[Sorrow, guilt... So painful and so familiar. And yet, as he untangles Edgeworth's emotions from his own, something unexpected emerges from beneath them: something resolute, not unlike the energy Rashid projects when he feels Quatre has been wronged. Something that feels like protection.]

[Quatre's gaze snaps up, his wet, wide eyes meeting Edgeworth's with surprise. There's no way to know for certain that he's the target, of course. All signs prior to this conversation point to highly unlikely, and yet...]

[Regardless of who the feeling is meant for, the thread of tension between them seems as if it's begun to slacken. Though he knows it's tenuous at best, he can't help but believe something momentous has occurred.]

[His tears remain unshed but apparent in his voice and his wavering smile.]

Thank you. For the sentiment and your honesty. And, please... Don't feel as if you've burdened me in any way. This is my gift. I only hope I didn't overstep my bounds.