[Perhaps Carlisle will one day unlearn those bad habits, including that constant need to debase himself. He did it while he was alive as well, long before he saw himself as a creature, as the very antithesis of all he stood for. It might take him years before he naturally starts to do otherwise; at least he has all the time in the world for it, given the nature of his existence.

For now, he smiles, his mask subtly moving with his expression. Qubit admitting he doesn't have all the answers is still unfamiliar, but he's willing to listen, to try to understand and empathize. He's a slightly different Qubit now from when they first met, that's for certain, but a good man nonetheless.]

Of course, of course. Perhaps one day, I will have more to talk about than my family, but you are right. I would not be who I am without them — [he nods toward Qubit as he repeats his words] — for better and for worse. But simply having someone who will listen to you is... an immeasurable comfort, and one I've rarely had in life. Thank you.