Not sure if I want to be called incredible for stuff like that.
[ See!! No fear here, just puppy-like affection that conveys that he likes the touch. He returns the squeeze and whenever Claude wants to retract his hand, he can.
A sigh. ]
I came here to spend some time with you, but really I made things gloomy.
[ He laughs a bit... It's very warm in this hug? It makes him feel warm and unfortunately his emotions blare out his obvious crush on this stupid heterosexual. Very bubbly and fizzy like soda pop. ]
I'm not—believe me. [ REALLY. HE CAME HERE FINE? ] This just isn't how I expected our conversation to go...?
I don't know... I ask about your life as a bachelor—"ex-bachelor?" If this means Manwol might become royalty, too. Ask what's your actual type? [ Simple and innocent things. ] Then maybe we can talk about home since I'm curious about where you're from...
In any case, Claude's emotions are kind of a muddled mix of embarrassment, uncertainty and excitement, but still he tilts Nier's chin up so that he can press a soft kiss to his lips.
It's warm, and the gesture unfortunately brings fondness to whatever it is that he's feeling, but he doesn't linger long because he didn't exactly ask and doesn't want to be rude. ]
[ There’s a jitter because he wasn’t expecting this, but it smooths out fast as he realizes something. It doesn’t… Make him feel awful, or guilty. It doesn’t make him feel less of a person, like a tool or a plaything. It’s different from those kisses he had back then because for once it’s a kiss from someone he likes?
…
His eyebrows knit as his face gains more color than usual. Excitement dances between the melodies of endearment, embarrassment, and so much confusion. ]
Is this how conversations go with you?
[ He’s… Just forcing words out of his mouth. For the sake of talking instead of looking like a fucking idiot. ]
[ Unfortunately for everyone, Claude finds Nier's embarrassment really cute. He seems just profoundly happy and fond, though there's still a niggling of concern and uncertainty, unable to shake away what Nier had told him quite so soon.
He puts a hand on his cheek, feeling the heat from the colour there before gently pinching the skin there. ]
I wanted to because I care about you. [ He pauses here, contemplative. ] But I have been taking too many liberties lately. You might want to reprimand me.
[ His face is really hot, so that's Claude's reward. The flat stare stays as punches of irritation come one after the other to fight off the embarrassment. Overall, Nier is fine. He already said he's fine with touches... He's trying to move on from the days where he tied up his hair because he hated the feeling of it touching his neck. He doesn't have those nightmares anymore. ]
Yeah, that's right. You keep asking questions, but barely return any answers.
[ It's a soft chide before he takes that hand and gives it one feral bite. Have fun with your mark outside of bite week. ]
[ He is very pleased by how warm Nier's face is, but it's short-lived when the bite takes him by surprise, and—because emotionshare week is the worst—there's a bit of excitement. Gross. ]
Hey. [ Frowns. ] I've answered plenty of your questions, haven't I? I think you know quite a bit about me by now.
[ He would say Nier also avoids talking about himself, but he did just open up about something deeply personal. ]
[ Nier gives him an incredulous look BECAUSE WHY ARE YOU EXCITED OVER A BITE? He hums, thinking and deciding to list it all to bully: ]
Claude von Riegan—a prince, a nobleman of the Leicester Alliance, an archer, a rider, wyvern owner, stomach affairs master, a nerd, Byleth's ex-student, current Spring dorm student. You don't like the cold, you were single, and your ideal future is one where you can sleep peacefully.
[ Because it's alpha week, he will bite Claude's wrist, too. Please get these checked for rabies and infection later. ]
You have a penchant for mischief, curious despite holding your secrets close. You're a man with a difficult past now fighting a war at home... You're a kind person with your heart in the right place, willing to check up on your test subjects. Always critical on how you maneuver through interpersonal relationships.
[ Actually, maybe it is a lot? Nier frowns, emotions subdued and somewhat self-conscious over how selfish he's being. Not that it ever stopped him before from strong-arming others. A huff. ]
[ Stop biting him if you don't want him to get excited! He really does take his hand away before he embarrasses himself, though it might be a little too late for that.
He doesn't fluster when Nier lists off all that he knows about him, though he is amazed that he's revealed so much in a matter of weeks. But it goes both ways, when he thinks about all that he's learned about Nier—all that he'd been forced to share when their memories were put on display—and all it does is ring up a well of fondness.
He supposes that he can't disagree with him. It would be hypocritical. ]
How greedy. [ He taps a finger against Nier's chest. ] But it's not a bad thing, I don't think. And I don't mind indulging you either.
Usually, I'd say I don't have much to hide. [ This place has proven them all wrong?? And that Nier is actually a liar? ] I think that still applies since you've seen or heard the worst parts.
[ He bats Claude's hand away. Stop tapping. A sigh escapes and with it weariness spreads. ]
Not really. According to the Church's doctrine, the borders of Fódlan should remain closed. [ please do not ask me about this, i'm going off 1 line from canon ] It's rare to see foreigners around.
[ He also looks curious. ]
I'm interested in what your world is like as well... considering how amazed you were by the sun when you first arrived.
[ Nier doesn't ask, though his vibes are like "that's so weird." ]
... Mm. That's right. We don't see the moon or stars, either, since there's still light at night. I remember people saying it might be because something happened to the moon so the earth's axis is off? It's supposed to explain why we don't really have seasons.
[ Though Nier doesn't buy it entirely... Not that he thinks it's important. ]
I can only really tell you about the places around my village and not much more.
[ Considering how much Nier has apparently been lied to, Claude doesn't really believe it either. He just nods, glancing out across the campus for a moment. ]
Well, for as harrowing as being here is, at least you get to experience nature full force. How're you liking the change in seasons?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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But he takes the offered hand, squeezing it. ]
There's no stopping my concern. You... [ He sighs. ] You're truly incredible, Nier. If I could erase those experiences somehow, I would.
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[ See!! No fear here, just puppy-like affection that conveys that he likes the touch. He returns the squeeze and whenever Claude wants to retract his hand, he can.
A sigh. ]
I came here to spend some time with you, but really I made things gloomy.
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[ He says that firmly.
He does let go of Nier's hand, but only so that he can draw him into a brief, gentle hug, careful not to overstep his boundaries. ]
You don't need to be cheerful for my sake, if you're feeling gloomy. I believe that's advice you offered to me.
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I'm not—believe me. [ REALLY. HE CAME HERE FINE? ] This just isn't how I expected our conversation to go...?
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How did you expect it to go then?
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[ all of this very claude-centric conversation. ]
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He sighs, but it's more an amused huff. ]
Hm.
[ Just grabs Nier's chin. ]
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Until the grab. Uhm. ]
Something wrong?
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In any case, Claude's emotions are kind of a muddled mix of embarrassment, uncertainty and excitement, but still he tilts Nier's chin up so that he can press a soft kiss to his lips.
It's warm, and the gesture unfortunately brings fondness to whatever it is that he's feeling, but he doesn't linger long because he didn't exactly ask and doesn't want to be rude. ]
Nope.
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…
His eyebrows knit as his face gains more color than usual. Excitement dances between the melodies of endearment, embarrassment, and so much confusion. ]
Is this how conversations go with you?
[ He’s… Just forcing words out of his mouth. For the sake of talking instead of looking like a fucking idiot. ]
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[ Unfortunately for everyone, Claude finds Nier's embarrassment really cute. He seems just profoundly happy and fond, though there's still a niggling of concern and uncertainty, unable to shake away what Nier had told him quite so soon.
He puts a hand on his cheek, feeling the heat from the colour there before gently pinching the skin there. ]
I wanted to because I care about you. [ He pauses here, contemplative. ] But I have been taking too many liberties lately. You might want to reprimand me.
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Yeah, that's right. You keep asking questions, but barely return any answers.
[ It's a soft chide before he takes that hand and gives it one feral bite. Have fun with your mark outside of bite week. ]
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Hey. [ Frowns. ] I've answered plenty of your questions, haven't I? I think you know quite a bit about me by now.
[ He would say Nier also avoids talking about himself, but he did just open up about something deeply personal. ]
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Claude von Riegan—a prince, a nobleman of the Leicester Alliance, an archer, a rider, wyvern owner, stomach affairs master, a nerd, Byleth's ex-student, current Spring dorm student. You don't like the cold, you were single, and your ideal future is one where you can sleep peacefully.
[ Because it's alpha week, he will bite Claude's wrist, too. Please get these checked for rabies and infection later. ]
You have a penchant for mischief, curious despite holding your secrets close. You're a man with a difficult past now fighting a war at home... You're a kind person with your heart in the right place, willing to check up on your test subjects. Always critical on how you maneuver through interpersonal relationships.
[ Actually, maybe it is a lot? Nier frowns, emotions subdued and somewhat self-conscious over how selfish he's being. Not that it ever stopped him before from strong-arming others. A huff. ]
... What's wrong with wanting to know more?
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He doesn't fluster when Nier lists off all that he knows about him, though he is amazed that he's revealed so much in a matter of weeks. But it goes both ways, when he thinks about all that he's learned about Nier—all that he'd been forced to share when their memories were put on display—and all it does is ring up a well of fondness.
He supposes that he can't disagree with him. It would be hypocritical. ]
How greedy. [ He taps a finger against Nier's chest. ] But it's not a bad thing, I don't think. And I don't mind indulging you either.
Since you're usually generous in return.
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Usually, I'd say I don't have much to hide. [ This place has proven them all wrong?? And that Nier is actually a liar? ] I think that still applies since you've seen or heard the worst parts.
[ He bats Claude's hand away. Stop tapping. A sigh escapes and with it weariness spreads. ]
All right. Claude fact.
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That's hardly a nice way to ask. You sound like you don't even want to know.
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I'm letting you to tell me something you want to share and you're complaining. [ Nice way of asking: ] Claude fact, please.
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But he thinks about it for a moment, feeling a little put on the spot, before eventually answering. ]
My real name is Khalid. [ He raises a hand before Nier can reply. ] But keep calling me Claude.
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Why another name?
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[ He shakes his head. ]
Fódlan isn't exactly fond of any outsiders regardless of where they're from, if I'm being honest.
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[ what is racism ]
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[ He also looks curious. ]
I'm interested in what your world is like as well... considering how amazed you were by the sun when you first arrived.
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... Mm. That's right. We don't see the moon or stars, either, since there's still light at night. I remember people saying it might be because something happened to the moon so the earth's axis is off? It's supposed to explain why we don't really have seasons.
[ Though Nier doesn't buy it entirely... Not that he thinks it's important. ]
I can only really tell you about the places around my village and not much more.
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Well, for as harrowing as being here is, at least you get to experience nature full force. How're you liking the change in seasons?
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