school: nier

[shaft]

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[shaft]

[ That's a lot of emotions. Claude is just emoting sadness and concern back at him, but he drops his hand, leaning back and happily grasping the new thread of conversation. ]

Yeah, I know you're soft-hearted like that. [ He says it fondly, smiling at Nier. ] I don't know how conducive this place is to romance, but there is something sweet about two people in love.

[amain]

[ sometimes you are very emotional and feel things 200% ]

You're making it sound like that wasn't you—or your attempt to.

[shaft]

[ There's definitely a hint of sheepishness at that, though Claude keeps smiling. ]

You're not convinced?

[amain]

[ Sheepishness... Nier laughs, stupid endeared. ]

No, it was cute. Really. Manwol was lucky, maybe?

[ He knows she hated it. ]

[shaft]

[ He just stares at Nier in response. ]

Is that really what you think?

[amain]

... That it was cute?

[ what ]

[shaft]

That Manwol was lucky.

[ He's pretty everyone knows Manwol can't stand him. ]

[amain]

[ Yes, he knows, but it was still cute. Tilts his head. ]

... You want me to say it to your face that every woman would be unlucky to be with you?

[shaft]

"Every" woman? That's a little harsh!

[ Despite his theatrics, he is giving off genuinely bummed vibes. ]

Though I can admit I'm not really suited for romance...

[amain]

You should have taken my comment as is, then.

[ Nier would find it really funny if it weren't for the bummed vibes. ]

Is that a thing? To be suited for it.

[shaft]

[ That's an interesting question. ]

I would think someone that doesn't enjoy opening up to others or being affectionate wouldn't be well-suited for a relationship.

[ ... ]

Or someone that can't promise any sort of commitment.

[amain]

[ Hm. ]

I guess this backs up all the "ghost"-ing stuff and failing at human relationships on your profile.

[ Nier isn't surprised. There's no judgment or disappointment, either. ]

[shaft]

[ He's starting to feel a little self-conscious, discomfort rather apparent. ]

Well, everyone has weaknesses. [ Waves hand. ] But perhaps I could learn a thing or two from you.

[amain]

[ Con...fusion?? Why single him. ]

You're my friend, so I don't think you're failing that much at human relationships.

[shaft]

[ Claude pauses for a moment before laughing because Nier is so cute sometimes. ]

I think you'd be able to charm a rock, my friend. That's not a commentary on my propensity toward relationships as much as it yours.

[amain]

... I'd be very concerned if rocks can be charmed in the first place.

[ Emotion is TIRED, but the joke is still funny. ]

I'm sure there's someone out there that'll accept you and your secrets, Claude. You're lovable enough.

[shaft]

[ Embarrassed...

Tired of being embarrassed, so he just grabs Nier's face and smiles brightly at him. ]

I bet there's someone out there that'll accept all of you too, Nier. You're very lovable.

[amain]

[ STOP. He doesn’t expect being handled, so the short spike of fear and dread to the touch again, but it quickly tapers to embarrassment. Blips of admiration and affection come, too. ]

This isn’t about me?!

[shaft]

[ He's going to make it about you. Though he's not teasing as much anymore, his amusement overshadowed by concern. ]

Nier, do you hate being touched?

[ FYI i hate this line, why does this sound like a bad fanfic someone please help me. ]

[amain]

[ spoon, writing bad fanfic: do you hate being touched

At first, Nier is confused by his question, but realizes his emotions are sometimes megaphoned. Huh. ]

It's just from some bad experiences I had with clients. [ ... ] I don't hate it... I'm better about it now than when I was a kid.

[ quietly, warns you that there are trigger warnings for pressing this. ]

[shaft]

[ stop i will delete all of my tags

Anyway, the concern only Grows, and Claude once again steps back, looking deeply apprehensive. ]

... How young were you when you began mercenary work?

[amain]

Uhm...

[ Nier's expression doesn't change that much, but the emotions are fear? Fear that Claude would think of him differently if he knew the truth. Self-loathing for things he was forced to do. It's a sickening feeling. ]

It wasn't exactly mercenary work, but I was fifteen.

[shaft]

[ The emotions come across loud and clear (thanks emotionshare week!), and Claude can feel an answering unease in his own belly. ]

What happened? You don't have to answer if you don't want to.

cw: child sexual abuse and prostitution

[amain]

[ His lips press into a fine line before he shakes his head. ]

It's fine. It's the past, anyway. [ He rubs his neck. ] For a short time, I sold my body to afford Yonah's more costly medicine. My regular client was... Very aggressive.

[shaft]

[ There aren't really the words with which to describe how Claude's apprehension skyrockets into rage.

He takes another step back, one hand going to cover his face while the other clenches into a fist. ]

That's... I... You shouldn't have had to go through that. I mean, that's obvious. [ Wow! He's actually pretty upset! ] But I do hope you know you deserved so much better than that.