"You expect me to believe my reactions had nothing to do with your persistence?" Dimitri's not one to roll his eyes, but his tone makes it clear that he would. It's halfhearted, without animosity. "I took myself entirely too seriously in those days. You'll probably say I still do."

On the other hand, this Claude seems to take himself a bit more seriously than the boy Dimitri remembers. His demeanor is just as lighthearted, but there's a caution in his speech and around his eyes. War does that to a person, Dimitri supposes. If Garreg Mach fell, then it's no surprise Leicester was dragged into --

He shakes his head sharply, once, twice. He should explain -- what he knows of their future, what he can guess of his own -- but he cannot think about it any longer. Claude changes the subject again, and Dimitri follows readily. "I'm still at the Oak and Iron, yes. I've been working in the fields, and hunting when I'm able -- I intend to earn my keep," spoken a touch defensively, "but I don't imagine I'd do well living alone."

He can always take to the woods for a few days when he gets claustrophobic. He doesn't need to mention that to Claude, though.