[video]

[glassinine]

[The thing about employing text is that when you start using it when all your broadcasts are in video, people tend to question why you've suddenly switched. So he makes the decision to instead compose himself as best as he can and use video instead.

Unfortunately, he always sort of overestimates his ability to compose himself. He certainly doesn't seem distraught, or panicked, or anything of the sort, but he's definitely shaky. This is definitely a far cry from his normal, slow, quiet, lengthy broadcasts.]

I'm leaving on a business trip abroad for...some length of time. I'm - not certain how long. Please don't try to contact me; I'll be far too busy to answer any messages.

Good day.

Comments

[dragony]

Stop assuming you know anything about what hurts me and what doesn't.

If you want me to leave you alone because I irritate you, or because I'm a nuance, or a waste of your time, or a burden on you, I will. If you want me out of your life from some fault of mine, I'll never speak to you again. End of story.

But, you said it yourself. I don't get to tell you whether the energy you spent on me is worthwhile. Don't expect me to allow you something you wouldn't allow anyone else.

[glassinine]

I just - Look. Do you agree that avoiding hurting others is rational.

[dragony]

As a concept, yes.

[glassinine]

Then this makes sense.

[dragony]

In the most childish execution of "making sense," yes.

Though I find it absurd that a man in his thirties would rather abandon his friends and colleagues, flee the country, and seem to put no thought into how he expects to find a place to live or acquire groceries, if he intends to cut himself off from human society, than he would to honestly talk about his problem.

[glassinine]

[He clenches his jaw.]

Talking about it will solve nothing.

[dragony]

Oh?

So, you've tried, and it's failed? What other methods have you tried, to keep it under control? What steps have you taken?

Since the first time you've used it, have you ever spoken honestly about it to anyone?

[glassinine]

Yes. I have.

[dragony]

That's only one question answered.

[glassinine]

I've tried - everything necessary. To keep it under control.

[dragony]

Mister Edgeworth?

[ She switches between names and titles inconsistently -- Miles Edgeworth here, Mister Edgeworth there, like she's never quite comfortable with either. But here, her voice is a little softer, a little more tired — worn down from fighting. ]

Is it me, specifically, that you don't want to talk to about this?

[glassinine]

[He looks away. But his response is honest.]

I'm not willing to see anyone hurt. You or any others.

[dragony]

People will be hurt. Whether you see it or not. That's how life goes.

[ Her expression is soft, and a little sad, but her mouth quirks at the corners for a smile. ]

You can stay, and learn control... or you can leave, and take much longer to only attempt the same. But, if you go, you sacrifice your ability to help the ones you love. You understand that, don't you? Those comrades from your own world, the ones you've known for years... how much worse will you feel, I wonder, if you hear of some terrible thing befalling them, and you're too far away to help? Like those girls, Trucy and Kay... they're about my age, aren't they? The danger is much greater for them.

Feeling guilt for a moment can hurt... it can be agonizing. You're not wrong about that. But...

[ Ruka shakes her head, gaze too low to meet the camera. ]

... There's no feeling worse than being abandoned.

[glassinine]

I...

[He swallows hard. He pushes his hands against his eyes.]

I'm not...abandoning them. They have people here.

[dragony]

[ Gently: ] Do you think that makes it hurt any less?

[glassinine]

They'll be...fine. I'm not - I don't...matter that much.

[dragony]

Would any of them ever say that of you? Truthfully.

[glassinine]

...No. But that doesn't matter.

[dragony]

No? You think so little of them, then?

[glassinine]

I didn't say that.

[dragony]

You said that what they say--speaking in truth--doesn't matter.

Ergo, you must not think much of their opinions or feelings.

[glassinine]

No. I mean - They would never actually utter those things. That doesn't make them not the truth.

[dragony]

...

You have value, too. You matter a great deal.

[glassinine]

Ruka, I don't...Bringing them up is not a...sufficiently compelling argument. They are fine, and will be fine, without me. People do not tend to depend upon me.

[dragony]

[ For a brief, brief moment--if he's paying attention, anyway--there is a distraught look to the way her arms tighten and in the twist of her mouth, as if to say something--

But then it's gone, her breath coming out in a sigh, eye closing. The silence drags. ]

Why won't you let anybody help you?

[ Why can't I help you? ]