[ Midnight listens very closely, settling down on his bean bag while keeping eye contact, humming in agreement. This Sinclair must be very important if they are the exception rather than the rule.

He hums. ]

What a wonderful thing, to be known like that.

[ Midnight readjusts, takes in a breath, and makes a thoughtful noise at her question. ]

Perhaps it's more accurate to say that it isn't one or the other for me. I don't mind being a burden when it comes to my lighter vices, or my occasional bouts of selfishness. Nor do I begrudge those sorts of things in my friends. I like them for the ways they rely on me in those times. It's nice to be needed.

[ There's a beat. Midnight has another thought there, weighs it to see if it fits the conversation. But what of the heavier things? ]

I do try to carry myself, though. I think that's one thing I can do for others, you know. Trying to... care for myself in a way I know they'd care for me.

[ ... Well, that's harder, especially given that it feeds into his aversion to asking for real help... He's working on it, though. ]