It takes the exhausted Carlisle a moment to piece himself together enough to attempt an answer. He's even more of a mess than he was before, his body still covered in ink in places, but now also in a sheen of sweat from their passionate coupling. He simply nods at first, his chest still heaving as he tries to catch his breath. By the time he opens his eyes, the hallucinatory spider he'd never even known was there is gone, the machinations of the gods held at bay for the time being.

It's just as he wanted, and just what Glacius hoped to prove: if they trust in one another, they can accomplish so much, even when faced with all the powers of their captors. They are stronger together, after all.

Carlisle's slate eyes land upon the vibrant green ones of his partner; his might not glow as Glacius' do, but in that moment, they are no less alive, as they are filled with ardent, earnest affection. He nods again, a smile cutting across him as he reaches for Glacius' free hand, pulling it atop his bare chest. His heartbeat is thunderous, but significantly so. It pounds not because of fear, but for the alien before him.

"I understand," he sighs, content. His fingers curl around Glacius' hand, this grip somewhat loose from blissful fatigue. "I understand perfectly."