Q straightens slowly, bringing his elbows up off the countertop. Something steely has settled down into his expression, matching the gray and bland rust red of his coat. His expression meets the feeling that he's been carrying around with him since he arrived.

"Yes, I suppose I did. Some time ago, in fact, though I haven't regretted it since." His voice was low, so as not to carry amongst the cottage's many eaves. "I made a decision, Kathryn, and I have played my part to keep it, but if you think for a second that defying my own nature is easy... Crossing the lines without breaking any of the rules is my speciality. I may change the direction of my stripes, but don't expect me to shed them entirely. It's unrealistic." He tilts his head. "And besides, you'd get bored."