Antarcticite is not the most socially adept of gems, but even they are able to pick up on the trace of bitterness--and melancholy--in Rutile's voice as they discuss both their listlessness and their relationship with Padparadscha. For a moment they look startled, as though some part of them is genuinely surprised to witness a side of Rutile that is anything other than the competent, quick-witted doctor who had worked so tirelessly at their given vocation.

They frown, troubled. "But they have spent so much time asleep," they venture uncertainly, "surely they must want to spend their time awake with you now." That was what it meant to have a real partner, wasn't it? Antarcticite can only guess, and extrapolate based on their own feelings of wistful longing for Adamant's company... and perhaps even a bit for Phos, annoying though the little pebble had been.