[Archer listens to all of that silently, but he can't quite believe what he's hearing. Yes, he knows that Kimblee is different and doesn't feel things in the same way he does (and even he doesn't feel things in the same way most people do), but he never realized it was this bad. Kimblee doesn't just want this, he needs it.
This entire operation - their alliance with Cobra, all the anonymous attacks, all their plans - isn't just for the end result. No, the end result doesn't matter, does it? Kimblee was prepared to die in Amestris, just for a chance to change the world. Look at how much they've changed this world. They've almost single-handedly made Team Rocket a threat. But it's not enough. Kimblee needs to battle because it's the only thing that gets close to what he felt back home.
Archer understands that. He's not sure how he does, but he does. The idea scares him more than he lets on.]
...I think I understand.
[The words are soft and after a moment, Archer gets up to approach Kimblee. He hesitates, suddenly not sure if he should touch Kimblee, but then reaches out to pull the alchemist into a hug anyway.]
I didn't realize just how important this was to you. I didn't realize what you were going through.
[He doesn't know how to properly explain it, but he does understand. It's like his own need to break down every once in awhile - it seems horribly detrimental, but it's something he needs in order to set himself right again. This is something Kimblee needs in order to set things right. This is something he needs to do, and Archer isn't going to stop him.]
You should have told me sooner.
[But the chiding is gentle; Archer knows why Kimblee didn't. He couldn't put his pride aside for long enough to say anything. He understands that as well.]
I'm sorry I snapped at you. As I said, I didn't realize that this is what you were going through. I know you can handle it on your own, but would you like assistance?
no subject
This entire operation - their alliance with Cobra, all the anonymous attacks, all their plans - isn't just for the end result. No, the end result doesn't matter, does it? Kimblee was prepared to die in Amestris, just for a chance to change the world. Look at how much they've changed this world. They've almost single-handedly made Team Rocket a threat. But it's not enough. Kimblee needs to battle because it's the only thing that gets close to what he felt back home.
Archer understands that. He's not sure how he does, but he does. The idea scares him more than he lets on.]
...I think I understand.
[The words are soft and after a moment, Archer gets up to approach Kimblee. He hesitates, suddenly not sure if he should touch Kimblee, but then reaches out to pull the alchemist into a hug anyway.]
I didn't realize just how important this was to you. I didn't realize what you were going through.
[He doesn't know how to properly explain it, but he does understand. It's like his own need to break down every once in awhile - it seems horribly detrimental, but it's something he needs in order to set himself right again. This is something Kimblee needs in order to set things right. This is something he needs to do, and Archer isn't going to stop him.]
You should have told me sooner.
[But the chiding is gentle; Archer knows why Kimblee didn't. He couldn't put his pride aside for long enough to say anything. He understands that as well.]
I'm sorry I snapped at you. As I said, I didn't realize that this is what you were going through. I know you can handle it on your own, but would you like assistance?