school: otome

[shaft]

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[shaft]

[ He draws one leg up to his chest so that he can set his arm on top of it, looking outward. ]

There is a lot of beauty here... The way that a group of mostly strangers has grown to care so deeply about each other.

[ Looks pointedly at her. ]

[momming]

[ Why look so pointedly she did nothing wrong-- ]

We're all trying to find the truth and support each other, in our own ways. [ And her gaze shifts over to Claude. ] Even with-- or maybe because of everything happening, I'm not too surprised that we'd come to care so much.

[shaft]

You're right. Though it's new for me... I've never seen people warm up to each other so quickly, even when fighting a war.

I suppose that's what makes the betrayal that much more painful.

[momming]

... We don't have to discuss it, if you'd rather not.

[ That's a lot of examining of his feelings they'd have to do. ]

[shaft]

Oh- no, it's just an observation.

[ He shrugs, not really having been referring to Byleth in that moment. ]

I think it was harder for Catra and the others today. I've already seen this side of Byleth.

[momming]

Does that... have to do with the events you mentioned back home?

[ The war? ]

[shaft]

Yeah. Everyone shows an ugly side in war, no matter how righteous they seem.

That's just how it is.

[momming]

... [ She scoots a little to bump shoulders with him. ]

I'm sorry. I haven't quite figured out how to distract you yet, but this probably isn't helping.

[shaft]

[ He shakes his head. ]

Don't worry about it. Today's weighing on you too, isn't it?

[momming]

... Mm.

[ It sure has been a time today. ]

[shaft]

[ He'll nudge her closer, so that she can rest her head on his shoulder. ]

Just watching the stars is enough.

[momming]

[ She doesn't protest. Her head just drops against his shoulder and one hand seeks out his to hold.

Sorry that her hand is freezing but so is his, probably. ]

That's really enough for you?

[shaft]

[ He doesn't mind. His hand is cold too. ]

I'm not particularly high maintenance.

[momming]

Not something I usually hear from royalty.

[ But she'll snuggle in then. ]

[shaft]

I am one of a kind in that regard.

[ toots his own horn ]

[momming]

That's a shame. I think more of them could learn from your example.