[Self-destruction is no longer a conscious path for Richard at this point, merely the culmination of a life that has never allowed him more than brief moments of happiness before they are stolen away again and conditioned him into believing that wanting anything for himself instead of for the good of his people is a selfish, deplorable action. While he's shoved it aside in favor of helping those he cares about, it's a temporary distraction more than anything else. And, in this case, the distraction just makes things even worse.]
I won't let anyone hurt him, not even Naoki. I'll fight Naoki myself if I have to.
[There's conviction in his voice, because he does mean what he says, at least that part of it. He may not want to fight, but he'll do it if it means keeping Isamu safe. He'll just have to deal with the emotional aftermath later-- which means "not at all," knowing him.]
[Action, January 11th]
I won't let anyone hurt him, not even Naoki. I'll fight Naoki myself if I have to.
[There's conviction in his voice, because he does mean what he says, at least that part of it. He may not want to fight, but he'll do it if it means keeping Isamu safe. He'll just have to deal with the emotional aftermath later-- which means "not at all," knowing him.]