It's only after Glacius offers his appreciation that Carlisle finally manages to meet his gaze once more -- he does so before leaning in to meet his partner's forehead with his own, returning the gesture that they've made truly theirs.

"Just... don't do it again," he utters, a hint of quiet desperation in his voice. "I don't like what this torment does to you."

Nor who it reminds him of.