[ he waits until dimitri's protests subside before he resumes working. it seems dimitri knows his thoughts anyway, without sylvain needing to voice them.

he just shakes his head. ]

Even if you hadn't been taken, I'd still be doing this you know. 'f course, doesn't help that you had.

[ it's true that the past provides additional incentive, a desire to amend what he couldn't before. but he realizes they're not bound together quite the same way, certainly not by the same memories. (he winds the bandage around his arm a few times. he wonders if this sort of wound is something sakura can treat, though he'd much rather chase rumors of other cures before putting any more strain on the girl.) ]

...Does it really bother you that much? Would it be better if we left you alone?

[ sylvain's not unwilling to give him some space, if he needs it. he has to admit himself, that it isn't easy understanding someone you've never fully known in the first place.

but that's what talking is for, isn't it? clumsy though their conversation might be, that's partly why he wants to be here. ]