Crossfire (1x1 w/ Cloudsong)

[Cloudsong]

Nerea could tell by his silence, that Archer certainly was debating between emotions. She could see it clearly on his face, that he wanted to give in to the anger that was so obviously resulting in an effort to keep in. It was as if the more time she spent in the resistance camp, the more she began to understand where this man's place was, and how desperately he was trying to keep it. He was not entitled to his own anger, and rather than feeling glad that he was not able to lash out at her, Nerea felt an unexplainable rush of pity for the man. Flawed as he was, she could still not find it justifiable that an individual who put so much into a cause - his life, in effect - could be treated with such violence and contempt. She stood her ground as he watched her, finding herself to notice how his jaw twitched in annoyance, and how he watched her with a disbelieving expression. Why was it that she felt so strongly as if she needed to protect his rights, when she scarecely knew him? He made it so clear that he disliked her mere existence. Nerea found herself once again scowling, this time not because of the man that stood in front of her, but rather at herself.

They would be slaughtered if they went up to the surface. Perhaps they would. Nerea bit down on her tongue to stop herself from lashing out, as the prospect of staying down here for a second longer was not one that she liked. But after a moment of processing the words that he had spoken to her, she seemed to accept them. Her fingers continued to clasp the chains that bind him, as if they were the only anchor she had in this moment to her own reality. This seemed like a dream - no, a nightmare. Her life was up on the surface, and she felt it calling to her like her own death.

She once again accepted her fate as he began to speak, and forced herself to stay silent, simply watching him carefully as he warned her to keep her mouth shut. It seemed, by his speech, that this man had no concept of the reality that she herself had once known. He viewed himself as trash, and it was probably justifiable as he had always been treated so. As a member of the resistance, Nerea was sure that he was not once given the rights of a human being - one that she had been so effortlessly granted simply by walking into the room. The reality of this was unnerving, and she found herself staring openly at him, her features plainly saying that she did not understand. He probably thought her an idiot, to just be standing there with her eyebrows knit together, staring at him like an open-mouthed fish.

It took her a moment to regain her fire, as his words had shocked her. When she finally did speak, her words were low and soft. "I apologize for trying to protect your rights," she murmured, almost half to herself. "Forgive me for actually having the opinion that you are worth more than how they treat you." There was a pause, and the girl seemed as though she wanted to add something. But after a moment, she simply blinked, her stillness returning as she clasped the chains between her fingers. All appearance of passion seemed to have died down from her dark brown eyes, and she seemed - for the first time since they had descended into this pit - somewhat lost.

She seemed to be deep in thought after that, and it took her a few moments to finally meet his gaze once more. When she did however, there was a sadness apparent that she had never showed to anyone before. Hastily she reached up with her free hand to tuck a loose strand of hair out of her eyes. "It's just that you reminded me of someone." She paused, seeming to debate whether or not to go on. When she spoke again, she choked slightly on her words, as if they hurt her. "But that man is dead, and soon you will be too." The pain was gone as soon as it had come, and she silently approached the Flawed man, pressing the chain into his own palms. She didn't meet his eyes, nor did she try to take a step away from him. "You should have let me die up there," she said after a moment, her tone no more than a whisper.

[R0be0]

At first there was a long silence that we held between the two of them, Archie could tell that she was deep in thought, probably trying to come up with some kind of response to what he had said. She really didn't know anything about what happened in the resistance, and what formalites, and protocols were put in place. Still he had to admire the fact that she had not allowed herself to be placed into everything so easily, and while this would no doubt create problems in the days to come, Archie was sure that they wouldn't be too chotic. The main problem would be him having the girl as a master, and having to act as her slave for however long that Jacques deemed it. That was where he would struggle the most, and he would really have to try to keep himself under control. (Which was much easier said than done.) He was like the other Flawed in the sense that he knew his place, and he knew that he had to remain under control, but different in the fact that he actually looked for emotions, and found them. The others kept their minds blank, and their thoughts limited, but Archie wasn't a fan of this method, and took it upon himself to have feelings, values, and beliefs. Though these could not be noted, or in any way announced, it was nice to be able to have some control over his mind.

It was another minute or so before the girl actually spoke up, apologizing (in what he believed was a sarcastic matter) about standing up for him. This girl really didn't know much, nothing, in fact about how things worked here. He found this hard to understand, hard to picture a life in which he wasn't placed in the binds that the resistance had put on him. Their law, was his will, he knew nothing of freedom. He couldn't even understand the idea of living in a world in which having your own ideas was a good thing. This girl had opened up the thoughts of freedom from the resistance, and a life in peace (or at least- as much peace as you could get, in this time and age). Though he knew that it wasn't right to think of such things, and that he should keep his mind set on everyhing that was real, and that was happening in the here and now. He almost wondered how difficult it would be for him to leave the resistance... It wasn't like he was about to do it or anything, as an attempted escape from a Flawed would be grounds for death, it was a nice thought to run through his head. Though the thought left as quickly as it came, as he felt something cold being placed in his palms, and saw that the girl had handed over his chains to him. It was a strange gesture and one that he didn't know. Was she refusing to act as his master? Was she denying what the resistance wanted? He could not process what she was trying to do.

When she spoke again it was in a low whisper, one that would have only been able to be heard by the two of them. He narrowed his eyes slightly when he heard this, and a scowl covered his face. He wasn't sure how he could remind her of anyone, unless she knew one of the Flawed, which proved to be untrue. When she went on to say that he should have left her die up there he grunted slightly. "Yeah, maybe I should have." It was probably not that response that she had been expecting, though it was the first thing that crossed his mind. With a second realization that, that probably wasn't the best asnwer, he added; "but I didn't. Why? I don't know. All I know is that I risked my ass up there to help you get down to safety. So now you can at least do me the honors of following the traditions and ways of the resistance." He looked at her with his darkened eyes as he slightly held out the chains, for her to take back.

"Please."

[Cloudsong]

Nerea stared at him. So he was really asking her to follow the orders his leader had given? That she was to treat him like garbage? He really expected her to take up the chains and treat him with disdain, as she had been told to do? Somehow, Nerea didn't allow herself to answer that question, as it was quite clear already. He didn't want anything more to do with her other than the relationship they were supposed to have as master and Flawed. The thought was somewhat disheartening, but the brunette did not allow herself to show it as she accepted the chains from him, only as a formality. She tried to tell herself that he only wanted to save them from being reprimanded, as it would most definitely be worse for him if the rest of the resistance realized what they were actually doing.

She found herself wishing also, that he would have. He seemed so easy with the response, as if it were his initial reaction to speak with honesty. It was more than irritating for her to think that he was lying between his teeth as he tried to fix it by saying that she owed him. Of course he would say that.

"I won't stay to watch you be beaten again," she said after a moment. "If this is the path you wish to live, I won't stick around to watch you tortured." She paused for a moment, her fingers holding onto the chains as if they were not something she wanted to be in contact with. "Once it is free for me to leave, you will help me escape. And in turn, I will try to honor your ways." Even if it meant enduring another beating.

Her eyes did not rest on him for long however, and soon she was looking around at their surroundings with interest. "Tell me your name? Mine is Nerea." It was perhaps out of the blue to be introducing herself, but she didn't feel right being around someone she did not even know his name.

(Shorter post sorreh!)

[R0be0]

So that was it then, if Archie wanted this girl to help him follow the resistance's ways, then he would have to help her escape. So I'm going to honoring the rules, by going against them..? That doesn't seem to make much sense. He thought about this for a tense moment, his mind scanning over everything that could happen if he agreed to these terms. What if Jacques caught him while he was trying to help her escape. What would he say? That he was just trying to do what he was told? That he was just trying to follow under what his master had commanded of him? He knew that, that wouldn't work, that Jacques would see right through him, and order his death. The girl would be kept in camp, heavily guarded and without the chance of even hoping to escape. It would be a terrible fate if everything went wrong, and the chance that they could even get out of camp... Damn! It was so unlikely that he would be able to follow through with this, but still, she would act as his master, like he knew was expected. Was it worth it? He sighed, and rubbed his forehead lightly, he looked at the people in the distance, working hard, and pretending that nothing had happened. Then he turned back to her, not meeting her eyes of course, as that was a sign of disrespect.

"I...I- suppose that it's the better thing to do. I'll help you then.. As long as you keep up your end of the bargain. No stand up speeches about how what we do is wrong, and no more defying what the leader says. Understood?" He spoke quickly, and quietly, making sure that no one else heard him speak. For one, he was speaking informaly, which was a sin within itself. A Flawed must always speak to its master with the highest respect that it could give. Plus if someone heard what they were talking about, it would be difficult for them to come up with some kind of excuse to what they meant. This better work out. It's going to be on my head if it doesn't... There was a place in his mind where he was regretting saving her, as she had caused him nothing but trouble since he had returned. However he knew that his conscience (however small it seemed at times) would have not allowed him to do something like that without feeling a terrible aftermath. Leaving her to die would have been the simpler solution, but not the better one.

The girl went on to tell him her name - Nerea. It was an odd name, that he had not heard before. When she asked him what his name was he almost let loose that she should have no need to called him 'Flawed' or 'slave' and nothing else. But knowing her, and what she acted like it would be best to avoid an argument and for him to just tell her his real name. "My name...-" He said, a frown covering his face as he paused. He knew that he shouldn't tell her, Flawed didn't have the rights to a real name (so to speak) and they were called anything but a suitable human name. "... Archer. But you cannot refer to me as such when we're around people. Call me 'Flawed' and nothing else. As that's the only thing that you're allowed to do so." He explained, hoping that she would get the message and not call him by his true name. He was already getting way over his head by introducing himself to this girl, let alone the fact that he was going to help her escape. This was madness, it was. But he would allow it to continue... For now.

After a moment he took a step away from her, and looked back down at his feet. "Now, will you allow me to show you to your tent?" He asked, keeping his face emotionless and dull. This tone became strangely monotoned as he spoke, as if he had been stripped of all emotions. "Jacques would have you situated before anything else." Basically he was saying that if she wanted his help to escape, they would have to find somewhere less public to do so. There were a couple of tents that did not have residents, and so she could make herself home there (at least for the moment.) Flawed were not allowed within the tents with their masters, but at least there would be more privacy to discuss a plan.

[Cloudsong]

Nerea watched him carefully upon asking him the question. Her introduction seemed to cause no expression to pass by his face, but she was beginning to expect nothing less from him. He always seemed so pensive, with the occasional display of anger - but she suspected that even that was only visible when he allowed it to. There was a likeliness between the two, with the fact that Nerea also found it difficult at times, to control her emotions. Her speech however, was not so carefully monitored like his was. While he had an entire camp to grovel to, she was free to say what she liked - well, almost anything. It vexed her that there would possibly have to be a filter when she lived down here, as it meant that her usually free words would have to be thought about before she spoke. As he went on to tell her his name, and warn her not to use it when they were in front of people, she had to add one thing to her list of things that she could not do down here in the resistance camp. It was becoming a bother to be down here, and she was already missing her freedom.

"I'll try to stay in line," she said after a moment, but only because she could see that he was very wary. This was a serious matter for him - one that could actually become a potential danger to his own physical health. If she were to slip up and actually say his name in front of another, he would no doubt receive a harsh beating. And that was certainly something that neither of them wanted. Nerea was unsure why, but it had hurt her deeply to see the man on the ground, being beaten by the filth that strutted around here like they were chosen ones. She supposed it was because she had always believed this world was harmful enough on its own. Inflicting pain upon each other just made it even harder.

Nerea allowed her eyes to grace his stature once again, and noticed that he was again avoiding her eyes. While she understood that it was part of her bargain to keep, she couldn't help but scowl slightly. He had expected her opinion of him to diminish when she found out that he was Flawed, but if anything, the protective feeling had strengthened. She didn't want to see anyone touch him violently, as it was not something she would tolerate.

When he asked if he could show her to her tent, she hesitated. Accepting this would almost be as if saying that she was agreeing to stay, which was certainly not part of the bargain. Archer was going to help her escape. But for now... I would only cause a scene if I rejected this offer. "All right, fine," she said diplomatically after a moment. "Lead the way then, Flawed." Her tone was not harsh however, and as she leaned in towards him slightly, she posed a softer question that only he would be able to hear; "But where do you sleep?" She was beginning to wonder if those cells across the hall were for the Flawed, and that idea was one that sickened her.

[R0be0]

Archie was pleased at first, considering that she behaved.. well, slightly normal. At least she said the right thing. For once. He thought bitterly. This would be harder than expected, trying to make sure that she kept herself (and him) in line. She really had a lot to learn if she was going to be kept down here until she managed to escape. Archie just hoped that as she got more, and more used to how they did things here, maybe she would realize more, and more of there mannerisms. And even if she didn't desire to believe in them, at least go along with them. Let's just hope that she's good at acting. Because if she wants to even have a chance at escaping, she's going to need to make sure that everyone trusts her first. Which will mean that she's going to have to adjust to what we do down here, and how we do it. No questions about it. This was true, gaining the trust of the people here might make it a lot easier to help her escape. And we only have the time that the demons remain close to our camp to get the respect of everyone here. This is going to be.... interesting.

When she asked him where is was that he slept he narrowed his eyes. Why should she care about something like that? Normally he would just brush off the question, and just ignore her as a whole. But that was not an option, as his dutied as a Flawed with a master, was that he had to answer any questions that she had with honesty. Which he could tell might interfere with getting her out of here, and back onto the surface. "In the cages." He muttered lowly, to make sure that no one other than her could hear him. "Jacques fears that one of us will have a fit in the middle of the night, and that if we're free we might end up harming someone before we're killed." That was the truth, cold and a bit harsh, but he knew for a fact that when a Flawed had a fit, it was not something that anyone wanted to see. Was that what happened to be eariler? Did I have a fit? He really hoped not, as he knew that beginning to have fits was a sign of the demonic poison starting to take over your body, and beginning the downhill spiral to death. Archie didn't really fear death, as he had seen so much of it in his life. What he worried about, was the chance that he wouldn't be killed before he turned into a mindless husk, and that he would be forced to become... one of those things. They were dreadul, and purely demonic in their presence. That was one of his biggest fears.. becoming a demon's plaything.

Without another word, Archie began to make his way down to the area where the tents were located, making sure not to go too far ahead of Nerea though, as the metal would become strained, and burn against his skin. As he finally made his way to the corner of the camp, he saw one small tent which seemed to be vacant. It was old, and was a dusty black and grey, with some picture of an owl on the side of it. Inside there would no doubt be a sleeping bag, and maybe a pillow. Pregnant mothers were the only ones who got cots to sleep on, and everyone else (save the Flawed) got sleeping bags. Of course and the other Flawed had nothing. Sometimes on the really cold nights they would sleep closer together to get as much body heat as they could. But they were still forced to still on the rugged, and dirty ground. It's where we are meant to sleep. As it's a reminder of what we are inside. It was sad that Archie thought this way, but it had been inbred into him. That he was worthless, and not better than some kind of bug crawling across the floor. He didn't see anything wrong with thinking like this though, as to him it was nothing less than the truth.

[Cloudsong]

Nerea wasn't exactly sure how she was supposed to react to his muttered reply. So her initial thought had been correct - he and the other Flawed slept in the cages. She shouldn't have expected any better, as he had been so keen to compare himself to dirt. It was as if spending all this time with the rebels had actually brain-washed Archer, as he whole-heartedly believed the words they would say about him and his fellow Flawed. Once again she wondered why he stuck around the place, but seeing that he had told her earlier to mind her own business, the girl didn't really think her opinion would be welcomed. Rather than trying to stir up trouble, she just averted her eyes, not wanting to see the dark look on his face any longer - it was too much to bear. She couldn't help but feel drawn to him, even if he had been so rough with her when they had met. She still could feel the slap that he had thrown at her face, and could hear his angry words as he had demanded to know if she was a demon. But somehow in spite of his violence, Archer had saved her - even if she had been brought down into this hellhole to escape the demons. He had saved her, and yet had told her to mind her own business - that he wanted nothing to do with her. Perhaps it would be best to just abandon the hope that perhaps this man could actually be a friend. He's not Jack, a bitter voice in the back of her head reminded her. And he's not someone that cares about you.

When they reached the tent that he motioned was going to be her makeshift home, Nerea tipped her head to one side, looking around it. She instantly disliked the open feeling it gave - usually she would like to hide in places where three walls were behind her, so that she wouldn't be attacked. With its open door, and flimsy material, the tent would not serve as any protection at all. She might even have preferred the cages. At least then, there would be metal bars protecting her from her enemies.

She didn't really think he was expecting a reply, and so Nerea didn't offer one as she approached the tent, lifting the opening up to see the inside. By the look on her face, it was obvious that she was not pleased with the arrangement, and after a moment, she seemed to decide on how to improve it. Silently she leaned down and picked up the bottom of it, and dragged it to the corner wall, where it sat cramped up against the cold cement. To others, it probably would seem strange, but in that moment Nerea didn't really care. All she wanted was to be able to lean against a wall, knowing that no one would be able to attack her.

Once she had finished, the girl allowed herself a glance over in Archer's direction. "I guess that I will see you tomorrow, then," she said softly, her words deliberate as she formed them on her mouth. A lump formed in her throat as she was reminded once again of all the goodbyes she had said in her life - no one had ever come back. It almost felt as though leaving Archer now would be a final farewell also. She reminded herself that she didn't care however, and just passed the chains once more to him. He could probably get back to his cage on his own.

( *cue time-skip ;D )

[R0be0]

It had been two days since Nerea had first come into the Resistance camp. Archer was tried of trying to keep the girl from doing things the way that they did, and it became a rising reality that she truly didn't know anything of the rules and boundaries that were given to anyone who joined the Resistance. Because that was what she was considered now, not a guest, nothing of the sort, but a remaining fighter of the group. Though everyone was a bit cautious of the girl at first, after what had happened during her first day, things soon began to calm down, and they accepted their new comrade. Little did they know that her and Archer would be sneaking off now and then to devise a plan for her to escape. It was quite difficult to do so, with most of the places around camp being too public to speak about such a matter, but when a moment was found in which they could discuss with haste their plan and objective, it was moments well spent. Their plan was simple, on Thursday night (two days away) there would be a man named Louis Timberlake on guard. Now Louis wasn't the most vigilant guard, and Archer had seen him many times drifting off into naps turning his guarding route. It would be then that they would leave. Archer would act as Nerea's guide and lead her a good distance away from the camp, and Archer would come back. When asked of what had happened, Archer would merely state that his had locked him up in the cage, and snuck out. He might risk a beating, but it would be the best that could be done. At least at such a short notice as this. But they would have to wait another two days to do this, for now they had other things to worry about.

As Archer had guessed Nerea's appearance in the Resistance had striked a lot of interest with a lot of the men who were here. Archer would occasionally see men arguing over who would get to flirt with her. A casual first step to "doing the business" with the females. Archer wasn't blind, he was well aware that Nerea appeared to be physically attractive, but he could not believe that everyone was worried about such small things at a time like this. Well once Nerea leaves they'll have to go back to the women that they have in the camp. They probably won't be too happy with me. That thought often made Archer smirk, he wasn't sure why, but the thought of upseting the other men by letting their prize go just seemed too funny. But of course, he could not show his amusement, he would have to remain totally unphased by it all, and take whatever insults and beatings came his way. It would also seem that Jacques would be one of these men, as he had made himself extra 'useful' in making sure that Nerea was kept as homely and taken care of as possible. Archer didn't think that Jacques had ever taken interest in any females in the camp, even though he was the one who declared the laws of continuing on the generations, and making a stronger army. It would be a lie to say that Archer wasn't a bit afraid of what the man could do when he was angry, when he was really angry.

Currently it was dinner time, though Archer wasn't pretty sure that it was just a guess that it was around noon, (as no one ever really knew the time anymore. What did time matter? The demons were they day and night, and it didn't matter what time they ate or slept at. The beasts would still be there. With all these thoughts Archer pressed his head up against the wall with a small sigh. He was just outside of Nerea's tent, waiting until their sector was called to get some soup (which was more or less just some bits of 'this and that' thrown together in a pot), and he would go up and get some of it for Nerea. As was proper for a Flawed to do for their master. That was when Archer noticed two figures coming towards them. One of them was Jacques holding onto the chain of a young boy Flawed who's name was Robin. He couldn't have been more than fourteen, and was holding a small plate of sandwichs, while being pulled along by Jacques. "Hello there, nice day." Jacques was clearly speaking to Nerea, a chuckle in his voice. "Since I am the head of this... Resistance, I generally get best pick of the food. Today was sandwichs, and I was wondering if I could have the honor of sharing them with you." Archer wanted to crinkle his nose in disgust at what was being said, but knew better than to. Instead there was a silent conversation between him, and the little boy Robin.

'Is there anyway you can help me?'

'I wish there was kid, I really wish there was....'

[Cloudsong]

Nerea was beginning to realize that she was slowly integrating into this small society. With each passing day, she felt almost as if she and Archer grew more intoned, what with their secret meetings revolving around her escape. It gave them somewhat of a secret bond, to be working together towards a common goal. But while he remained as emotionless as ever, Nerea couldn't help but imagine that he was beginning to enjoy her company as well. Perhaps in a small sense, anyway. He hadn't killed her yet, at least. In a world as violent as the one they lived in, this was strangely enough, a point in his favor.

She tried to avoid any interaction with the other members of the resistance as often as she could. Remembering the bargain she had made to Archer, Nerea was quite aware what was at stake. Behaving herself was an essential part of their plan, as he had warned her that he would not help her escape should she not watch her actions. While it was hard to keep her tongue, and to accept the chores that came her way, Nerea was beginning to grow used to it. She felt the gazes of the men on her whenever she would pass by with Archer, her fingers holding the chains that bonded him stiffly. They probably lusted for contact with women, as the few that were here either were pregnant, or with other men. Females here were easily outnumbered, as the demons had made every effort to steal them away to create Flawed. The few women that were part of the resistance would not treat her kindly. Their looks were burning fire, probably rueful that this newcomer was stealing attention away from themselves. But Nerea didn't mind - it wasn't as if she were flattered from being noticed by the men. If anything, she was highly amused that any of them believed she would bow down to their will and actually pair up.

Archer had kept by her side, as any Flawed would have to do with their keeper. It wasn't as if Nerea minded the company, as the man was somewhat a comfort in this strange place. On the afternoon of the second day there, she found herself next to her tent, waiting alongside him as the tents around them were called to eat. The brunette seemed content to remain seated with her back against the cement wall, her fingers occupied by the chains that never seemed to leave her grasp. Her fingers ran over the rough metal tirelessly, her gaze resting on a spot somewhere beyond.

She didn't notice the approaching party until the smooth voice of a man cut into her daydream. Nerea looked up instantly, seeing Jacques halted a few feet away, accompanied by a man who held the chains of a young Flawed boy. She knew the boy by name - Robin, as she had seen Archer talk with him a few times during her stay. The concept of owning the Flawed, and treating them like scum, remained a revolting concept to her, despite how she had promised not to show her emotions. So rather than narrowing her eyes at the men that were offering her food, Nerea forced a cool smile onto her face, and slowly stood up from her spot against the wall.

Her eyes drifted towards Archer for a moment, seeing that he was speaking in silence to the young boy. As Jacques offered that they share dinner, she was tempted to decline, and perhaps even insult his choice in food. But knowing that Archer was watching, and that behaving herself was a key to her own escape, Nerea could not. "How kind of you to suggest such a thing," she said after a moment, her voice somewhat distant as she took another step towards him. Although she had little to no experience with men, she had read of romance in the few books she had found throughout the course of her life. She knew enough to know that this man was interested in her body, and that fact in itself was disturbing.

[R0be0]

Archer had to admit that he was impressed with the fact that Nerea was able to hold herself so she did not insult Jacques. Archer could sense the brief tension which was coming from her, and he knew that she probably wanted nothing more than to tell the man to leave. At least she's honoring the deal that we made. It was a bright side to having to be in the presence of a man of whom Archer detested. Jacques was not a fit leader, and he did not have the skills to be able to bring any hope to humanity's dying cause. And yet there was nothing that Archer could do to state his beliefs, as they would just be shrugged off as the opinion of a Flawed, and he would be beaten for even having an opinion at that. He was supposed to be mindless to bend to the will of whoever was in control of him at the moment. He had found this slightly more easier since Nerea had taken over control of him. He knew that she felt more secure when he was around, though he wasn't sure why. It wasn't like he was going to help her if a situation broke out between her and another member of the Resistance. But for whatever reason it seemed like she was using him as her own personal anchor, not a role that Archer was all too fond of, but one that he preferred over that of a foot-stool.

"Haha, thank you for accepting. Robin. The food." Jacques smooth French accent hardened when he spoke to the Flawed, not even looking at him. Of course not, looking at him might kill you right away. Robin was a scared little kid, who always seemed to have his head in the clouds, during their time in the cages Robin would always be telling Archer of some kind of story that he had made up. He was a sweet boy, and Archer almost seemed to think of him as a kind of younger brother. Of course he could not defend Robin when it came to some trouble that he caused, it didn't stop Archer from wishing that he could beat in the skulls of those monsters kicking a poor little kid. Robin had lost both of his parents during a demon attack, and had been brought out with his uncle who had escaped with him. He was discovered to be a Flawed when he was nine years old, and had since been living in the slums with Archer and the rest of the Flawed. He was by far the youngest of the Flawed, the second being a nineteen year old named Abby who rarely spoke to anyone, even the other Flawed. The clink of the plate touching against the floor made Archer snap out of his thoughts. "So, Nerea." Jacques said, sitting down and folding his legs, whilst pushing the sandwhich plate in Nerea's direction, obviously implying that she should take the first half. "If you don't mind me asking, how does a pretty girl like you survive upstairs? I mean the world is in complete chaos, and I've never heard of anyone outside of the Resistance.. well, ever. You must have done well to keep yourself under the radar." Archer had to admit that he to was curious as to finding out how the girl had managed to survive all these years on her own. Surely she must have had help of some kind. Was his usual answer (to himself). But he wanted to hear what Nerea would say.

He turned his glaze slightly to look at Nerea, making sure to keep his head facing down so Jacques wouldn't see that he was looking at his master. There was a hint of something in his eye, something that hold that he was indeed interested to hear what she was going to say as well. In truth the boy was that of a very curious make, of course he didn't know this, as to him he could have no personality traits, he had nothing inside of him. Nothing that would make him even remotely human. If somewhere were to tell him that he was curious, he would probably laugh it off, and call you insane for even thinking that he would even be able to feel something of a human nature. His biggest wish was to be a human, and to be able to feel how humans do. Little did he know that he already had all of that, he was just keeping it away from himself.