He nods almost imperceptibly. "It would be arrogant for me to think otherwise." And even though he's not especially good at being humble, he's aware that the universe is not all sunshine and rainbows-- despite the insistence of many jaded individuals in his life that his outlook is naive.

Maybe it is. Maybe the universe could use some naivete. Or some hope. "It doesn't mean I don't want to try to help people anyway. It's part of who I am."

Her final question gets him to open his eye again, shifting the ice on his face and pressing it a little harder, staring at her thoughtfully, debating whether to answer or, perhaps, how much to say.

"Yes," he admits at last. "That's all related, yes."