[ 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?
[ His mood dims slightly as he thinks of Fódlan. ]
I don't know that you'd want to take your sister to a place filled with war. [ He looks up, thoughtful. ] But if we really do get a wish at the end of this... I don't think travelling to different worlds is that bad of an idea.
Hmm, maybe I'll pop over to your world with a couple wyverns to introduce the concept.
[ It's a fictional future, but he seems warmed by it nonetheless. ]
You did. But I have a very powerful bodyguard back who'd be very upset if you stole her job. [ ... ] Well, actually, she'd probably be glad, but I like to think she is actually invested in my safety.
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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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[ Nier also looks out and it's SPRING. Love in the air, yadda yadda. ]
The only chilly place nearby my village was the Aerie, but their houses were attached to the cliffs. Still no snow there.
[ Mountains cold, so... ]
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[ stupid fond feelings. ]
And interesting home you have... It seems very static. Do you miss it?
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[ And that’s where his heart is. A lot of unconditional love. ]
When she’s cured, I’m thinking we’d go traveling.
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Travelling? To all those lands you've never seen?
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[ He is landlubber. ]
It’s too bad we can’t visit you.
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[ His mood dims slightly as he thinks of Fódlan. ]
I don't know that you'd want to take your sister to a place filled with war. [ He looks up, thoughtful. ] But if we really do get a wish at the end of this... I don't think travelling to different worlds is that bad of an idea.
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[ It might not ever be. The mention wishes has him curious, maybe excited, to travel around after he finds a cure for Yonah. ]
Maybe after the war, then? Though I did promise to protect you.
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[ It's a fictional future, but he seems warmed by it nonetheless. ]
You did. But I have a very powerful bodyguard back who'd be very upset if you stole her job. [ ... ] Well, actually, she'd probably be glad, but I like to think she is actually invested in my safety.
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[ Nier is fortunately not scared of heights. He snorts. ]
You're worrying me.
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[ Following his words is a sudden well of grief and sadness, but he's quick to realize his mistake, shifting his attention elsewhere. ]
But I think we've dawdled enough. I think it's about time I took a nap.
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Sleep well, Claude.