[[Scene]] Ron, Edgeworth and Desiree in "A Friendly (?) Lunch"
Miles: *Edgeworth stands, tapping his foot impatiently outside the cafe near the Prosecutor's office. He sighs and looks at his watch and scans the street. After a moment, his expression steels and he turns on his heel, shaking his head and starting to walk along the sidewalk.*
Ron: *calls out from a few feet behind behind Miles; he's with his wife* Oh! Mr. Edgewooorth!
Desirée: *loops her arm in with Ron's and waves at Edgeworth with her other* Hey! Milesy!
Miles: *Stops short, squaring his shoulders. He turns slowly, wincing at the pet name. Begrudgingly, with a nod to the two of them in turn,* DeLite. Mrs. DeLite.
Ron: *walks up to Miles with Desirée in tow* How are you today? *blinks* Where's Miss Starr?
Miles: *shortly, as he brushes an errant feather off his suit.* Away.
Desirée: Oh, that's right! She's dating you! I'm very happy you two found love. *smiles*
Miles: *with surprised and an almost indignant look, he turns halfway.* That's- *a brief pause* Let's just find a table.
Ron: *smiles and turns to lead the way to the cafe. He opens the door and holds it for Miles and Desirée.*
Desirée: *walks right in and looks around at the interior of the cafe, glancing at the pricey menu on the wall and deciding it will be a satisfactory place to eat, then turns and smiles back at the two men* Should we sit at a booth?
Miles: *a light shrug* All right.
Ron: *when the two are inside, he steps in himself, stepping up close to Desirée. He examines the menu.* Wow! This place has really reasonable prices!
Desirée: I know what I want. Ronnie, could you order a spicy chicken wrap and a mountain dew for me?
Miles: Let's have a seat first. *Edgeworth gestures towards the corner and walks purposefully for the booth there, as if that's his customary table. He sits down with his back to the back wall.*
Ron: Is that all you want, Dessie? Are you sure? *follows Miles to the booth and waits for Desirée to take a seat first*
Desirée: *laughs* I guess I'll want dessert too... *slides into the booth*
Miles: *picks up the menu and peruses it* They have an excellent creme brulee.
Ron: *sits next to Desirée* Then let's try it. *looks at Miles* So, Mr. Edgeworth... Has it been a while since you've been here? You mentioned Miss Starr always delivers you lunch...
Miles: *pages casually through the menu* Not always. Of late she's been more concerned with matters at the precinct. However, I tend to work through lunch.
Desirée: She brings you lunch... that sounds really romantic, doesn't it? We should order from her sometime, Ronnie. I have one of her menus.
Ron: *looks up from the menu* Oh... that's right! You and Miss Starr went out for a night in the town when I was away.
Miles: *the menu slowly lowers over his face and he gives Desiree a long, searching look.* Oh... Right. *quick change of subject.* My sister and I used to come here often, that's how I became acquainted with the place.
Desirée: You have a sister? What's her name?
Miles: Franziska. *he puts down the menu and folds it.* Franziska von Karma.
Ron: *decides on what he wants to get, then looks up from the menu* That name... It sounds familiar.
Miles: She's a state prosecutor as well, another young prodigy. *folds his hands over the menu.* She and I learned together. *he gestures to flag over the waiter, who takes his order: vermicelli alfredo and a cup of earl grey tea.*
Desirée: *doesn't look at the waiter, but at Miles instead* How exciting! I was always jealous of Nicky boy for his career, it looks so fun. Tell me, is being a prosecutor just as thrilling as the side Nicky boy was on?
Ron: *passes the menu to the waiter, ordering for Desirée and a spinach and ham panini with an iced chai for himself. When the waiter leaves, he turns his attention back to Miles, sounding very interested.* Yes, please tell us! I've heard some stories about you, but I've never seen you in court. I'd like to see you in action some day but just don't expect me to root for you...
Miles: *sharply* It's not a sport, DeLite. *then he gives it some genuine thought* Well, certainly there's some excitement. Of course, I'm assigned cases instead of being able to pick and choose, so often it's weeks of straightforward and bland cases, and then perhaps something worth getting excited about will stumble along. Although I can usually find something about each case to become engrossed in.
Desirée: *tilts her head thoughtfully* Are you saying Nicky boy's job was more fun, then?
Miles: *He smirks.* All things are more or less equal. He enjoyed the ability to choose which cases to take, I enjoy a salary.
Ron: *cocks his head* You mean... defense attorneys don't make a lot of money?
Miles: They're paid on commission, they don't make a steady paycheck. And he was choosier than most.
Desirée: So he did it for fun, then? *smiles*
Ron: I-I'm not sure he took on my case for fun...
Miles: *a short laugh* He had his reasons. I get the feeling he feels a strong obligation to help the helpless. He seems to be physically unable to stand by and watch, in any situation.
Desirée: Oh... that's pretty cool. Kinda heroic.
Miles: *this time the laughter is more extended and amused.* Heroic? More like foolhardy. He runs into situations half-cocked, gets injured for his trouble. Anyway, I'm sure taking on so few cases was due to laziness more than anything. *shrugs*
Ron: I admire the work you lawyers do! Dessie would know. *smiles at her, then back to Miles* You fight for justice... real justice! And without using violence, even!
Desirée: *nods quickly* Yes, don't be so humble about your work, Milesy! I think it's very brave and exciting, what you and Nicky boy do!
Miles: *for a brief moment a fierce pride shines in his eyes, but he extinguishes it as Desiree speaks* Please don't call me that, Mrs. DeLite. *After a moment's pause he continues,* No, Armando had it right last night. We're not heroes. We're just men. Some of us worse men than others. *a small bitter lilt to his voice. Then he smirks.* Most of my work is very dull reading, there's nothing particularly brave or exciting about it.
Ron: *a sudden serious expression* But the job can be life-threatening, can't it? You're dealing with killers! There has to be a lot of risk to it...
Miles: Every precaution is taken to keep us safe. It's hardly something you have to worry about. *He waves his hand as the waiter returns with the food.*
Desirée: *grins at the waiter as he sets down her food and drink* Thank you! This looks delicious. *turns her attention back to Miles and leans her chin on her palm* Yeah, and wouldn't you say the risks are half the fun?
Ron: *thanks the waiter and stirs his drink with his straw* Life isn't fun without risks! ...Er, at least, that's what Dessie always says... *takes a sip*
Miles: *the idea is not one he'd ever put much thought into, he turns it over in his mind as he deftly twists a fork into his pasta.* Hm. I think... *he smirks* I suppose that's true, in a sense. I rarely feel like I'm in danger during a case, but when I do the resolution is that much more satisfying.
Desirée: *just smiles at him in an amused manner, then takes a bite out of her wrap*
Ron: I've heard that you're mostly undefeated! *Takes a knife and fork to his panini, slicing into it*
Miles: *it's with a very faint determination in his eyes that he says,* That kind of thing doesn't matter. My job is not to win. *He takes a neat bite of pasta.*
Desirée: Are you in it to help people, too? *sips her drink*
Ron: If you aren't doing it to win, and you have a winning streak... That's even more impressive! *brings a piece of the panini to his mouth, smiling*
Miles: *He raises his cup of tea and gives a faint self-deprecating smirk.* I'm not so self-sacrificing as all that. I have many reasons. *he takes a quick sip and adds milk before answering DeLite.* My winning streak was broken years ago, and since then I've been going on with the record of a mere mortal. *there's the barest flash of teeth in his smile.*
Desirée: Oh. I know what you mean. I remember the first time someone passed me on the road while I was on my bike... *sighs*
Ron: *puts down his fork and places a comforting hand on Desirée's shoulder with a small smile* Dessie, I told you... You didn't have gold premium in your tank that time. It wasn't because of you.
Miles: *he looks from Desiree to Ron and then laughs. Amusedly,* I suppose you do indeed understand, Mrs. DeLite. Still, is being the fastest really all that important in the long run?
Desirée: *grins* Only one way to find out.
Ron: *takes a sip of his drink* If you had no mercy and you only prosecuted to win, do you think you'd be an unstoppable force, Mr. Edgeworth?
Miles: *He stares down into his pasta.* I don't think I have that in me anymore. There was a man like that, once. Even he was stopped, in the end. *He sips his tea, looking out into the cafe.*
Desirée: That's too bad. *sips her soda, then grins with the straw still in her teeth* ...I know what would be fun, I should give you a ride on my bike!
Ron: *tilts his head* Mr. Edgeworth? On a bike? I can't imagine that... *picks up his fork and continues eating his panini*
Miles: *He snorts, glad for the subject change,* Neither can I. I don't really care for such things. I've been known to drive my car a bit recklessly, but there's a whole new level of danger on something like a motorcycle.
Desirée: Oh, but I never get into accidents. *smiles* You'd be perfectly safe with me, as long as you hold on tight.
Ron: *laughs* Wouldn't it be funny if the two of you got caught by the police? *looks at Miles with an amused grin* How would you talk your way out of that one?
Miles: *He quirks an eyebrow and then laughs aloud.* I'd just- *He pauses and looks slightly confused. His eyes track around the restaurant, lingering on the two DeLite's faces in turn. When he continues, it still sounds amused, but in a slightly more wary way.* I'd just flash them my badge. If that didn't do it, I would pay the fine. I have the money to do it. As a passenger in the vehicle, it wouldn't go on public record. Besides, *a small smirk* some small percentage of money paid into the state makes its way toward me, in the end.
Desirée: *also laughs* ...Oh, how clever! I'd love to hear more tricks if you have them. Tickets are such a hassle.
Ron: *beams* My record is completely clean! *pauses* Er. Wh-when it comes to traffic violations, that is...
Miles: Hah! Your record is mostly clean otherwise at the moment, DeLite. And I'm sure you know more about avoiding tickets than I, Mrs. DeLite.
Desirée: Sure, easy, just drive faster than them. They can't ticket what they can't catch. *smiles, then takes another bite of her wrap*
Ron: *beams again* Dessie, you're the best!
Miles: *smirks, taking another mouthful of pasta. He swallows before saying,* I'm going to assume you're joking, Mrs. DeLite. I am, after all, a law enforcement professional.
Desirée: *only laughs without saying more, then continues eating*
Ron: *nervous laughter* Oh! R-right, yes! *gives Desirée a quick knowing grin before turning his attention back to Miles* It sounds like you really enjoy your job.
Miles: *Leans back in his seat.* At times. *a pause* No... I do. If I didn't, I wouldn't still be doing it. I had every reason to quit, but I came back, and that's the most telling thing of all, isn't it?
Desirée: *finishes her wrap and smiles at him* That's pretty inspirational.
Ron: Really? *he sounds genuinely interested* Will you tell us that story some other time?
Miles: *looks uncomfortable* Er. That is. It's personal.
Desirée: Ah. *glances at Ron, tapping a finger against her cheek, then looks back at Miles, smiling sweetly* A man with secrets. How intriguing~
Ron: Oh! I'm sorry. *smiles* That's fine. It's not for us to know. *finishes off the last bite of his food*
Miles: *He twists the last bit of his pasta up and the corner of his mouth turns up slightly.* As long as the topic's come up...tell me about yourselves. How did you meet?
Ron: *shyly* Um... we both met at work. I was a guard at the building she worked in.
Miles: Oh...? That's certainly a good way to meet one's significant other.
Ron: *cocks his head as he reminisces* I never did have the courage to step up and speak to her... but one night, the perfect opportunity came up!
Miles: *he raises an eyebrow and gestures for DeLite to continue*
Ron: *happily* She was taken hostage by two armed robbers!!
Desirée: *nods enthusiastically* They had knives! I tried to fight them, but they held me down-- I was so scared I started to cry!
Miles: *Despite himself, he's intrigued. Still, his voice comes out somewhat skeptical,* Really. That's the perfect opportunity?
Ron: Of course! I was able to finally approach her... To rescue her!
Desirée: He was so brave, you should have seen him! I fell in love right away. *sighs and leans her chin on her hand while looking at Ron*
Miles: *He frowns.* Hm. That's an intriguing story. I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't already know you, DeLite. *He smirks.*
Ron: *beams* Thanks! *pause* ...Wait. No! *furrows his brows* Why not, Mr. Edgeworth? I mean... How else could I have gotten such a beautiful girl like her to notice someone like me?
Desirée: *laughs lightly and tugs a few fingers through her hair* I'm sure I would have noticed you eventually, Ronnie.
Miles: *Smirks.* That's not so much the problem. I wouldn't have believed you would have rescued her, if I didn't already know you were capable of such reckless acts. *He wipes his hands with a napkin, though they're completely clean.* It seems to have worked out for you, though.
Ron: *puts down the straw he was sipping from and looks at Desirée with shyness and contentment* Y-yeah. It really did.
Desirée: *smiles back at Ron* Ronnie is the most brave and honorable man I know. I'm very lucky I met him.
Ron: *tries to hold back from smiling too broadly* Aheh... I'd say I'm the lucky one, Dessie.
Desirée: *smiles sweetly and leans closer to Ron* But I'm the one who's gotten the kindest, handsomest, most generous...
Miles: *At first he observed their mutual affection with a small amount of relief... He'd never seen the two of them together before, and is feeling, obscurely, a bit less worried. As it goes on he feels a distant tugging of... nostalgia? Something like that, perhaps. He shakes it off with a slight tilt of the head and starts into annoyed as their affections become syrupy sweet.* Hn. I think I'll pass on dessert, would either of you like to order any?
Ron: *still looking at his wife, blushing lightly* I'll order if you do, Dessie!
Desirée: Mmm... maybe a little. Want to share a milkshake with me, Ronnie?
Ron: Sure! *just then, the waiter comes to collect their plates, and he orders a vanilla milkshake with an approximately one and a half inch-high topping of whipped cream, sprinkled with not a shout but a whisper of cocoa powder, served in a chilled glass*
Miles: *Stares, dumbfounded.* Just more tea please.
Desirée: *smiles happily* You always know just what I want, Ronnie.
Ron: *gives her a pleased grin, which falls when he realizes something* Oh... I forgot to ask for a sprig of mint! Should I call him back..?
Desirée: Hmmmm... *considers it for a long moment* No, that's okay, Ronnie. We'll just get it next time.
Miles: *He gives a disbelieving smirk.* Very diligent, DeLite.
Ron: Thank you, Mr. Edgeworth! *smiles back at him* The more you get to know someone, the more you learn all their little preferences... You must be going through this with Miss Starr, yes?
Miles: *He looks off into the distance thoughtfully.* Indeed. I'm surprised at how interesting even the most mundane of things becomes. *He pauses, almost wishing he could take that back.*
Desirée: *smiles* That sounds very sweet. I think you two will be very happy together for a long time
Ron: Me too! *perks up* The next time we do lunch, she should join us.
Miles: *He is irrationally irritated.* What makes you think-!? *He stops, aware of how ridiculous he's sounding.* Nevermind. We're both very busy people, and I'm not sure how much more time I'll have for such things. *He crosses his arms and looks off.*
Desirée: Ah. *nods* I suppose when you two do get coinciding time off you'd just want to spend it with each other. *smiles*
Miles: *His lips press together and he narrows his eyes.* The two of us have an understanding. We don't need to spend every moment of our lives with one another, and both of us prefer it that way. *There's a note of finality in this.*
Ron: *blinks at Miles's defensive behaviour* A-all right. *the waiter returns with the milkshake, which Ron slides between Desirée and himself. He gives a small smile* There's nothing wrong with that! W-we weren't saying you should always be together...
Desirée: Mm. *takes a sip of the milkshake* This is good! Are you sure you don't want one too, Milesy? *shakes the glass a bit while smiling, then puts it back down between her and Ron*
Miles: *He glares sidelong at Desirée* Mrs. DeLite, I asked you to please not call me that. Pardon my rudeness, but I abhor nicknames.
Desirée: *laughs* Okay, I'll try to remember.
Miles: *He lifts the new cup of tea he's been brought to his lips, but it's not strong enough, so he puts it back down. Sighs lightly, attempting to be less irritable. He refocuses on the two of them,* I just realized something. Aside from a brief stint as a security adviser at the prison, I don't know what either of you do for a living. I know you work from home, but what do you do?
Ron: *sips from the milkshake* We're consultants for hire. Security inspections, some light detective work and the like! I've decided to put everything I learned about burglary to good use.
Desirée: *nods easily* Ronnie is very clever when it comes to figuring out things like that. Our work has foiled quite a few robberies.
Miles: *He nods in approval.* That's admirable indeed. I should have known this when I had my own burglary scare. It's been resolved completely now, though.
Ron: Oh yeah! *he had actually forgotten* And you set up a better security system after that incident, didn't you?
Miles: I did.
Ron: I saw the panel. *earnest* You chose a very good brand.
Miles: *a nod* I did my research. I may have gotten lucky. It was such a rush job I couldn't complete the entirety of my overview of the various security systems on the market. However, I have encountered this one in court, which made it easier to feel secure in choosing it.
Desirée: You chose well. Still, hopefully you won't have to go through anymore robbery attempts. *takes her straw and drinks more of the shake*
Ron: Was that the only time you've ever been targeted?
Miles: *Lifts the teabag in his cup of tea and shakes his head.* I believe I was targeted while I was abroad at one point, but the robbers didn't seem to see the weak point in my previous security system, so nothing was stolen.
Desirée: That's good. I'd be furious if something of mine were stolen while I was gone. Cowardly criminals like that... who don't leave a warning and wait until the owner is out of town... *shakes her head bitterly*
Ron: *frowns* The lack of warning makes it very unfair.
Miles: *With a snort* You would say such a thing, DeLite.
Desirée: *giggles and stirs the milkshake with her straw* I know, isn't he the best?
Ron: *smiles shyly* Oh, I'm not all that...
Miles: *He rolls his eyes and smirks, finally taking a drink of tea.* You people. *He sighs* I don't quite understand. *shrugs*
Ron: *blinks at Miles as he sips from the glass* What's wrong, Mr. Edgeworth?
Desirée: *finishes taking another sip from her straw at the same time Ron is drinking from his and looks up at Edgeworth curiously* What don't you understand?
Miles: *waves a hand* No, nothing at all. Nevermind. I was just thinking that the two of you are certainly individuals in this world.
Ron: *tilts his head with puzzlement for a moment before deciding it's a compliment* *touched* That's one of the nicest things you've said to me.
Desirée: Haha. You really think so? *tilts her head and smiles*
Miles: *A slightly sardonic nod* I don't prevaricate. *He sips from his bitter, bitter tea.* I don't know, nor have I ever heard of, anyone else like the two of you.
Ron: *a small laugh* Well... Dessie really is one of a kind!
Desirée: And there is no one in the world like my Ronnie. *smiles sweetly and leans in to kiss Ron*
Ron: I sure hope not! *leans in to his wife and gives her a chaste smooch on the lips*
Miles: *Edgeworth gives a low, growling groan.* Are the two of you quite finished?
Desirée: *smiles and returns her attention to Miles* Should we get the checks?
Ron: *barely even hears the groan; he's too busy admiring his wife* I'd say we're done.
Miles: *Flags over the waiter and asks for the checks. They're brought promptly. He pulls out cash from his wallet and drops it on the table.* It was acceptable.
Desirée: I wouldn't mind coming here again sometime. How about you, Ronnie?
Ron: *nods and pulls out his wallet -- he's carrying way too many bills in there -- and puts some cash on the table* I liked it! Good choice, Mr. Edgeworth. I appreciate you taking the time to do lunch with us. Maybe next time, we can try the desserts.
Miles: I'm not a fan of sweets.
Desirée: Yes, we should do that again. And maybe by then you'll think of a dessert you'd like to try. *smiles and pushes the now-empty glass to the edge of the table for the waiter to pick up*
Ron: They have almond tofu on the menu. That's not too sweet. We can have that... next time!
Miles: Hn. *He stands and turns to the side, adjusting his lapels.* We'll see. As I said I'm very busy.
Desirée: We'll have to keep in touch, then. I also wouldn't mind speaking to Angel again, myself. Do you think she'd mind if I gave her a call?
Ron: *stands as well and waits for Desirée to come out*
Miles: *A light shrug* I doubt it. She's much more personable than I.
Desirée: That's good. *follows Ron away from the table and stretches her arms* Mm... I could really go for a bike ride about now.
Ron: *looks as though he suddenly got a great idea* ...Mr. Edgeworth! Are you free now or do you have work to get back to?
Miles: *He glances over* I had been working, but I was planning on taking a half-day, since it's the weekend. Don't want to overwork myself, after all. *A faint eyebrow raise*
Desirée: *nods* So you're off work for a bit, then?
Ron: *cheerful* Maybe Dessie can take you out for a spin!
Miles: *His eyes widen and he holds up his arms.* Oh, no no. *He waves them side to side* I couldn't possibly-
Desirée: *grins eagerly* Oh it wouldn't be any trouble at all! Really!
Ron: She's fantastic at what she does. You haven't really experienced life until you've been taken for a ride on Dessie's bike!
Miles: *shakes his head* By that it seems you mean that you cease experiencing life afterwards. I'll pass.
Desirée: *laughs a bit too loudly* Oh, but I've never gotten into an accident. I handle my bike very well.
Ron: *chipper* Don't be scared, Mr. Edgeworth. You can trust her.
Miles: *He scowls and crosses his arms* That's ridiculous. Of course I'm not afraid. I'm exercising a healthy caution.
Desirée: *tilts her head* Come on, don't you ever wonder what it's like to fly down the highway with the wind in your hair? It's the most wonderful experience.
Ron: I think you'd like it. Come ooooon. *smiles, carefully watching Miles's expression*
Miles: *He grits his teeth and sheds his suit jacket.* Fine. Let's go outside.
Desirée: Wonderful! *clasps her hands together and eagerly exits the cafe before the two men*
Ron: *a happy sigh* Dessie gets so happy whenever she can show someone what it's like... *he starts heading for the door* You won't regret this, Mr. Edgeworth.
Miles: I sincerely doubt that, since I already do. *He thrusts his suit jacket at Ron.* Hold this.
Desirée: This too, Ronnie. *also hands Ron her purse, then quickly moves to where her bright red bike is parked and climbs on, waiting for Edgeworth to follow, smiling almost devilishly at him*
Ron: *he takes the jacket and purse, and holds the door open for Miles*
Miles: *He's muttering something resentfully under his breath and stalks off to the bike, where he stands with arms crossed, back stiff, eyes closed.* What now, Mrs. DeLite.
Desirée: Just climb on the back and hold onto me. Tightly. We wouldn't want you to fall off. *smirks*
Miles: *The cloud of a frown coalesces on his brow, slowly. He sends a glance at Ron and then climbs onto the back of the bike, his hands hovering for a moment before settling on Desirée's shoulders.* Shouldn't we be wearing helmets...? *He says flatly.*
Desirée: I didn't bring any. Don't worry, as long as you hang on, you'll be fine. You might want to put your hands on my hips. Don't be shy. *laughs, puts her goggles down over her eyes, then leans forward to rev the engine loudly*
Ron: *steps up to them, hanging onto their things with both arms* Have fuuuuun!
Miles: *Reluctantly, he switches to her hips and closes his eyes, tensing up.* How in the world did this happen...?
Desirée: Let's go! *slams the accelerator and shoots forward into the road, earning a indignant beep from a car she cut off*
Miles: Oh Jesus *He instinctively loops his arms around Desirée's waist, twitching back slightly at the inappropriateness of it. His cravat flies back in the wind and he peers over Desirée's head at the road ahead, his face frozen in an expression of trepidation.*
Desirée: *laughs almost madly* Alright! Time to show you how to FLY! *speeds up far past the limit, slipping between two cars and heading straight for a short hill in the road*
Miles: *Edgeworth's whimper goes unheard as he watches the bump in the road approach with terror in his eyes.* This was a mistake. *He mutters, and his voice is torn away by the wind.*
Desirée: Hang on! *leans forward and hits the top at full speed, causing the bike's tires to completely leave the ground and the engine to roar*