[ The reminder about what they'd done combined with Holst's reaction if he ever found out is both terrifying and funny to think about. She can't help but let out a pained laugh in response as her eyes open to look at him. Because despite her initial, regrettable response, she doesn't regret the night in the maze.

In response to his hands gently holding her cheeks, her hands reach out, tangling themselves into his hair so she can bring their foreheads to touch. ]

He won't punch you into next week if I have anything to say about it. I'll protect you, Sylvain Jose Gautier.

[ Amusement and conviction are quick to flee though. His belief in her sounded all too much like expectation too and fear's claws press a little more lightly into her shoulders. She gives a brief, hollow laugh. ]

I was just hoping time would heal it.

[ She had, after all decorated it with shiny pretty distractions like the facade would also trick her into believing she was okay. But she knows that asking him or asking anyone else to fix this thing between her and Claude would be yet another selfish burden. Not that she thinks there's anything that can be salvaged or fixed but that's neither here nor there.

Sylvian mentioning how important he knows she is to Claude skips like a record in her mind, as if she's convinced herself that isn't the truth like so many other "truths" she's convinced herself of. ]

You wouldn't be in our way. You've already put up with us more than anyone should. [ Her fingers tenderly play with his hair, voice growing quiet again. ] But if that's your definition of brave, you should be honest with him too. If I talk to him, you won't have anything to worry about after that.

[ If talking to Claude would make it more comfortable for Sylvain then maybe she could do it. Not for herself but for someone else she cared for. ]