[ He goes quiet at that, an instinctive reaction because he very much wishes that Molly hadn't asked. He can't wrestle with wondering whether to lie or tell the truth for too long without giving himself away.
But then again, Byleth already knows so. ]
No. I don't. At first I wondered if there were gaps in my memory, but I'm beginning to think it's something else entirely. [ He glances over at Molly. ] I'm guessing you're asking because you had a similar experience?
[You know what? A very, very similar reaction goes on in Molly's expression. So at least he's in good company. He reaches up to toy with the piercing in his lip though, and after a second.]
Something along those lines. Ach. [And then he leans back on his hands.] 'Course, knowing myself, it's entirely possible I've just hit my head too hard and lost something.
[ Claude snorts, doing the opposite as he leans forward to set his elbows on his knees, looking down into the water. ]
That might be the case with me as well, but it still doesn't make sense. [ He glances over. ] What frightens you more? That your mind is unreliable or that there might be parallel worlds out there?
[He clicks his tongue while he thinks it over, kicking his feet a little.]
I suppose no one likes to think of their own mind as the enemy. So I'm going to have to go with that one. Other worlds, we can chalk up to the mysteries of the universe, but this? [He taps his head.] I have to live with as a very close friend.
We're in agreement there. [ Claude leads his chin against his fist, thinking it over. ] I'd much rather deal with some doppelganger version of myself than have to worry that I can't trust my own mind.
[ He rubs his temple. ]
Just another thing to consider in addition to our mysterious arrival here.
[He looks at his hands for a minute. Maybe thinking about how he'd fight his doppleganger? But he flexes the hand where the snake tattoo winds down, ending in the red eye on the back and palm of it.]
Fair enough. Personally wouldn't be into the fight either - think I'd avoid him if I saw him. Might be a real weirdo.
Everyone was being a nosy customer and I want to flick them in the face a little. As a lover of flicking a good busybody in the face, you'd surely agree with me on this.
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[ that seems like a bad idea ]
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[Well. About that. Anyway, kicking his feet in the pool, letting his tail go to splash around in it too.]
You come here with anyone else?
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They're not quite friends, but it's a relief to have familiar faces here. You probably know what I mean.
[ even if one of them is punching him ]
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[He makes a bit of a face, but it's mostly fond. Seems like ... something triggered that brief change in expression. It's probably fine.]
Say-- Forgive me if this is prying, I'm not normally into doing much of that, but ... do you remember all the same things they do?
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But then again, Byleth already knows so. ]
No. I don't. At first I wondered if there were gaps in my memory, but I'm beginning to think it's something else entirely. [ He glances over at Molly. ] I'm guessing you're asking because you had a similar experience?
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Something along those lines. Ach. [And then he leans back on his hands.] 'Course, knowing myself, it's entirely possible I've just hit my head too hard and lost something.
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That might be the case with me as well, but it still doesn't make sense. [ He glances over. ] What frightens you more? That your mind is unreliable or that there might be parallel worlds out there?
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[He clicks his tongue while he thinks it over, kicking his feet a little.]
I suppose no one likes to think of their own mind as the enemy. So I'm going to have to go with that one. Other worlds, we can chalk up to the mysteries of the universe, but this? [He taps his head.] I have to live with as a very close friend.
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[ He rubs his temple. ]
Just another thing to consider in addition to our mysterious arrival here.
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[He laughs at. His own joke.]
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And he'll know yours. I'll be honest, I would hate to fight against myself. I don't think I could handle a taste of my own medicine.
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Fair enough. Personally wouldn't be into the fight either - think I'd avoid him if I saw him. Might be a real weirdo.
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[But there's. No follow-up to that.]
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Then I guess the classes are going to be a breeze for you.
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[At least he admits it.]
The speaking was easy, I was always good at that. Swords? Sure, picked that quick. Lying? Quick as you please. Everything else? Very annoying.
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The dorm heads seem very insistent that we get to know each other.
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[His profile . . . . . . the doxxing of his two-year-old-ness.]
So, let's get to know each other. Pretend I've never seen your profile. What's your name?
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[ He grins, teasing. ]
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[He twists to turn and give a little bow with a dramatic arm flourish. While still sitting down with his feet in the pool.]
You'll forgive the brief borrowing of your identity, but it was an emergency situation. I'm sure you understand.
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[ Claude kicks his feet slightly in the pool, the water splashing as he watches Molly with an amused smile. ]
Explain how, and I'll see how forgiving I feel.
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Also, it was funny.
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