[ He's not the only one who flinches back to attention as the memory fades. It's one that sits heavily, makes her feel a little sick as she works to separate her thoughts and feelings from a much younger Claude's. One hand mirrors his, pressed against her chest.
That's not... what a child should be going through. That's-- ]
Claude...
[ It's vaguely questioning, but she isn't asking for an explanation. She isn't asking for reassurance. Otome just gazes at him, and the prevalent emotion is concern. ]
[ This could be cute, except Otome is more concerned about the tension she sees in his everything so instead of like lacing their fingers together or something, she's just firmly but gently pressing and massaging at each individual finger to see if that helps. ]
I don't consider it a burden. [ For as terrible as it is to hear that he's technically dead, Otome speaks firmly. Something flashes in her eyes, a bit of fierceness. ]
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That's not... what a child should be going through. That's-- ]
Claude...
[ It's vaguely questioning, but she isn't asking for an explanation. She isn't asking for reassurance. Otome just gazes at him, and the prevalent emotion is concern. ]
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That was unpleasant, wasn't it? But don't worry, it's been many years.
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[ She reaches for his hand, then hesitates, eyes flicking up to his face for permission. That probably did him no favors in the trusting department. ]
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[ He gives her a thin smile before shaking his head. ]
I have no intention of denying that it was awful, but that's just how the pieces fall sometimes.
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Did you come to expect this...?
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I'd say so. It happened more times than I could count.
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... Because of your status?
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But he doesn't feel like lying. ]
Not quite. My mother hailed from another country, and people didn't like a prince of mixed heritage.
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[ wow, she actually sounds quietly angry. ]
That's terrible.
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[ He smiles wryly, but he doesn't appear particularly haunted or hurt by remembering. Just dismayed. ]
I think things could've changed though, with the right push.
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Though I'm fairly sure you already know it won't be easy.
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It's only how old you feel inside that counts.
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Duly noted. I just meant that you're still young. You're so certain your time has come and gone already?
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I suppose I should mention that I'm a dead man.
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...
[ She just kind of stares at him. ]
You're dead? [ As she automatically thinks back. Had she missed something? He'd spoken like he still had so much more to fight for... ]
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Her entire expression just looks miserable, though. ]
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It's all right. In a sense, I'm lucky to have been brought here. I think there's power at this school that might let me continue living.
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But does that... last only as long as you're here? What if you can't return?
[ She frowns, gaze a little distant. ]
No, there has to be a way to save you...
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It's not a burden I wanted to place on you. It just... is.
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I don't consider anything about you a burden.
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I...
[ ... ]
Thank you.
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[ She shakes her head, gently releasing his hand so she doesn't end up squeezing it. ]
But I don't want you to think you're troubling me just by telling me the truth.
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