[Simple enough, almost trivial when worded that way, but Ken's smile lingers. He thought for a long time that Shinjiro Aragaki hated him. It wasn't just his own life that was ruined that night; whatever life or future Shinjiro had envisioned for himself up until that moment was shattered by the accident -- the accident, not the murder -- and he had been lost since, too. And he'd passed away before getting a chance to pick the pieces back up. Ken was the one that was still alive, and he knew that despite their efforts to communicate more, that fear still lived in both of them. Unless it was put into words, they'll continue to hurt themselves and each other.
He takes a deep breath. Lets it out.]
I want them to be the first person to hear these words, so I can't tell you. But it's very important to us.
[Now that wasn't what he expected. Edgeworth raises his brow, not bothering to hide his surprise, and wonders about the story behind this. Is he talking about a friend? Somebody he had a fight with? Or does the bad blood run deeper than that? Ken may be young, but he's no stranger to darkness, and he can't help but wonder how serious this situation is. Then again... he's young. At his age, the most mild of problems can feel like a complete disaster. He shouldn't jump to conclusions just yet.]
I won't ask you anything else. But, whatever happened between the two of you, I hope that you're able to work through your problems.
[He brings up his hands and links them, fingers weaving through each other as he leans back in his seat. The hero on the scene is shown punching an enemy that'll appear later in the season, a picture of bravery and justice and fairness and all the things Ken wished he felt more confident about having. Heroes are not real. But he wished he could emulate some of their values, sometimes.]
... I'm not confident. I think it'll be arrogant, to think that I could turn things around for them just like that. One word of forgiveness -- even if I don't think there's anything to forgive anymore -- doesn't... it doesn't change what happened. The two of us can't go back, anymore, just like everyone else. And I hurt them a lot, and I know they worry. [He's rambling. He's managing to keep himself somewhat vague, but he's rambling, because he'd sat on these thoughts and feelings all day and Edgeworth had always listened to him patiently, calmly, with critical, logical responses. Even if nothing Ken's seeking now is very logical. He bites his lip momentarily.] But even if it's a small difference, I have to make it. For me, for them... I'm sure that's what would make my mother feel at ease, too, if she's watching somewhere.
But thank you. And... thanks, too, for not pressing.
[While Ken speaks, Edgeworth turns his gaze back to the television set. It's not because he doesn't care. It's not because he's trying to give Ken his space, either. It's because it's the best way he can think of to cover up the blind, terrified panic that has infested every fiber of his being. This conflict spoke of something far more serious than Edgeworth imagined, and - oh dear lord, it involves his mother, too. Just what is he supposed to tell Ken?! He's used to burning bridges, not mending them! Though...hrm. He knows very little of forgiveness, giving or receiving it, but he has some experience with putting his anger aside when a case is on the line. Perhaps he might have something to say after all]
This place...
[He purses his lips together for a moment, gathering his thoughts]
This place has a way of forging strange alliances. Sometimes we're forced to work side by side with people we dislike, or even hate, just to make it through the day.
[Finally he looks at Ken, his expression calm, but serious]
Perhaps you won't be able to turn things around with words of forgiveness. But perhaps you won't need to. If you can establish the groundwork for a truce, then the realities of our new home will do the rest of the work for you.
[Ken isn't sure what he was expecting from Edgeworth. He could easily have reacted with something cryptic, serious -- this man knew not to mince words around him -- but he was just as capable of being kind and compassionate. Ken could've and would've taken either, accepting them, but this is, in a way, more than he had hoped for.
Edgeworth's expression is serious, but Ken's smile remains, even growing calmer.]
We did that a while ago. We promised that we'll try to get to know each other better, take the time to learn more... so I hope you're right. I hope we can get further than that.
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no subject
[Simple enough, almost trivial when worded that way, but Ken's smile lingers. He thought for a long time that Shinjiro Aragaki hated him. It wasn't just his own life that was ruined that night; whatever life or future Shinjiro had envisioned for himself up until that moment was shattered by the accident -- the accident, not the murder -- and he had been lost since, too. And he'd passed away before getting a chance to pick the pieces back up. Ken was the one that was still alive, and he knew that despite their efforts to communicate more, that fear still lived in both of them. Unless it was put into words, they'll continue to hurt themselves and each other.
He takes a deep breath. Lets it out.]
I want them to be the first person to hear these words, so I can't tell you. But it's very important to us.
no subject
I won't ask you anything else. But, whatever happened between the two of you, I hope that you're able to work through your problems.
no subject
... I'm not confident. I think it'll be arrogant, to think that I could turn things around for them just like that. One word of forgiveness -- even if I don't think there's anything to forgive anymore -- doesn't... it doesn't change what happened. The two of us can't go back, anymore, just like everyone else. And I hurt them a lot, and I know they worry. [He's rambling. He's managing to keep himself somewhat vague, but he's rambling, because he'd sat on these thoughts and feelings all day and Edgeworth had always listened to him patiently, calmly, with critical, logical responses. Even if nothing Ken's seeking now is very logical. He bites his lip momentarily.] But even if it's a small difference, I have to make it. For me, for them... I'm sure that's what would make my mother feel at ease, too, if she's watching somewhere.
But thank you. And... thanks, too, for not pressing.
no subject
This place...
[He purses his lips together for a moment, gathering his thoughts]
This place has a way of forging strange alliances. Sometimes we're forced to work side by side with people we dislike, or even hate, just to make it through the day.
[Finally he looks at Ken, his expression calm, but serious]
Perhaps you won't be able to turn things around with words of forgiveness. But perhaps you won't need to. If you can establish the groundwork for a truce, then the realities of our new home will do the rest of the work for you.
no subject
Edgeworth's expression is serious, but Ken's smile remains, even growing calmer.]
We did that a while ago. We promised that we'll try to get to know each other better, take the time to learn more... so I hope you're right. I hope we can get further than that.
no subject
It sounds like you're further ahead than you realize. It may take time, but I trust that you two can figure something out.