[As they delve deeper and deeper it's becoming clear that there's no physical cause. It's the will that doesn't relent, not even when using Magecraft has taxed his body past his normal endurance, and not when rebound effect leeched all color from his hair and eyes. Disregarding himself in face of others' needs and their safety. For Archer pushing past his limits is as natural as breathing.
It's also past his limits to bare himself to others, to show what's usually hidden safely. Any hint of weakness, anything that he prefers to keep to himself. It's not easy to allow.
What grounds him enough to keep going is Caster, his presence, the familiar magic he can feel even through all the pain. Soothing touch on his cheek that Archer leans into as he looks up to meet Caster's eyes.
All that he can respond with is the brief nod. It's not for himself that he does; it's for Caster who desperately tries to help him.
Archer never wishes to become another burden for his partner to carry.]
no subject
It's also past his limits to bare himself to others, to show what's usually hidden safely. Any hint of weakness, anything that he prefers to keep to himself. It's not easy to allow.
What grounds him enough to keep going is Caster, his presence, the familiar magic he can feel even through all the pain. Soothing touch on his cheek that Archer leans into as he looks up to meet Caster's eyes.
All that he can respond with is the brief nod. It's not for himself that he does; it's for Caster who desperately tries to help him.
Archer never wishes to become another burden for his partner to carry.]