We're not going to let you be miserable, Sylvain. [Claude's voice is firm.] Not now, not ever. If you're miserable back home, Dimitri or Felix or both will see that, and they won't let it stand. You're good at hiding it, but not that good. And if I see it, whenever I see you...I'll want to fix it, too. Even with nothing connecting us back home. I don't want to see a friend - even a distant friend - suffering if there's anything I can do to help them. I wanted to help you right away here, too. [He lifts a hand to cup Sylvain's face.] Maybe that's how we'll connect back home. I'll see you're hurting, and I'll have to do something about it. That's really all it'd take.

[He shakes his head with a fond, exasperated sort of smile at the story of Felix's ridiculousness. Because that's what it is; no kinder word would suit.] You were ready to make a lifelong commitment with him already. It's amazing he thinks so little, in the scheme of things, could change your mind. What's six months and a war compared to an entire lifetime together? Of course your feelings about marrying him haven't changed - those feelings are meant to weather anything.

But focus on that, okay? [He gazes up into Sylvain's eyes.] Trying for a better future. That's all you have to do. That's all anyone has to do. So no more looking at your fears. Keep your eyes on your hopes, and move towards them on the straightest path one foot after the other. Your doubts are the things that'll make you most likely to stray, so don't listen to them. You will have the future you want, as long as there's at least one person who hasn't given up on that for you. And even if you give up on it for yourself, Dimitri and Felix and all your friends never will, so there'll always be hope.

[And then Claude leans up and lightly presses his lips to Sylvain's. It's almost as if he's sealing those words of his with it.]