[To be fair, they are pretty evenly matched. Though when Alizarin doesn't just take the opportunity to just flip double birds and disappear into the sunset, Nemesis's shoulders unknot a little...only to tense back up when she realizes she still has to make words about feelings, ugh]

And my-- And Req...

[She fumbles forward, words coming slow and uncertain]

...I wasn't lying. Just 'cause you're both outta my league and--like super on-theme for goth team-- That don't mean I got a type, or that I only ever talk to you 'cause you're the next closest thing.

[This might come out sounding like a sneer if she didn't seem genuinely hurt and distressed by the idea]

I ain't looking for a "replacement," like somebody you care about's no different than a job, o-or a new pair of boots, that's--

[Her voice breaks and she looks up to Alizarin, bleak]

Did somebody say something like that to you? Or--or do I just seem like that shitty of a person?