[ Somehow, he still wasn't expecting Sylvain's anger -- no, protectiveness. It makes something in him feel not just warm, but...lighter. Like maybe he hadn't been quite so naive. And that that wound wasn't quite as painful. ]

We were both fools, in our own ways. But I know now he didn't need to be that cruel or indirect.

[ He twines his fingers in Sylvain's. If someone told him one night, he'd listen. If someone told him they were done, he'd listen. He used to think he was missing the cues. But he couldn't read minds. ]

I also realize now that I did not deserve that treatment. [ A steady gaze, and careful not to press too hard, but...Sylvain had been part of that. Realizing he was worth respect and direct expectations. ]