school: nier

[shaft]

Comments

[amain]

... That's awful and also stupid. Why would anyone say that?

[ Yeah, Nier would never say something like that. ]

[shaft]

There are plenty of intolerant people in the world.

[ Nier should know that. He's probably seen plenty of terrible things. ]

[amain]

[ He has seen discrimination in different ways in his world. It was horrible—difficult for him to understand. ]

Yeah.

[ Nier sits up and pulls Claude into a hug with his free arm. ]

[shaft]

[ He just laughs and pats him on the shoulder. ]

Don't worry, I have pretty thick skin. It doesn't bother me anymore.

[amain]

You shouldn’t need to have a thick skin...

[ No one should treat Claude, or anyone, so poorly. He gives Claude a small squeeze in this hug. Grumbles. ]

I’d have a word with anyone that says those kinds of things to you.

[shaft]

[ Nier is so cute, and Claude does appreciate his reaction. It's new, and welcome.

He squeezes him in return. ]

It's all right. I haven't heard anything like that in years anyway.

[amain]

Good.

[ How many times is Claude going to think Nier is cute. He gives a small nuzzle, content enough with that. ]

You remember what I said weeks ago, right? When I was badgering you about your fake dating.

[ now space jam is real ]

[shaft]

[ He looks at him, puzzled. That had been a loaded conversation. ]

That any woman would be unlucky to date me?

[amain]

[ PLEase. YOU MAKE HIM SO TIrED. HOW DO YOU JUST DRAIN HIM OF HIS ENERGY. He shakes his head?? ]

... I should ask why that's what you recall first. [ This one: ] You are lovable.

[shaft]

[ You willingly suffer through this, Nier. I have no sympathy.

But he just smiles, he was teasing. ]

Yeah, I remember. And then you bit me like three times.

[amain]

[ ............. in the smallest voice: ]

Did I do that?

[shaft]

Yeah, and then Caleb asked me about it in trial.

[ Amused. ]

[amain]

[ The trial Caleb asked him to verify things. Nier frowns as he pulls away from the hug. Unamused. ]

Right. I remember now... For some reason, you felt excited over the bites.

[shaft]

[ Sure. Nier had to remember that. He hates emotionshare week, even now. ]

Mm.

[ He's not elaborating. ]

[amain]

[ He arches his brow, knowing enough. ]

Want to tell me something, Claude?

[shaft]

[ Stop. Claude just shoves him, looking back across the campus to hide the colour crawling up his neck. ]

I'll pass, thanks.

[amain]

[ A snort. You brought up the bites and now you're RUNNING which is valid. He settles again. ]

... So we really can't travel together.

[shaft]

[ A mercy.

He glances at Nier. ]

I've thought about it. I don't want to return to Fódlan, but I can't leave things there unfinished.

[amain]

That's responsible of you.

[ He approves, though there is worry. Claude is returning to a war. ]

Not even after?

[shaft]

[ He looks a little surprised, smiling at Nier and gently tugging on a lock of his hair. ]

You really want me with you.

[amain]

[ His eyes widen from surprise, then a… Nervous chuckle. ]

Does it sound like I’m whining?

[ He kind of is. ]

[shaft]

I don't mind.

[ It makes him feel warm... To think that someone might want him to stay. And it makes him anxious, wondering how he might disappoint him. ]

Maybe after, if Manwol doesn't mind it. But I do think we both want to travel and see all our friends again.

[amain]

Even if you don't mind it, I shouldn't be asking so much...

[ He rubs his neck awkwardly because it's unfamiliar and new to him. Nier has always been the provider, the giver, and seldom does he ask for or expect anything in return. It's a pleasant surprise when anyone considers him.

A nod. ]

I'd also have to ask Kainé, but I can't be gone for too many days to visit friends.

[ HIS SISTER!! ]

[shaft]

You're not asking too much. I'm going to miss you too.

[ He squeezes Nier's knee briefly. ]

I'd like to meet your sister too.

[amain]

[ i hate that claude keeps touching him and he's so used to it now. ]

I think I've said she would like you. [ He might be too thrilled at the thought of Yonah meeting his friends, especially Claude. Nier's beaming. ] Except she's a talker, so you two would need to fight for the microphone.

[ But then Nier's expression falls because he's...... thinking about something. One moment. ]