iowa's MIA. Pack your shit." Without giving Archie a chance to respond, Povi was already stomping towards the sleeping quarters. Archie could only stare at his wrinkled shirt, then the door Povi slammed shut.

It wasn't uncommon for Povi to demand another partner for patrolling. However, Archie wasn't someone she'd normally go for. Perhaps she was so desperate that she'd go for someone that she normally couldn't stand. Not that Archie was complaining.

Archie followed Povi before turning to his own room. All he needed was his bat and maybe an aberration tracker. Did Povi normally keep hers on her person? He wasn't sure what kind of person Povi was when working. But he didn't want to under prepare. Povi usually demanded a lot out of her partners.

He ended up packing a bookbag's worth of supplies. By the time he was finished, Povi was leaning on his doorframe and tapping her foot. Archie scrambled to put on his bag and head out the door.

"So Povi, where are we headed?" Archie asked, offering a small smile. Povi just scowled in return.

"Where do you think? Nowhere far, so I don't know why you brought that big thing."

"Oh, well I thought it was better to be safe than sorry."

"GODS, you're such a nerd." Povi immediately started to walk faster down the hall.

........

"I already told Reinhart we'll be heading out to the city. Apparently there was a huge party that needs cleaning up. I'll be able to fill my quota that way." Povi explains. By now, the two were taking the train that connected the campus to the heart of the city.

"Oh, so you mean..."

"Yeah, we're looting. Everyone and everything should be dead, so don't piss your pants." Povi says, snickering. Archie could feel his face heat up.

"I-I can handle a demon or two! I've been getting stronger!" Archie stammers.

"Oh yeah sure. If I actually believed that, I wouldn't have used you to go for such a baby job."

Archie couldn't help but feel annoyed by that.

"If it was so easy, why'd you bring me out anyway?" He mumbled. Povi just ignored him.

Soon, their stop came up, and the two students hopped off the train.

[hajimsblog]

"When he's like that, leave him alone...if you know what's good for you."

Archie stared down at the movie in his hands, flipping the case to see it's front.

"Busty Beach Party 2"

He snickers to himself before he kept walking. His destination wasn't far at all, since all the dorms were located in the same building. But the place felt like a maze.

But after a few minutes, he found the right door. Just as he was about to knock, he realized that the door was open. He stood there, contemplating whether or not he should just step in. Both Povi and Iowa were his buddies, after all. Surely they kept the door open for a reason anyway? He could hear music, so maybe they were having a party? But the volume was low and the tempo was so slow that Archie thought it was a kind of lullaby.

Frowning, he decided to step inside.

"Iowa?"

"Come dance with me."

The lights were all off, the only source being the television that illuminated the small room in a blue glow. Archie didn't recognize the album, but he supposed that it was some kind of grandparent classic. One that Iowa was apparently nostalgic for. Although she had stood once she had noticed Archie's presence, Archie did see that she was previously staring at the screen. Now, she held one hand up to the boy.

He took it.

He was some kind of hot shot, once upon a time. Or, that's what I've heard anyway.

Archie found himself getting dragged along by his friend, barely able to keep up with their movements. It was slow, yet deliberate. Even if he wanted to, Archie wouldn't be able to smoothly match her. And yet, something told him that it didn't even matter. It wasn't until Archie was being dipped backwards did they first make eye contact. And even then, Archie wasn't sure if he was being seen. Still, he stayed there suspended in her arms until the TV turned off. It didn't take long, as that final move was in tune with the last stretch of the music. Sighing, Iowa guided Archie to the couch before she sought out the light switch.

He just switches sometimes, acts like a completely different person.

Archie strained both his eyes and neck to follow Iowa in the darkness, only flinching back once the lights were back on.

"So, did I do good?" He stammers.

When he's like that, there's no point in really talking to him. Just leave him alone.

"No," Iowa says," you dance like you have two left feet."

Archie lets out a wail of disbelief.

"Haah? Well, you kinda just started outta nowhere, you know-"

"I know. Thank you for humoring me."

Archie snatches up Iowa, just as she was about to sit down next to him.

"Of course! If you wanna dance again, just let me know! Next time, maybe I'll even learn your routine."

"That would be quite the sight."

"I mean it- what, you think I can't tip you like that too?" Archie says, pouting. Instead of answering, Iowa sinks further into his arms.

"It would be interesting to have a dance partner, I'll say that much."