[Itachi stares at the screen a moment, eyes distant. There is a long moment before he actually speaks, and his words are almost reluctant.]

I cannot decide if I am grateful that you are so stubborn, or annoyed that I give in, Alphonse-kun.

I keep telling you, directly and indirectly, that speaking to me is not in your best interest, and you keep ignoring this. And I even feel remotely gratified by that.

[Itachi appears like he's about to say more than simply stops, eyes lowering until there's no hint of pupil through the lashes, and his expression is completely closed off.]