[ When he looks back to Claude his eyebrows knit, incredulous. He is better remembering that you are a bit stinky as a person.
His eyes wander again as he thinks. It's rather easy for him to narrow it down. ]
... When Maria and I were on better terms, the times were always good. [ In spite of her coming after his life twice, he can't fault her and instead still loves her. ] Especially when Morgana was there, too. Everyone present, really.
[ Gratien, Ceren, his buddies at the pub. He still considers the memories he shared with them to be good, even if in previous iterations he was near incapable of admitting to it... He was too harrowed by every happy memory just ultimately becoming sad.
With the distance of years and penance coming to an end, he can look back with a less heavy and strained heart. ]
Even my time as Lord, there were some moments with my advisor I appreciated. I still think about his advice to me.
[ Tilts his head as he starts scrubbing through Heaven. ]
In Heaven, I had a couple of good days... [ Doesn't detail for reasons. ] I enjoyed the last party, too.
[ So, so, so quietly in a mumble, "being married" because he doesn't want Claude to ask about this. ]
[ Well, he had been trying to wheedle out compliments from their time together in heaven, but he's pleasantly surprised by the honest answer. Even if it does ache a little, remembering the memories Jacopo shared with him of how he'd been betrayed by those dear friends of his.
Resting his arm against the back of the couch, he props his head up on a fist, looking relaxed and content. The good times don't make the hardships "worth it" necessarily, but there's no harm in focusing on the good. ]
You got married? Congratulations.
[ He wasn't even invited... Sad. Well, Jacopo didn't know that he existed. But still.
He doesn't ask about it, because he hasn't forgotten what Jacopo said about being reborn to repeat his mistakes. ]
Those old friends of yours, have you found them again in this world?
[ Thank you. Him in turbo watching everyone ask about his wife and holding himself back from a spiral...
Also, he would never dish out compliments without some more coaxing, maybe an upfront ask. That would be too embarrassing? Even as a tease, that seems a bit mean. Maybe it would have been fine for Claude, but he's overthinking a bit in his situation. ]
[ First of all, he's not from this world so they might find him strange even if he tries to be normal. And second, Jacopo had said that this life wasn't bad... Claude would understand if he wanted to protect it, and keep it separate from the games. ]
[ It's very casual and comes with a half-shruig. Jacopo doesn't see the problem here? If anything, it's better for his friends to get to know each other, even if they think Claude will be weird for his medieval habits every now and then.
I'm pretty used to being harassed by women, don't worry. [ Between Judith, Hilda and Shez... Probably not as badly as Jacopo since he's not as much of a pathetic bottom, but they don't pull their punches around him.
But wow! Meeting new people! Thankfully, Claude doesn't have social anxiety so this doesn't intimidate him. ]
I want to learn more about this world before that though, so I don't look like a complete fool.
Something we have in common, though less so for me now.
[ But that's because he doesn't have many friends in Paris. Been too busy with work, but fate works in strange ways. He already invited Maria back into his life, so all of the pieces will eventually fall back to where they should be. ]
I'll say you're from the countryside to give you some cover. [ Jacopo thinks it works out. ] You can even borrow my clothes.
[ He really does not know what Claude means... His lord robes were pretty modest and even right now he had buttoned up more to meet him. He is only chest out in casual and lounge wear.
[ Thank you. He does purposely choose cleavage to be comfortable and sometimes he likes how it looks. Do not stare for too long.
Only going to raise an eyebrow at that. ]
If my clothes aren't to your liking, you'd just need to tolerate them long enough to shop for your own.
[ It's no big deal, but... Mm. He tosses the idea around in his head about visiting. ]
Back to medieval times, but one with wyverns. [ That is a perk as if seeing the other people from Heaven isn't already one, yet he goes quiet. ] ... Frankly, you're the only one I care to see from there.
[ Oh... He wouldn't mind going shopping. Claude actually does like creature comforts like fancy clothes and pretty jewelry. It makes him feel nice. Another reason he won't tease Jacopo too much about his cleavage.
But his attention shifts elsewhere. For a second, he almost feels a little wiggly at the response, like when someone gives you a compliment and you're too awkward to know how to respond. Which is strange, because he can usually accept compliments with ease. Yes, he does know that he has a big brain when it comes to getting out of sticky situations.
Then again, maybe it's not a compliment. It could just be because he's already weaselled his way here.
Gently rubs his face to disguise any reaction. ]
Really? [ Well, he doesn't think Jacopo is BFFs with Saber or Yves. ] You know, both Yves and Adolphe are there.
[ Though, they are still... together... so it could be uncomfortable for him. He doesn't know. ]
[ Claude can see large shopping malls later. It'll be a fun little trip full of exploration and discovery.
Jacopo doesn't see it much as a compliment as it's simply the truth. It is in part that Claude shoved his way in... He appeared at the airport and approached him like nothing has changed—well, nothing had for Claude. He bypassed Jacopo's worries and hesitance by wedging himself back into his life, forcing him to condense what could have taken months, or maybe years, into days.
It is difficult for Jacopo to ignore how different he is now. With the way he's dressed, with where he lives, even in how he thinks. They may be echoes that translate and assimilate to the period and time he's in, but he isn't the same and there's some guilt in that. He had changed for the better, but he lost what made him similar to the people he cared for.
His rational mind knows he's still himself, but there are parts of him that don't make him the same. There are a thousand years' worth of parts and it lets the irrational side of him fester. Rejection is a scary thing... But Claude remedied it, only between them. ]
I know. [ It came with the memories. He hasn't forgotten all the people Claude offered some kind of refuge. ] I hope they're living a happy life.
[ He doesn't say a word about seeing or talking to Adolphe, but the smile that plasters onto his lips is full of sincerity. Torn in two, he considers a safe distance even if he deeply misses him. He loved him and he still does, but Jacopo can stand back and reaffirm that it's better this way. He said such foolish things back then, had foolish dreams and hopes... So blinded by the warm feeling in his chest that threatened to burst. Adolphe reminded him what it felt like to not be alone, to be understood.
But Jacopo should have remembered he was doomed and cursed, so he's grateful that Adolphe didn't take his hand to know new misery. It's better that he doesn't know.
No one needs to know, except for Claude he supposes. Jacopo gestures to him with an open hand. ]
That just leaves you. Don't feel too special.
[ But Claude is special, one where Jacopo decided he won't add multiple pretenses. As much as Jacopo would like to see Marcoh, he won't be going for his own desires. It'll be to reunite him and Daan, to ease both of their anxieties and regrets. There's Jonas whom Jacopo intends to check on, but not overstay. Heaven isn't a place for mortals and Jonas made plenty of friends in AllStars. ]
[ He's mostly joking, teasing because he's still awkward around sincerity. But he is genuinely grateful. He knows that Jacopo has his insecurities about relationships and where he stands with others, and while he doesn't fully grasp the nature of how he'd changed throughout everything that had happened to him, he can imagine that such a long time had given those thoughts plenty of time to rear their ugly heads.
And really, he doesn't know how much of their friendship is the same and how much will be different, because he doesn't really know how much Jacopo's grown and changed. Will he be irritated if Claude refers too often to how things used to be? Because it's not a "used to be" for him, it's only "a little while ago".
He doesn't want to pressure him to feel like he has to be the person he was in heaven, but he doesn't know how to... not to that, either. That person is all he knows.
But, strangely enough, he's not really intimidated by all these uncertainties. Even if he missteps or they stumble or Jacopo gets angry, he feels like it'll be okay. Which is unusual for him, given how prepared he is for people to float out his life at the first sign of trouble. ]
I won't pressure you, but I'm sure they'd be happy to see you. [ Well, Yves and Adolphe, at least. Saber is harder to predict. ] But alright if it's just you and me for now... What next?
[ Jacopo rolls his eyes when Claude decides to be Defiant and establish his special status. The comment that people would be happy to see him doesn't receive a response, just thoughtful silence. How is it that if he were to hear that from his friends or his parents in this life, he wouldn't bat an eyelash?
Yet with all the memories and years stretching hundreds, there's uncertainty when Claude says it. It makes no sense to him... He wishes he wasn't so difficult and what makes one less difficult is putting on an easy smile. ]
When I mentioned buying your own clothes, it almost seemed to me there was a glint in your greedy green eyes.
[ Jacopo teases back. It comes casually without any edge or weight. ]
Let's go shopping. [ Picking himself up, he gestures for Claude to follow him to his bedroom so he can get him a change of clothes. ] I can show you some historical landmarks along the way, too.
[ Okay, maybe he is greedy. He likes to have things.
He follows after Jacopo, continuing to look around the apartment nosily as he does so. Immediately starts looking around his bedroom to see if the vibe is different from the living area. ]
You know, I've never been shopping for real. [ Like in a real city, not just heaven's manicured shops. ] Or been much of a tourist.
[ Pauses. ]
You'll have to tell me what is and isn't a reasonable price. I have no idea what currency is like here, obviously.
[ They can both relate in being greedy and wanting to have things. Jacopo likes being intentional with his greed though, rather than being a dragon hoarding treasures. He expects that Claude is similar.
Yes... His bedroom. The books are similar to that in the living room: business from marketing to project management with a focus on realty, some history books, lifestyle magazines (this is still about property), and a European classic here and there. The mug is a souvenir, I guess. ]
Right. This is a chance for you to walk among everyday people as an everyday person.
[ Through his closet, he just picks some simple clothes, accessories included though they'd be gold instead of silver. It's fortunate they're the same size... I should have been scapegoated for Zhongli. ]
I'd love to watch you pay ten euros for a banana, but since it's on my coin today I'll be guiding you. [ Gestures to the personal bathroom for Claude to use. ] I'll give you a rundown on fabric blends, too. The future has synthetics to offer and they do have their purposes... As usual there will always be a spectrum of quality between textiles and their craft.
[ Wow, what a fancy wall art. He observed a bit of modern aesthetic in heaven, but he is curiously taken in everything around him. How different the beds are, the construction of the furniture, the material of the walls... Fascinating.
Accepts the clothes. Thank you! He'll go ahead and change in the bathroom, but leave the door open to continue their conversation. ]
You're pretty discerning, Jacopo.
[ Though Claude also tends to take care of what fabrics he wears, the quality of the dyes, and the embroidery. He doesn't know what synthetics are, but assumes it's some cool, futuristic invention. ]
Do you have the coin to spare for me, though? I don't mind borrowing your clothing.
[ He will not tuck in the shirt, but he's happy enough with the clothes that Jacopo has provided him. ]
[ It is cool and futuristic, but consumerism and capitalism can take hold of any innovation and make it worse. He will help you wade through synthetics, only if it's necessary. ]
I may not be Lord of the land here, but I do still have money.
[ His job is lucrative, nevertheless... Even though it seems like he lives rather humble and simple. As Lord, he was similar, too. He didn't care to own the manor that he did, but he had to. Ownership and upkeep was a performative, which was advice from his late advisor.
[ They don't have mass manufacturing where he's from, and it takes a lot to make a single garment so it is an investment. Granted, it's never been out of his price range because he's always been privileged when it comes to wealth, but he is aware that's not the case for everyone.
[ Wealth is not a problem here and Jacopo can afford to let Claude have fun getting some clothes.
First, though. This problem. He gives Claude a look while he holds this belt. ]
Depends on the crowd and occasion, but we're looking to be put together and not like an American going on a quick grocery run. You want me to tuck in your shirt like I'm your mother?
[ He likes the baggy look... Why must he define his waist for all of Paris to see?
But also, he really has no idea what the norms are here, so even if he would rather be able to choose his own style, he has to defer to Jacopo's judgment. ]
Alright, alright.
[ With a sigh, he shimmies the ends of the shirt into his pants so that it's nicely tucked. IT'S A CUTE LOOK even if he thinks it makes him look a little too neat. Claude is neat and carefully presented whenever he's in an official setting, but on his own he prefers a more baggy silhouette.
[ He hands Claude the belt, but then pulls some of the shirt out from being tucked to give it more of a baggy silhouette while still having a waistline.
Neat, but not too put-together. It has to be effortlessly casual, but not sloven. ]
[ He was, but only for himself. He made sure that he looked proper and prim even though he lacked sleep and drank almost every night. Still went about being functional, if not overly functional and capable despite dissociating through competence. It is one of his strengths to work through any burden.
But then his soul took the appearance of his 19-22 yo self, so he was less prissy about appearance. ]
What I said earlier wasn't an invitation for that kind of play.
[ Jacopo will be checking he has everything from keys to wallet, but Claude can kind that he does have sandals. ]
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His eyes wander again as he thinks. It's rather easy for him to narrow it down. ]
... When Maria and I were on better terms, the times were always good. [ In spite of her coming after his life twice, he can't fault her and instead still loves her. ] Especially when Morgana was there, too. Everyone present, really.
[ Gratien, Ceren, his buddies at the pub. He still considers the memories he shared with them to be good, even if in previous iterations he was near incapable of admitting to it... He was too harrowed by every happy memory just ultimately becoming sad.
With the distance of years and penance coming to an end, he can look back with a less heavy and strained heart. ]
Even my time as Lord, there were some moments with my advisor I appreciated. I still think about his advice to me.
[ Tilts his head as he starts scrubbing through Heaven. ]
In Heaven, I had a couple of good days... [ Doesn't detail for reasons. ] I enjoyed the last party, too.
[ So, so, so quietly in a mumble, "being married" because he doesn't want Claude to ask about this. ]
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Resting his arm against the back of the couch, he props his head up on a fist, looking relaxed and content. The good times don't make the hardships "worth it" necessarily, but there's no harm in focusing on the good. ]
You got married? Congratulations.
[ He wasn't even invited... Sad. Well, Jacopo didn't know that he existed. But still.
He doesn't ask about it, because he hasn't forgotten what Jacopo said about being reborn to repeat his mistakes. ]
Those old friends of yours, have you found them again in this world?
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Also, he would never dish out compliments without some more coaxing, maybe an upfront ask. That would be too embarrassing? Even as a tease, that seems a bit mean. Maybe it would have been fine for Claude, but he's overthinking a bit in his situation. ]
Interested in meeting them?
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You'd let me?
[ First of all, he's not from this world so they might find him strange even if he tries to be normal. And second, Jacopo had said that this life wasn't bad... Claude would understand if he wanted to protect it, and keep it separate from the games. ]
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That isn't his problem. That's Claude's. ]
Maria would eat you alive.
[ Fair warning. ]
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I'm pretty used to being harassed by women, don't worry. [ Between Judith, Hilda and Shez... Probably not as badly as Jacopo since he's not as much of a pathetic bottom, but they don't pull their punches around him.
But wow! Meeting new people! Thankfully, Claude doesn't have social anxiety so this doesn't intimidate him. ]
I want to learn more about this world before that though, so I don't look like a complete fool.
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[ But that's because he doesn't have many friends in Paris. Been too busy with work, but fate works in strange ways. He already invited Maria back into his life, so all of the pieces will eventually fall back to where they should be. ]
I'll say you're from the countryside to give you some cover. [ Jacopo thinks it works out. ] You can even borrow my clothes.
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I don't know if I'm bold enough to pull off your look, Jacopo.
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[ He really does not know what Claude means... His lord robes were pretty modest and even right now he had buttoned up more to meet him. He is only chest out in casual and lounge wear.
But even then, he doesn't really like. Realize. ]
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Nothing. Just remembering something.
[ He doesn't have the heart to tease him further when he's being so considerate. ]
Which reminds me, do you want to visit Fódlan? There are others you'd know there. [ ... ] Or I suppose I could bring them.
[ Fódlan is kind of boring. ]
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Only going to raise an eyebrow at that. ]
If my clothes aren't to your liking, you'd just need to tolerate them long enough to shop for your own.
[ It's no big deal, but... Mm. He tosses the idea around in his head about visiting. ]
Back to medieval times, but one with wyverns. [ That is a perk as if seeing the other people from Heaven isn't already one, yet he goes quiet. ] ... Frankly, you're the only one I care to see from there.
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But his attention shifts elsewhere. For a second, he almost feels a little wiggly at the response, like when someone gives you a compliment and you're too awkward to know how to respond. Which is strange, because he can usually accept compliments with ease. Yes, he does know that he has a big brain when it comes to getting out of sticky situations.
Then again, maybe it's not a compliment. It could just be because he's already weaselled his way here.
Gently rubs his face to disguise any reaction. ]
Really? [ Well, he doesn't think Jacopo is BFFs with Saber or Yves. ] You know, both Yves and Adolphe are there.
[ Though, they are still... together... so it could be uncomfortable for him. He doesn't know. ]
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Jacopo doesn't see it much as a compliment as it's simply the truth. It is in part that Claude shoved his way in... He appeared at the airport and approached him like nothing has changed—well, nothing had for Claude. He bypassed Jacopo's worries and hesitance by wedging himself back into his life, forcing him to condense what could have taken months, or maybe years, into days.
It is difficult for Jacopo to ignore how different he is now. With the way he's dressed, with where he lives, even in how he thinks. They may be echoes that translate and assimilate to the period and time he's in, but he isn't the same and there's some guilt in that. He had changed for the better, but he lost what made him similar to the people he cared for.
His rational mind knows he's still himself, but there are parts of him that don't make him the same. There are a thousand years' worth of parts and it lets the irrational side of him fester. Rejection is a scary thing... But Claude remedied it, only between them. ]
I know. [ It came with the memories. He hasn't forgotten all the people Claude offered some kind of refuge. ] I hope they're living a happy life.
[ He doesn't say a word about seeing or talking to Adolphe, but the smile that plasters onto his lips is full of sincerity. Torn in two, he considers a safe distance even if he deeply misses him. He loved him and he still does, but Jacopo can stand back and reaffirm that it's better this way. He said such foolish things back then, had foolish dreams and hopes... So blinded by the warm feeling in his chest that threatened to burst. Adolphe reminded him what it felt like to not be alone, to be understood.
But Jacopo should have remembered he was doomed and cursed, so he's grateful that Adolphe didn't take his hand to know new misery. It's better that he doesn't know.
No one needs to know, except for Claude he supposes. Jacopo gestures to him with an open hand. ]
That just leaves you. Don't feel too special.
[ But Claude is special, one where Jacopo decided he won't add multiple pretenses. As much as Jacopo would like to see Marcoh, he won't be going for his own desires. It'll be to reunite him and Daan, to ease both of their anxieties and regrets. There's Jonas whom Jacopo intends to check on, but not overstay. Heaven isn't a place for mortals and Jonas made plenty of friends in AllStars. ]
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I do feel special.
[ He's mostly joking, teasing because he's still awkward around sincerity. But he is genuinely grateful. He knows that Jacopo has his insecurities about relationships and where he stands with others, and while he doesn't fully grasp the nature of how he'd changed throughout everything that had happened to him, he can imagine that such a long time had given those thoughts plenty of time to rear their ugly heads.
And really, he doesn't know how much of their friendship is the same and how much will be different, because he doesn't really know how much Jacopo's grown and changed. Will he be irritated if Claude refers too often to how things used to be? Because it's not a "used to be" for him, it's only "a little while ago".
He doesn't want to pressure him to feel like he has to be the person he was in heaven, but he doesn't know how to... not to that, either. That person is all he knows.
But, strangely enough, he's not really intimidated by all these uncertainties. Even if he missteps or they stumble or Jacopo gets angry, he feels like it'll be okay. Which is unusual for him, given how prepared he is for people to float out his life at the first sign of trouble. ]
I won't pressure you, but I'm sure they'd be happy to see you. [ Well, Yves and Adolphe, at least. Saber is harder to predict. ] But alright if it's just you and me for now... What next?
[ Peers at him. ]
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Yet with all the memories and years stretching hundreds, there's uncertainty when Claude says it. It makes no sense to him... He wishes he wasn't so difficult and what makes one less difficult is putting on an easy smile. ]
When I mentioned buying your own clothes, it almost seemed to me there was a glint in your greedy green eyes.
[ Jacopo teases back. It comes casually without any edge or weight. ]
Let's go shopping. [ Picking himself up, he gestures for Claude to follow him to his bedroom so he can get him a change of clothes. ] I can show you some historical landmarks along the way, too.
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[ Okay, maybe he is greedy. He likes to have things.
He follows after Jacopo, continuing to look around the apartment nosily as he does so. Immediately starts looking around his bedroom to see if the vibe is different from the living area. ]
You know, I've never been shopping for real. [ Like in a real city, not just heaven's manicured shops. ] Or been much of a tourist.
[ Pauses. ]
You'll have to tell me what is and isn't a reasonable price. I have no idea what currency is like here, obviously.
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Yes... His bedroom. The books are similar to that in the living room: business from marketing to project management with a focus on realty, some history books, lifestyle magazines (this is still about property), and a European classic here and there. The mug is a souvenir, I guess. ]
Right. This is a chance for you to walk among everyday people as an everyday person.
[ Through his closet, he just picks some simple clothes, accessories included though they'd be gold instead of silver. It's fortunate they're the same size... I should have been scapegoated for Zhongli. ]
I'd love to watch you pay ten euros for a banana, but since it's on my coin today I'll be guiding you. [ Gestures to the personal bathroom for Claude to use. ] I'll give you a rundown on fabric blends, too. The future has synthetics to offer and they do have their purposes... As usual there will always be a spectrum of quality between textiles and their craft.
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Accepts the clothes. Thank you! He'll go ahead and change in the bathroom, but leave the door open to continue their conversation. ]
You're pretty discerning, Jacopo.
[ Though Claude also tends to take care of what fabrics he wears, the quality of the dyes, and the embroidery. He doesn't know what synthetics are, but assumes it's some cool, futuristic invention. ]
Do you have the coin to spare for me, though? I don't mind borrowing your clothing.
[ He will not tuck in the shirt, but he's happy enough with the clothes that Jacopo has provided him. ]
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I may not be Lord of the land here, but I do still have money.
[ His job is lucrative, nevertheless... Even though it seems like he lives rather humble and simple. As Lord, he was similar, too. He didn't care to own the manor that he did, but he had to. Ownership and upkeep was a performative, which was advice from his late advisor.
Anyway, he checks him. ]
You should tuck in your shirt.
[ Jacopo picks out one of the belts for him. ]
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[ They don't have mass manufacturing where he's from, and it takes a lot to make a single garment so it is an investment. Granted, it's never been out of his price range because he's always been privileged when it comes to wealth, but he is aware that's not the case for everyone.
Anyway, looks down at his untucked shirt. ]
Isn't it fine like this?
[ Claude: this is a tunic now. ]
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First, though. This problem. He gives Claude a look while he holds this belt. ]
Depends on the crowd and occasion, but we're looking to be put together and not like an American going on a quick grocery run. You want me to tuck in your shirt like I'm your mother?
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But also, he really has no idea what the norms are here, so even if he would rather be able to choose his own style, he has to defer to Jacopo's judgment. ]
Alright, alright.
[ With a sigh, he shimmies the ends of the shirt into his pants so that it's nicely tucked. IT'S A CUTE LOOK even if he thinks it makes him look a little too neat. Claude is neat and carefully presented whenever he's in an official setting, but on his own he prefers a more baggy silhouette.
Holds his hand out for the belt. ]
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Neat, but not too put-together. It has to be effortlessly casual, but not sloven. ]
You can pick from my shoes at the foyer.
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Was Jacopo this particular about appearance back in heaven? He can't remember. ]
Thanks, mom.
[ Decides to be annoying, but will go to pick shoes. Does he have any sandals? ]
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But then his soul took the appearance of his 19-22 yo self, so he was less prissy about appearance. ]
What I said earlier wasn't an invitation for that kind of play.
[ Jacopo will be checking he has everything from keys to wallet, but Claude can kind that he does have sandals. ]
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