[ At Hilda's protest she's not feeling neglected Claude arches an eyebrow briefly since it sounded that way to him too, but then that eyebrow's replaced with both raised openly when the lizards are mentioned again. ]

Are you... saying the lizards respond to their names? That's quite a feat.

[ Not something he would've associated with lizards either, honestly, but then again: the lizards he knew before these appeared as their newest housemates weren't exactly part machinery either. Tempting as it is to get lost in pondering lizard abilities - and how that compares to the Leosylphs who don't seem to know the names he'd given them while they're guests - but it's interrupted by a very Hilda suggestion he should've seen coming. ]

And wait a minute. Sylvain gets to carry you through the streets but I get to carry you up the stairs? That's very generous of you, Hilda.

[ There's an attempt to make that sound dry and deeply unimpressed, but it's somewhat ruined by the fondness seeping into his voice. It's perfect for wiping away any shadows brought on by the mention of not being around, and not unlike nights where they'd needed to slip back inside after visiting a tavern before Seteth caught them. Stairs were involved then too thanks to the dormitories (and all the others around the monastery) so it's a pleasant memory and one he doesn't mind doing now either even if he's going to use it as a teasing complaint first.

That's also complete with sending Sylvain a very Serious look like something of great importance is about to be bestowed upon the other man. ]

This means you're in charge of the pastry box. Don't drop it or I think you and I will both be sleeping out in the hallway then.