[ Claude doesn't always outright lie about things, but he's certainly not truthful either. Not even to Byleth, even when he wants to be. He's too used to having to protect himself, and even in his own timeline, he never allowed himself to place his own wants above his goals for Almyra, for peace, all of that. ]
But if we're on the subject, you know, I might actually indulge any other thoughts you have. Not just pulling my hair.
[ It's easy enough for him to focus on what's in front of them, the expectation that they indulge the Peacekeeper's whims. There are things Claude wants that he can only regain by doing that. Besides, it's a good way to get to know someone, to figure things out about them. It's a double-edged sword, though. He knows that. He knows that she'll see through him easily if he lets his guard down at all. But…in light of everything he's learned, what does that matter now? ]
Accidental flattery is still flattery. Just because you didn't choose your words with that intent doesn't mean that you don't have any effect with them.
[ He imagines it for a moment, though, a world where he could have stood beside this woman who he knows and doesn't know. He doesn't see himself as that kind of leader. It scares him, in fact, but he's already heard of the possibility from Lorenz.
He traces one of her fingers with one of his. ]
Anyone on the other side of you being menacing is probably quaking in their boots.
no subject
[ Claude doesn't always outright lie about things, but he's certainly not truthful either. Not even to Byleth, even when he wants to be. He's too used to having to protect himself, and even in his own timeline, he never allowed himself to place his own wants above his goals for Almyra, for peace, all of that. ]
But if we're on the subject, you know, I might actually indulge any other thoughts you have. Not just pulling my hair.
[ It's easy enough for him to focus on what's in front of them, the expectation that they indulge the Peacekeeper's whims. There are things Claude wants that he can only regain by doing that. Besides, it's a good way to get to know someone, to figure things out about them. It's a double-edged sword, though. He knows that. He knows that she'll see through him easily if he lets his guard down at all. But…in light of everything he's learned, what does that matter now? ]
Accidental flattery is still flattery. Just because you didn't choose your words with that intent doesn't mean that you don't have any effect with them.
[ He imagines it for a moment, though, a world where he could have stood beside this woman who he knows and doesn't know. He doesn't see himself as that kind of leader. It scares him, in fact, but he's already heard of the possibility from Lorenz.
He traces one of her fingers with one of his. ]
Anyone on the other side of you being menacing is probably quaking in their boots.