[And there's that look. It takes him back, to Garreg Mach, yes, and further. It stirs a protectiveness in him, an almost brotherly - almost, because he's not entirely sure what "brotherly" even means, all told - affection. He's ill equipped to advise Dimitri in these matters, but he wants to help.

Even if helping only ends up being making a sounding board of himself for Dimitri to air his thoughts to, or a tempering presence for wild emotions.

So he softens. Offers Dimitri a smile that isn't nearly as bright as he usually would, but this one is all sincerity and pride. He really has come back to himself, hasn't he? And not just the 'himself' of the academy, but the 'himself' from before the tragedy. The little boy with the too-big heart.

The remaining scars will heal in time, but he's returned.]

You'll figure out how to progress. With him. I'm sure of it.

[It's not quite advice and he knows it, but if there's one thing he does know it's that every relationship is different. There are similarities, sure, but he can't tell Dimitri how to progress in his relationship with Byleth because, honestly, he's never had one like it.]

And as for what to do about what this place does... that's a conversation to be having with him as well, Dimitri. I'd be inclined to suggest that you not attempt to be exclusively... ah- physical, with one another, but maybe that's me being selfish.

[There's that laugh again - that one that's a little too light and airy, that has hints of something darker underneath. Because maybe he shouldn't have worded it that way, but... he had, and now he'll have to contend with the fact that he'd like to be intimate with Dimitri. And Byleth. That is, if Dimitri can read between the lines easily enough to pick that out.]

Just know that I will be here for you no matter what you two decide, my friend.