[ almost sheepishly, he brings his hand to his nose, idly scratching — it's oddly controlled, his eyes flitting to the side like he knows the tells of a wide eyed, bashful young boy.

but then he swallows, taking a step forward, eyes alight with the same determination he had displayd before. mettaton's hand is taken into both of his without warning, and the audience gasps out of sheer excitement. ]

Do you know what it means to protect something?

[ he drinks in the sight of his face; the features of a human suit him. the skin underneath his gloves is soft, and he sweeps his thumb across his fingers. ]

I've spent my entire life fighting. Everyday and every night, I take up my sword to keep my friends and family safe. They tell me I'm fighting a war that can't be won — but what else am I supposed to do? Even if everything comes to an end, the lives we're living still mean something. I wanted to protect that — to protect them no matter the cost. It didn't matter if I lived or died at the end.

[ a deep breath. ]

But now, when I fight, I see your face. When I find myself weak or at the brink of death, it's you that I see first. And I tell myself..."I have to get back up. I have to protect him. I want to see him again, no matter what. I want him to smile again."

[ nier's eyes flicker up before he mouths "sorry," and brings mettaton's hand to his lips. he does not kiss, instead allowing them to brush against his skin. ]

Every man needs something to fight for in these times. And in my darkest moments, you're what guides me back into the light.