[Claude is particularly adept at getting Lorenz to speak so callously, whether he's trying to or not, so it's hardly a surprise. It's likely his own endlessly curious nature that led to him knowing too well how the mark on his own back looks-- it's not exactly easy to see on himself, and he certainly wasn't going to ask someone to describe it to him. It's because Claude habitually pays close attention to everything in his life that he's tracked the changes. Devoid of those characteristics and preferring to ignore the idea of soulmates completely, of course Lorenz hasn't checked for himself.
Not even once, though?
He smiles anyway, attempting to convey his usual unflappability. He's Claude, after all, and Claude is always fine. There's no need for Lorenz to regret, because he isn't hurt. This is an important thing that they need to discuss, but he doesn't begrudge Lorenz the choices he's made.] I don't remember the exact date. Teach had us on stable duty together.
something something not knowing yourself will cause bad something
[It takes Lorenz a moment to consider that, for they have often been paired for any number of duties together.
And, at first, Lorenz had questioned that, for to place them together would surely have been akin to fire and kindling. Naught but sparks and tempers (or perhaps that had merely been on his part.)
But as they had grown and the war had come to fruition, he had learned to appreciate Byleth’s wisdom in that regard. As much friction as there might have been between them, it could have only hurt their house, and ultimately the Alliance, to stay strangers. To be constantly at odds, dancing between prying questions and evasive answers with no true amount of trust to speak of. And as they had labored beneath blazing suns and chill winter winds, he had, after a fashion, at least become comfortable with the presence of Claude, if not his disposition.
Success in that regard, if nothing else.
Which, of course, also aligns with Claude’s recollection. With so many days spent as such, it is easy to envision how he might have noticed Lorenz’s mark despite the pains taken to conceal it. (An eternally clasped collar arranged to meticulous perfection.) Toiling in the heat, it would have been easy to have forgotten himself, even if only for a moment, and to loosen a collar in an effort to keep from overheating. And his hair, kept neatly trimmed, would have offered no cover with which to conceal what his coat had.
And so Claude had found out and…]
And? [The question is a quiet one, thinly veiled in something not unlike frustration as he gives Claude a look. He does not mean to make this an interrogation but the other is, typically, offering little on his own thoughts about the matter.] When did you decide to keep it to yourself?
[He can practically see how Lorenz turns the information over in his mind, keen eyes watching the minute shifts in his expression. The answer to his question is obvious, really-- immediately. For a different reason initially than what it came to be, but it had been an immediate decision regardless.
Answering a question with a question is, he knows, pretty damn irritating, but Lorenz is nearly always irritated with him anyway. And, perhaps selfishly, he feels his question is more important than giving a blatantly obvious answer.] What would you have done if I hadn't?
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but the Big Picture lorenz....
Not even once, though?
He smiles anyway, attempting to convey his usual unflappability. He's Claude, after all, and Claude is always fine. There's no need for Lorenz to regret, because he isn't hurt. This is an important thing that they need to discuss, but he doesn't begrudge Lorenz the choices he's made.] I don't remember the exact date. Teach had us on stable duty together.
something something not knowing yourself will cause bad something
And, at first, Lorenz had questioned that, for to place them together would surely have been akin to fire and kindling. Naught but sparks and tempers (or perhaps that had merely been on his part.)
But as they had grown and the war had come to fruition, he had learned to appreciate Byleth’s wisdom in that regard. As much friction as there might have been between them, it could have only hurt their house, and ultimately the Alliance, to stay strangers. To be constantly at odds, dancing between prying questions and evasive answers with no true amount of trust to speak of. And as they had labored beneath blazing suns and chill winter winds, he had, after a fashion, at least become comfortable with the presence of Claude, if not his disposition.
Success in that regard, if nothing else.
Which, of course, also aligns with Claude’s recollection. With so many days spent as such, it is easy to envision how he might have noticed Lorenz’s mark despite the pains taken to conceal it. (An eternally clasped collar arranged to meticulous perfection.) Toiling in the heat, it would have been easy to have forgotten himself, even if only for a moment, and to loosen a collar in an effort to keep from overheating. And his hair, kept neatly trimmed, would have offered no cover with which to conceal what his coat had.
And so Claude had found out and…]
And? [The question is a quiet one, thinly veiled in something not unlike frustration as he gives Claude a look. He does not mean to make this an interrogation but the other is, typically, offering little on his own thoughts about the matter.] When did you decide to keep it to yourself?
no subject
Answering a question with a question is, he knows, pretty damn irritating, but Lorenz is nearly always irritated with him anyway. And, perhaps selfishly, he feels his question is more important than giving a blatantly obvious answer.] What would you have done if I hadn't?