[ chasing their gaze, peering right into their eyes with interest. ]
..it's a little less lonely, right?
[ ..though she already felt that way just knowing them. ]
Claudia. β
[ ..!- She straightens out, drawing her eyes a little further away. ]
" (W- Well..! It just- Ah-)
(It.. it's.. incredibly s- surprising, after all these years..) "
[ ..Yeah, they don't think they've ever felt more flattered than tonight has made them.
. . .
..Maybe.. except for once. ]
" (..y- you and I both..)
(I never.. w- would have thought anyone would, ah..) "
[ ...
They trail off, fiddling with their hair as they burn brighter. ]