[ As he lifts his gaze, he does notice it- the kind of smile he gets, and it's enough to at least lower his guard enough to allow those words in.

He's spent so long in his aggression, so long hating and pushing away— that it's been a while since he could even bring himself to even think about listening to someone else's advice.

Perhaps, the fact that it's coming from Sylvain of all people is what makes it matter even more, so he's quiet as he speaks, pausing when he's done. While he doesn't entirely hear the undertone, he does see some sort of validity to his words. ]

Ah, you're right... this place will often have us being influenced, or even in situations where we might end up intimate with more people besides one another. And if not that, then we may have to assist each other with chroma drain.

[ He assumes that's what Sylvain means... ]

As... difficult as it might be, we should be prepared for those scenarios.

[ He speaks aloud- but, he finally looks up at Sylvain. ]

It might not be comfortable for me to see someone I have such feelings for with others, but at least here, I can be understanding. And... I would not turn any of you away in this place, should you need my presence.

[ Intimately, or just doing what they're doing now. ]

... is that acceptable?