[Jonathan dares not interrupt, not when he didn't expect to hear such a statement to begin with. He merely watches, and listens- occasionally nodding, however sadly.] T'was a bargain made with great cost, but a cost paid for with great intent all the same, [he speaks, bowing his head in understanding. Perhaps he cannot see how he could make such a choice himself- not along the road that was taken, at least.
But he can see now how others have taken it, particularly having spoken to the others himself. Atem and Ryou in particular wound up sitting with him over tea, and he does not regret that choice in the slightest.]
One can say many times that such grave payment should never be necessary, but that does not change the fact that it was- or at least that it appeared to be. As you said- there are times when one cannot be protected.
...if there appears but one option to gain such protection for oneself, how can I possibly lay true judgement?
[Even if he cannot agree with the actions they took-
He will never be unaware of how little choice they felt they had.]
...You did as best as you were able, [he adds with a small smile.] ...I feel they were quite fortunate to have your support, even with how things came about.
[No one expected, after all, for it to progress...Quite the way it did for Ryou, but for the same reason, she kept pretty remarkably steady he thinks.]
if this is hard to parse lmk bc sometimes Jonathan's Jonathanisms get Odd
But he can see now how others have taken it, particularly having spoken to the others himself. Atem and Ryou in particular wound up sitting with him over tea, and he does not regret that choice in the slightest.]
One can say many times that such grave payment should never be necessary, but that does not change the fact that it was- or at least that it appeared to be. As you said- there are times when one cannot be protected.
...if there appears but one option to gain such protection for oneself, how can I possibly lay true judgement?
[Even if he cannot agree with the actions they took-
He will never be unaware of how little choice they felt they had.]
...You did as best as you were able, [he adds with a small smile.] ...I feel they were quite fortunate to have your support, even with how things came about.
[No one expected, after all, for it to progress...Quite the way it did for Ryou, but for the same reason, she kept pretty remarkably steady he thinks.]