we are the cursed we came from fire and ice

[advancements]

(catchall for camilla's and xander's adventures through fódlan!)

Comments

[nobiliteased]

[He helps Claude to his feet and then for a brief moment, Lorenz ends up standing there, simply holding Claude's hand. This is the sort of thing he would be teased mercilessly for and he knows he should pull away and lead Claude outside to somewhere less crowded but he's suddenly struck with the realization that he is in way over his head.

Being alone with Claude right now will either help tremendously or hurt tremendously, and he has no idea which way it will go. He doesn't exactly think Claude is cruel enough to hurt him intentionally, but Claude has his secrets and he has no idea what to expect from them. For all he knows, Claude is entirely too dumb to realize Lorenz's... interest in him. He has no idea where this will go and he's suddenly seized with fear that he doesn't want to know.

Maybe the tension is just fine where it is. Maybe it's best not to ever think about it again. Honestly, that's starting to sound tempting the longer he stares at Claude.

...Oh, right, he should... probably move... Lorenz quickly pulls away and turns, leading Claude out and toward the gardens. It's hopefully good enough to hide how he's somehow getting even more red.

The gardens are empty - though they aren't far from the dining hall, there aren't many students here at this time. The dance is still in full swing, so most people aren't out here. If any are out and about, they're undoubtedly headed toward the Goddess Tower, which is exactly why Lorenz doesn't try to lead Claude there. That sort of thing - making a wish at the Goddess Tower and the rumors associated with it - would be a little... much, he thinks. The last thing he wants to do is frighten Claude into shutting him out entirely.

Because for as many secrets as Claude keeps, he's remarkably open about how he keeps people at arms' length. If he's let Lorenz in this much, then the least Lorenz can do is to be careful with him.]

Ah, it truly is a nice night...

[It's mostly to break the silence as he pauses, not far from the gazebo. He knows Claude is still following him, but it's mostly just pointless words to try to reset the mood to something a little less... embarrassing, perhaps.]