Mayerling understands the discomfort of the conversation, even if it's a different reason than those behind the conversations he and D aren't having. Oh yes, his mind has reasons for that, explanations that sound reasonable. They may not to others' ears. However, given D is a private person and Mayerling too is unused to asking advice of others on such matters, he hasn't sought anyone else's opinion. Things ought to be easier given Mayerling now knows D spared his and Charlotte's lives in the timeline or universe he comes from. However, D knew that and knew he came from another timeline and said nothing. Someday they'll need to talk.

Sharon, however, gets his focus as she talks. They're finally having more conversation—them, not Sharon and Johan. It's not much, but it's a beginning.

"Shutting the feelings away and ignoring them doesn't get rid of guilt," Mayerling says, "That only lets them fester. You feel awful for everything? What is everything? Hunting me while under Pthumerian influence? Taking me to that other dimension while doing so? Avoiding me since then? All of that? Tell me if I missed something."

Mayerling pauses, in case Sharon might skip over something. "I remember Johan's time here." Fondly, he might add.