dairy cow1

archer and shinji have more than settled in to their lifestyle together. while archer’s position had always been that of an esteemed dairy cow, the staff has definitely not been shy in rewarding him for becoming the top producer. he’s outfitted in expensive, draped silks and chiffon with golden and bejeweled trim. his measurements are taken weekly, with only nods of approval letting him know to expect new outfits on the horizon. his chest measurements have increased dramatically in the last few months, leaving archer with a strong, wide stature and a large, soft chest. the staff has even taken to measuring the diameter or his nipples and while he isn’t sure as to why, every time it happens his heightened sensitivity makes him tremble.

his bedding has been upgraded to softer, down filled blankets and pillows and the staff is more than eager to bring whatever it is that archer should request for his meals. it’s a little embarrassing, truth be told, but it makes life more comfortable for shinji, so he’s fine with it.

even shinji has been given soft, silky tunics, precisely tailored for his tail and decor for his hair and ears. he’s silently greeted by archer’s attendants with friendly, affectionate pets and purrs in response. he’s even brought treats along with archer’s meals, though they know archer is sharing behind closed doors. because shinji lives only within archer’s quarters he isn’t shooed off the bed or expected to make his space any smaller. it’s obvious to everyone that archer wants shinji to exist as he pleases. given all that shinji has inadvertently done to help, they’re fine with allowing it.

while archer is gone for his religious duties, shinji lounges on the bed in an expertly arranged nest of blankets and pillows and reads. every so often an attendant will peek in and bring him a treat or another book, followed by a pat on the head. he used to be so wary and untrusting of the staff, but now he knows better. as archer’s companion, shinji takes care of him. a happy archer means a pleased diocese.

sometimes shinji seems to grow restless of the four walls around him, though he doesn’t have a reference for much else. he doesn’t read as much and he naps more, which archer notices before too long. usually it means he can explain to his attendants that he needs more time with him, but at the height of spring his schedule is inundated with public appearances. it doesn’t last for more than a few weeks, but seeing shinji in such an apathetic state makes his heart hurt. while he knows that’s the life of a companion, he can’t really imagine what it’s like to be completely sequestered to only one room. not really one for the public, archer is always happy to return to his quarters, but shinji is more exuberant than he is...

perhaps he’s in need of some mental stimulation. maybe he’s bored of reading — maybe he would feel better being more physical. the soft, comfortable atmosphere of the room didn’t really do much to promote activity. while shinji is in the throes of an apathy induced nap, archer places an order with the staff to procure shinji a few toys. just something to stimulate his nature and keep his interest in hopes that it can gently pull him from restlessness.

unsurprisingly, the box arrives while archer is out. an attendant brings it in and while they’re always silent, the smile on her face tells him that this is his parcel. tail twitching with curiosity, he crawls out of bed to inspect it once she leaves. he doesn’t particularly like the feeling of tape on his nails, but it’s the most effective way to get it open. with some effort the top is open and he removes the packing paper and starts to sift through the contents. there are several toys inside, all of varying colors and types — typical things. some cerebral, rubix cube type puzzles, feather teasers, bean-bag type things. definitely all things cat companions like him would enjoy, but shinji thinks he would enjoy them more if archer were here to play with him.

and that’s just it. shinji isn’t restless because of his environment, he’s restless because he misses archer. rather than engage in activities, he’d rather sleep because it shortens the time he has to wait for him to come back. in all truth, shinji thought that it was a really smart plan.

he arranges his gifts neatly, looking forward to showing archer and inviting him to play. his attention, however, keeps going back to the box they arrived in. he isn’t exactly sure why, but it looks really inviting. peeking inside he can tell there’s really nothing special about it, but he still can’t stop himself from climbing in and attempting to curl up in it. maybe a few months ago, before his newly acquired softness, this would be a little easier. even so, it’s manageable even if it is a tight fit. he likes this. it’s comfortable. enjoying the feeling of being covered on all sides, he falls asleep again.