school: otome

[shaft]

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[momming]

[ He can catch her gaze; her eyes are dark and pained. ]

That's what I'm hoping. ... Because you're right, I'd twist your arm if you said that.

[shaft]

[ He laughs, even though he's still radiating concern. Even though he doesn't really seem to believe it. ]

Unfortunately, I'd get my arm twisted either way, if I tried to do that to you. [ He presses his fingers gently to her upper arm. ] Maybe I'll buy a spell with my vouchers, that'll let you see just how important you are to everyone here.

[momming]

... Thank you, but just saying that is enough.

[ she can even muster up a small smile, touched. ]

[shaft]

Is it? You can use your imagination for the rest, I guess.

[ He grabs her shoulder for real this time, pulling her in for a brief, gentle hug. ]

So take care of yourself, okay? And let others help too.

[momming]

[ She very carefully hugs back, even as he can probably feel her tremble. ]

I think they'd do it, regardless... I really am surrounded by such kind people.

[shaft]

[ Since she doesn't seem to mind the contact, he'll settle himself down next to her, so it's easier to hold her against his side, one hand carefully rubbing down her shoulder. ]

You're right. We've got plenty of bleeding hearts around here.

[momming]

[ Since when has Otome ever minded affection?

She leans against him though, eyes drifting closed under the comforting weight of his hand. ]

It's not such a bad thing.

[shaft]

... No.

[ There's an obvious sense of fondness there. ]

Honestly, if it weren't for the murders, I'd much prefer this place to home.

[momming]

You did meet a lovely lady here, after all.

[ She can't blame him. ]

[shaft]

[ He laughs, genuinely amused. ]

Yeah, I guess Manwol is lovely. I doubt she thinks the same of me though. We'll be "breaking up" soon enough.

[momming]

[ There is some minor confusion and concern now. ]

I wouldn't say that... did something happen?

[shaft]

[ Looks back at her, equally confused, before back tracking. ]

Oh- nothing. Maybe I'm just being a pessimist...

[momming]

You do... tend to put yourself down quite a bit. Or no, more like you try to downplay things about yourself?

But I'm sure Manwol knows how amazing you are by now.

[shaft]

[ That's a very interesting take, considering how many people think he's a narcissist. He just huffs, amused. ]

I hope so. [ ... ] Otome, you know it's an act, right?

[momming]

... Oh. But you're such a cute couple!

[shaft]

[ He really laughs then. ]

Thanks? I think we're too similar to ever get along that way though.