[ His gaze flits back to Claude’s face at that response, at the slide of that thumb against his cheek. He leans into the touch without even thinking about it, even as his lips quirk into a rueful semblance of a smile.

He doesn’t have to point out to Claude that things are rarely fair - he’s pretty sure the other man knows it better than he does. ]

If that’s what makes you happy.

[ It’s not a no. Even if Claude is the more important of them in things here. Or anywhere, for that matter. But Sylvain doesn’t fight him on it. Though he does try to divert it, uncomfortable under the weight of Claude’s knowing gaze.

He’s right - Sylvain is far too Faerghan to ever let those instincts go easily. ]

Besides. Out of the two of us, you’re the one far more likely to get new holes in you, remember. I’m not the high maintenance once here.

[ But before he can completely brush it off with a laugh or a teasing comment, he catches Claude’s hand against his cheek, holding it there a moment before leaning in to steal a brief kiss. Meeting Claude’s gaze as he pulls back again, he adds, ]

I do appreciate it, though. Knowing I have you to watch my back in turn.