[It's a little embarrassing think back on, and although 9S surely recalls every word because of what he is, they're no less difficult for him to repeat. His shoulders hunch, and he's grateful anew for the presence of his goggles, because it's a little easier knowing he doesn't have to worry about his face all that much]

It's, well... [Going to be a halting process to get through this] Being around me makes them warm, I guess? And it means a lot to them when I smile or laugh, for some reason. They're close with other people, but it's sort of different with me? Like some things I thought they did with everyone they...don't, actually. Those sorts of things.

[He finds it even more confusing, looking back on it. There are things he can understand, but the way it adds up is...]

That warmth thing in particular, I can sort of understand? Although I think they're the source of that rather than me. I mean, I think that's true of you too, but I wouldn't characterize it in exactly the same way. It's strange.

[But this they have established]