ACE ATTORNEY AU

[enigmaster]

Comments

[enigmaster]

Am I...? [???] It doesn't really seem like I'm doing much at all...

[agoodname]

"It may not seem like it, however...you didn't see him before." [Elijah's brow creases as he presses his lips together] "He was quite different."

[enigmaster]

...Oh. How so?

[agoodname]

"He was...more what he was the first time you met. He was becoming very cold and jaded. He lived alone and spent all of his time at work. He came home to sleep and to change clothes, mostly." [this was, clearly, not a good thing, if elijah's face is any indication] "He was becoming a shadow of the son we knew."

[enigmaster]

...He might have just needed time. I don't think I really did anything to change that. I mean, I'm just sort of... around, I guess?

[agoodname]

"I think that's underestimating your worth, Edward."[gently] "After all...you didn't have to make him dinner. Or watch a movie with him. Or play chess. Or greet him when he came home."

[enigmaster]

Well... no, but... [It still doesn't seem like much at all. Especially compared to Oswald...] Just that sort of stuff, really...?

[agoodname]

"....it's nice not to feel alone, isn't it?"

[enigmaster]

[...Ah.] ...I guess. Sure. [Is it really the same for Oswald...?]

[agoodname]

"You and I...we were used to being alone. Oswald wasn't. Being alone can be very difficult if it's something you're not used to, and it can change you in ways that aren't for the better." [he smiles, then, gently, fond] "...but now he's not. Because you're not only there, but you make an effort to spend time with him. To do things for him. Kind things, that he doesn't ask for."

[enigmaster]

...He kind of started it.

[At least, from Edward's perspective, it definitely feels like that's how it is. And it still seems as if Oswald is doing a whole lot more.

...Maybe it does help, for Edward to be here. But...]

...

I guess that's... something, then.

[agoodname]

"I think it's more than just something, Edward." [still gentle] "I'm very glad you're here, and that you like my son enough to spend time with him."

[enigmaster]

Well. Obviously. [Oswald is. Very likable. ...To him, anyway. Who cares about anyone else?]

[agoodname]

"Obviously?"

[enigmaster]

Obviously... I'd want to spend time with him...

[agoodname]

"Is it? No one else has. Or even if they have, Oswald wouldn't let them"

[enigmaster]

Well. He wants to spend time with me, too, so...

[...]

[agoodname]

"He certainly does, that. Which is...different. So I'm glad that you're here, Edward."

[enigmaster]

...Mhm. Sure. [He's... not intending to go anywhere, either.]

[agoodname]

[Elijah looks a bit sheepish]"Apologies...I know this is a lot. I'm simply relieved. As a parent."

[enigmaster]

No, that's fine.

It's just... weird, that's all.

[agoodname]

"In what way?" [he has a strong idea, but it's better for Edward to try and talk it out. That can help.]

[enigmaster]

That someone would be glad to have me around. [It's the strangest feeling, honestly. He doesn't really get how someone could... like having him around, for any reason.]

[agoodname]

[Elijah's expression softens at that, sadly] "I can understand that. It feels unbelievable, for a while."

[enigmaster]

Kinda... yeah. [...] I guess I'll just have to... get used to that... [First he'll have to believe it, of course, but that's a whole thing.]