[ Unfortunately, paranoia is right. Or so his survival instincts tell him. And despite Dimitri's demeanor and tendency to leap face-first into danger, the base instinct of staying alive is still honed in him—and the idea of soulmate bonds is a vulnerability that runs counter to that.

Still, he doesn't know if he regrets it. Claude peppers him with academic questions and he responds in kind. ]

It does not "cure" Shadows, but it has a somewhat... soothing effect, yes. But my experience with the bond hasn't been so acute. It's more like an awareness of their presence, the things that go on in their mind and hearts.

[ Not their eyes and ears. Before he continues though, staying stationary for this long finally takes a toll on him; his grip goes weak for a moment, and he nearly drops the mug, tea sloshing up the sides before he catches it again.

The porcelain very nearly cracks under his fingers from his surprise, and he sighs, closing his eyes. ]

...Would it be all right if I sat for a moment, Claude? [ He hadn't wanted to intrude, but. ]