[ Claude is so used to the opposite. He's used to obligation and serving his purpose, a purpose that will most often place him in situations that aren't strictly fun. Necessary, sure and important, definitely, but also boring and repetitive. The same polite phrases, in my opinion..., what does Senator what's-his-face think about that, wouldn't it be more beneficial if..., over and over. Over and over and over. Kriff. Wouldn't anyone get tired? Wouldn't anyone look at the stranger who doesn't shrug on his robe, just cradles it between big hands, looking younger by the minute and think, ticket out. One-way, please. Can't just be Claude, right? Must be the universal reaction this man inspires, he can't imagine anything else.
I don't have anywhere else to be. Meaning, there's no one else waiting and Claude knows that feeling too well, all too well.
No one should be alone like that. The two of them, least of all.
So, Claude looks back, gaze open and expression curious. Maybe they're the perfect people to fix that, then. Maybe this is a matter that they're supposed to hold in their own hands. That's a pretty novel feeling. Novel, but exciting. Yes, Claude looks back and Claude smiles, feeling his eyes crinkle at the corners, lips curving, showing teeth. The other man is so young, Claude has to remember, has to keep that in mind, but not treat him anything like it. There's nothing worse, he knows from experience. He remembers. ]
I do, but I'd rather be here. Are you gonna tell me who I'm staying with?
[ He realizes that he's standing at a crossroad. He's got the choice of dodging Rainier all night, possibly the rest of his kriffing life, managing spotty conversation and no introductions worth the time they occupy - or he can stay here, be safe, not worry and have a taste of a different reality than what he usually calls his.
If that was a difficult choice, he wouldn't be human, would he? Come on, he's not that strong. Look at the guy! His bluer than blue eyes. ]
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I don't have anywhere else to be. Meaning, there's no one else waiting and Claude knows that feeling too well, all too well.
No one should be alone like that. The two of them, least of all.
So, Claude looks back, gaze open and expression curious. Maybe they're the perfect people to fix that, then. Maybe this is a matter that they're supposed to hold in their own hands. That's a pretty novel feeling. Novel, but exciting. Yes, Claude looks back and Claude smiles, feeling his eyes crinkle at the corners, lips curving, showing teeth. The other man is so young, Claude has to remember, has to keep that in mind, but not treat him anything like it. There's nothing worse, he knows from experience. He remembers. ]
I do, but I'd rather be here. Are you gonna tell me who I'm staying with?
[ He realizes that he's standing at a crossroad. He's got the choice of dodging Rainier all night, possibly the rest of his kriffing life, managing spotty conversation and no introductions worth the time they occupy - or he can stay here, be safe, not worry and have a taste of a different reality than what he usually calls his.
If that was a difficult choice, he wouldn't be human, would he? Come on, he's not that strong. Look at the guy! His bluer than blue eyes. ]