[ Qubit pauses, but then nods, understanding. ] I know. [ He sighs. ] I know.
[ That's the sticking point, always has been. To Carlisle, acknowledging his own physical needs - and by extension his right to exist - is tantamount to accepting what he's become. But accepting the existence of any undead feels like a betrayal of his convictions, his religion - his goddess. ]
... Well, that puts us at a bit of an impasse, doesn't it. [ Folds his arms. ] I don't like telling you to go against your morals, but... it goes against mine to watch you suffer when you don't have to.
[Despite his discomforting dilemma and their conflicting views, Carlisle is feeling just well enough to out a single chuckle, one that betrays the minute smile that crosses him beneath his mask.]
If I suffer either way, the pragmatic choice is the one where I spare yours.
[His tone says he's teasing, albeit in his usual, glum way; perhaps he just wants to see how Qubit would react to the thought of his own needs being put first.]
[ Qubit meets his eyes again, surprised but visibly hopeful. It's a good point - both options are going to be unpleasant for Carlisle, in their own way, so taking the lesser of two evils is only logical...
[He says that jokingly. He's joking, right? He's not sure if he's joking or not, frankly.]
Of course, I do expect us to keep searching for a way to fully mitigate what harm I may cause, no matter the reason for it. Perhaps that will come in time, but... this is perhaps a step in the right direction, I must admit.
[ If only for you. It's a joke, Qubit knows, but he still finds it touching. Obviously he'd prefer if Carlisle were doing it for his own sake, but they'll get there eventually, he's sure. In the meantime, if Qubit's feelings are the motivation he needs to take better care of himself...
He smiles, the warmth of it echoing the warmth in his chest. I think I can live with that. ]
My thoughts exactly. [ He clasps Carlisle's shoulder. ] If nothing else, think how much more you'll be able to do, now that you're firing on all cylinders. All the things you wanted to do, but never had the energy to.
[Carlisle reciprocates Qubit's smile; it is utterly infectious. He gives the hand on his shoulder a grateful pat.]
I cannot think of anything I so desperately wanted to accomplish at the moment, but when I do, you'll be the first to know. Until then, let us hope Kabal does not realize what we have accomplished, as I'm sure he'd have... ideas.
[ Aw, Carlisle, why'd you mention Kabal? Way to kill the moment. Qubit scoffs and rolls his eyes, taking his hand back so he can wave it dismissively. ]
So? Let him have whatever ideas he wants. He can't force you to go along with them, especially not now.
[That remark actually gets a wry grin out of Carlisle.]
Yes, unfortunately. I believe he's felt it before — by accident, of course, a slip on one of our...[he makes a vague gesture with his hand, trying to conjure a word from thin air] ...excursions.
[Is it bad he can't recall immediately which one? Or that they've had enough of said excursions that they get a bit mixed up? His memory is usually impeccable, but he was under a lot of stress when with Kabal, so he can't entirely fault himself.]
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superposition) wrote2019-09-06 02:00 am
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[ Qubit pauses, but then nods, understanding. ] I know. [ He sighs. ] I know.
[ That's the sticking point, always has been. To Carlisle, acknowledging his own physical needs - and by extension his right to exist - is tantamount to accepting what he's become. But accepting the existence of any undead feels like a betrayal of his convictions, his religion - his goddess. ]
... Well, that puts us at a bit of an impasse, doesn't it. [ Folds his arms. ] I don't like telling you to go against your morals, but... it goes against mine to watch you suffer when you don't have to.
no subject
If I suffer either way, the pragmatic choice is the one where I spare yours.
[His tone says he's teasing, albeit in his usual, glum way; perhaps he just wants to see how Qubit would react to the thought of his own needs being put first.]
no subject
[ Qubit meets his eyes again, surprised but visibly hopeful. It's a good point - both options are going to be unpleasant for Carlisle, in their own way, so taking the lesser of two evils is only logical...
... well, perhaps not only. ]
Does that mean you'll consider it?
no subject
[He says that jokingly. He's joking, right? He's not sure if he's joking or not, frankly.]
Of course, I do expect us to keep searching for a way to fully mitigate what harm I may cause, no matter the reason for it. Perhaps that will come in time, but... this is perhaps a step in the right direction, I must admit.
no subject
[ If only for you. It's a joke, Qubit knows, but he still finds it touching. Obviously he'd prefer if Carlisle were doing it for his own sake, but they'll get there eventually, he's sure. In the meantime, if Qubit's feelings are the motivation he needs to take better care of himself...
He smiles, the warmth of it echoing the warmth in his chest. I think I can live with that. ]
My thoughts exactly. [ He clasps Carlisle's shoulder. ] If nothing else, think how much more you'll be able to do, now that you're firing on all cylinders. All the things you wanted to do, but never had the energy to.
no subject
I cannot think of anything I so desperately wanted to accomplish at the moment, but when I do, you'll be the first to know. Until then, let us hope Kabal does not realize what we have accomplished, as I'm sure he'd have... ideas.
no subject
[ Aw, Carlisle, why'd you mention Kabal? Way to kill the moment. Qubit scoffs and rolls his eyes, taking his hand back so he can wave it dismissively. ]
So? Let him have whatever ideas he wants. He can't force you to go along with them, especially not now.
no subject
[Something about his weapons and superhuman speed makes Carlisle very cooperative.]
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[ With a knowing look - ] So can you.
[ It is literally one of your superpowers, Carlisle. ]
no subject
Yes, unfortunately. I believe he's felt it before — by accident, of course, a slip on one of our...[he makes a vague gesture with his hand, trying to conjure a word from thin air] ...excursions.
[Is it bad he can't recall immediately which one? Or that they've had enough of said excursions that they get a bit mixed up? His memory is usually impeccable, but he was under a lot of stress when with Kabal, so he can't entirely fault himself.]