[SCENE] Ron and Edgeworth in: "Good always triumphs over evil"
Ron: ((I'm going to tell Dessie you were a poopyhead >:( ))
Miles: [[k kiddo. Make sure you tell her to make you a cheese sandwich and cut it diagonal this time.]]
RON: *During an emergency shopping trip at the mall requested by Desiree to pick up a jacket she had changed her mind on and decided to get after rejecting it last week, Ron passes by a Toys 'R' Us. He suddenly recalls seeing an announcement online about a new line of Steel Samurai figures being released this day. Although he's never exactly been a figure collector, the special variant Evil Magistrate DID look mighty appealing. Curious, he steps into the large toy store and searches for the figure aisle.*
MILES: *Meanwhile, Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth was taking pains to look completely unlike himself. He had his usual outfit covered by his black trenchcoat - the collar popped over his face - and his eyes were shaded by a pair of ray-bans. Though it was unlikely any of the many little children milling around his feet would recognize him, it's possible their parents could. Or one of the usually unsavory-looking adults that frequented a child's toy store... He lifts his collar a little higher and goes into the figure aisle, squinting through the sunglasses for the figure he needs.*
RON: *Ron spots a cluttered aisle lined with various overpriced figures in fancy plastic packaging, many of them scattered on the floor. There is a big sign above one of the walls that read, "They're here! Steel Samurai 3rd Gen Action Figure Line: Part One!" The wall is completely empty, save for a few figures of a minor unpopular side character. Ron thinks to himself, "Thought so," and is about to leave, when he sees something in an unrelated section.*
MILES: *Edgeworth elbows his way past a rather rotund college student and frowns at the state of the aisle. He rolls his eyes and while doing so spots the figure he came for, sticking halfway out from a display of pro wrestling toys.*
RON: *At the top of the misplaced box, the tip of the Evil Magistrate's weapon can be seen. The blade is made of translucent plastic, and there is a hint of blood. It is none other than the special variant Evil Magistrate figure with battle damage, crystal clear parts and interchangable hand poses -- the exact figure Ron looked at pictures of online. He can hardly believe his eyes, and his luck. Because of its limited run, he didn't think he'd have a chance to obtain it. Steps quickening, he approaches the unrelated display and immediately reaches out for it.*
MILES: *Edgeworth smirks at his incredible luck. This couldn't be the last one! But it seems that way, the ones in the Steel Samurai display were all the same character. Someone must have stuck this one back here to hide it. He walks up slowly, ignoring the footsteps approaching from his side, and reaches for the figure at the same time as another person, his hand colliding with the smaller person's hand.*
RON: *When his hand brushes against Edgeworth's, he looks up at the shady-looking character in surprise.* Oh! I-I'm sorry. I just need to get to this... *doesn't finish the sentence; cocks his head in thought and stares at the man when he realizes something about him seems familiar.*
MILES: *He freezes in place when he sees the unmistakable hair. He pulls his hand back and shields his face with his collar.* Uh... *He says, debating whether to bolt and abandon his prize or stay and abandon his pride.*
RON: *Studies the man's hair, posture, and general demeanor* Um... *retracts his hand and turns his body towards Edgeworth* Were you... also interested in this toy?
MILES: *He grits his teeth and freezes, hoping that DeLite doesn't recognize him.* Uh... Yes.
RON: *Smiles politely* Ah! ...Is it for a gift?
MILES: *He sighs.* ...No.
RON: *picks up the box and says cheerfully* It's for yourself, then?
MILES: *Grudgingly.* Yes.
RON: *Pleasantly* You're a collector, then? I don't have any merchandise from this series, myself.
MILES: I suppose you could call me that. *He says, glancing at the other man for any signs that he's been recognized.*
RON: I see... *Looking down at the box in his hand and admiring the paint job on the figure, not showing any signs of recognition.* Well... I did want this figure, but... *looks up and smiles* I think it belongs to you. You must be a big fan! *Hands the box over to Edgeworth with a friendly expression.* Please, take it.
MILES: *He drops his hand, looking down at DeLite with a curious expression on his face.* But you said- *He stops himself, looking a bit shocked.*
RON: *Still smiling and offering the figure* You're a collector, yes? Then you should have this. *quiet* I don't buy things for myself very often, anyway. It cuts into my other budget. I shouldn't be doing this. She wants a new paint job... *trails off*
MILES: *He looks almost grudging at the offer. The idea of being indebted to Ron DeLite niggles at him. Still... the figure... He takes it.* Thank you. *He says, a tad gruff.*
RON: *Smiles brightly and folds his hands in front of him, speaking in a very sweet tone* You're very welcome! Please, don't worry about it. I'm not as big of a fan as you are... *smile suddenly turning into a stern frown and furrowing his brow, he exclaims loud enough so everyone in the vicinity can hear* ...Mister EDGEWOOOOOOOORTH!!!
MILES: *Faces turn to the two of them, and Edgeworth gapes at DeLite.* You- *He sees recognition flicker in a couple of the faces and he grabs DeLite by the arm, dragging him into the empty board games aisle.* You- How did you- Were you the one who broke into my memorabilia room!?
RON: *dragged to the other aisle with relative ease* H-hey! Don't grab me, please! I'm not a child! *rubs his arm and hesitates a bit when confronted with Edgeworth's question* Wh...what? *thinks quickly; feigning realization* Oh! Y-you mean... that room full of memorabilia where the door was left wide open? *deliberately, with a thorn in his tone of voice* ...The memorabilia for children's television programs?!
MILES: *He grits his teeth, flicking his sunglasses up onto his head and flipping his collar down.* Fine. Perhaps that was ill-advised. Especially considering...
RON: *tempted to comment on Edgeworth's "disguise," but holds back* Especially considering...?
MILES: *He levels his gaze.* Well I suppose you didn't, but I wouldn't be surprised if you'd recognized my writing style in that journal post you made.
RON: *looks blankly at Edgeworth, tilting his head* In my journal post? *it clicks in his head* ...OH! You mean, that was... That anonymous poster that knew so much about the series and put so much thought to it was you?!
MILES: *He curls his lip,* As much as it pains me to admit this in a public place, yes. Though most of the Nickel Samurai questions were, as I said, posed by posters on an online community.
RON: Wow, Mr. Edgeworth... *Unable to hold back a triumphant-looking grin as he laughs at Edgeworth with his eyes* You sure are a dedicated fan. Are there any other secrets you're hiding?
MILES: *giving Ron the stink-eye.* None that you need hear about, Mr. DeLite.
RON: *shrinks a bit, thinking he may've gone too far* S-sorry, sir. *with anger returning to his voice* So you DON'T think I'm a fool for enjoying this series, yes? Mr. Edgeworth... I thought you were an honest man!
MILES: *he looms over Ron briefly, stepping back and adjusting his sleeve under the heavy coat.* If you recall Mr. DeLite, I never said a thing about you being a "fool" or anything of the sort. I used no dishonest words or turn of phrase. Your assumptions led you to believe something that was false.
RON: *stepping forwards slightly, hands balling into fists* "No dishonest words?" But you claimed nothing interests you asides from educational programs! A-and even if you didn't directly call me a fool, your phrasing... Your phrasing! And your tone said it all! *yelling towards the cheap fluorescent lighting in the ceiling* Why won't you come out and admit YOU LOVE STEEL SAMURAAAAAAAI?!
MILES: *He balls up his fists as the shrieking attracts more attention.* Could you calm yourself down for ONE MOMENT!? My GOD you're infuriating. *He seethes. He points his index finger aggressively into DeLite's personal space.* Look, I don't like you. You made a mockery of the justice system I work to uphold. Nothing I said was a lie, strictly speaking. As a lawyer I'm good at these things. As a criminal, I'm surprised you're not better at bearing up under the scrutiny of others. But yes, the two of us share a certain few common interests, one of which is The Steel Samurai. *He crosses his arms, his lip twitching.*
RON: *startled by Edgeworth's outburst, he stumbles back as he is pointed at, bumping into a large stack of the "Sorry!" board game. He's not sure how to answer to this sudden revelation.* I... *lowers his head but still keeps his eyes on Edgeworth* *quiet* A... a mockery of the justice system? *frowns* But... but, I was honest. I turned myself in. I confessed to my crimes. *looks up* I begged for the guilty verdict! Begged for it! And I admitted again and again to who I was! But... the court didn't listen to me. What did I do that was wroooong?!
MILES: *Edgeworth blinks.* Frankly, I wasn't aware of that. I just read the papers, and I'm certain Europe got a different story. *He sighs.* Hn. You're certainly a contradictory person, Mr. DeLite.
RON: *standing perfectly straight again, looking a little sad as he looks to the side* I read as many articles as I could about my case when it was all over. Many of them got the facts wrong... some of them twisted the story to suit their own interpretations... *Returns his gaze to Edgeworth with a serious look in his eyes* You can hate me all you like, sir, and you can brand me a criminal... but it isn't my fault I walk here today as a free man, going after your collectible toys!
MILES: It sounds so ridiculous when you say it that way. *massages his temple.* Fine. It's my responsibility to work out the flaws in the system as well. It was a lack of foresight on someone's part. Irrespective, you're right, you are a free man and I hardly intended to harass you.
RON: *displeased* Y-you always strictly abide by the rules of the law, don't you, sir? Well... Legally, I did nothing wrong. I never was a phantom thief, and my criminal record is clean. But, we both know there's something wrong with that, so... *rubs his arm, speaking more softy* Wouldn't you agree, then, that there's no black and white when it comes to your own words? *getting quieter* I mean, you can't fault me for reading between the lines and seeing the grey area...
MILES: Very well. *He gestures for DeLite to follow him as he goes up to the register and he continues talking as he pays.* I admit that there were days when I less strictly obeyed the rules than I should have, and there are those who believe I should have been punished for that. I freely admit to being a hypocrite at times. *He says with a sigh.* I should not have showed my possibly slightly misled contempt for you in such a way. *The saleslady hands him his bag, looking slightly irritated that he never said a word to her as he paid.* Here. *He offers the bag to DeLite.*
RON: *blinks and looks at the bag, then at Edgeworth* ...Th...thank you for giving me a chance, Mr. Edgeworth, but I'm afraid I don't have the time to carry your bags for you. *rambles* See, I was actually in the middle of some errands. There's this leather jacket that caught Dessie's eyes last week, and she loved it, but she wasn't sure if she was in love with it, you know? So she didn't get it, but she changed her mind when--
MILES: *rolls his eyes.* Take it, Mr. DeLite.
RON: But I just said-- *blinks agian* Wait. Huh? *takes the bag* Are you... You're giving it to... me?
MILES: Isn't the Evil Magistrate your favorite character? *His expression is carefully neutral.*
RON: *clutching the bag with disbelief* Uh... Yes! ...Don't you like him?
MILES: He's the villain. *he says simply.* I'll just buy the figure online.
RON: *genuine smile* ...Thank you, Mr. Edgeworth! *Ron's cell phone starts ringing (it's the Mask*DeMasque theme)* Oh! Excuse me. *takes the phone from his pocket and answers it with joy* Hi, honey! *pause* Yes, I'll be done soon. *pause* I miss you too! Don't worry, I'll be home shortly. Hey, you'll never guess who I ran into... *in his own happy bubble*
MILES: *He smirks.* Good day, Mr. DeLite. *As he walks off, he mutters to himself.* I hope never to meet you in a professional situation.
Miles: [[k kiddo. Make sure you tell her to make you a cheese sandwich and cut it diagonal this time.]]
RON: *During an emergency shopping trip at the mall requested by Desiree to pick up a jacket she had changed her mind on and decided to get after rejecting it last week, Ron passes by a Toys 'R' Us. He suddenly recalls seeing an announcement online about a new line of Steel Samurai figures being released this day. Although he's never exactly been a figure collector, the special variant Evil Magistrate DID look mighty appealing. Curious, he steps into the large toy store and searches for the figure aisle.*
MILES: *Meanwhile, Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth was taking pains to look completely unlike himself. He had his usual outfit covered by his black trenchcoat - the collar popped over his face - and his eyes were shaded by a pair of ray-bans. Though it was unlikely any of the many little children milling around his feet would recognize him, it's possible their parents could. Or one of the usually unsavory-looking adults that frequented a child's toy store... He lifts his collar a little higher and goes into the figure aisle, squinting through the sunglasses for the figure he needs.*
RON: *Ron spots a cluttered aisle lined with various overpriced figures in fancy plastic packaging, many of them scattered on the floor. There is a big sign above one of the walls that read, "They're here! Steel Samurai 3rd Gen Action Figure Line: Part One!" The wall is completely empty, save for a few figures of a minor unpopular side character. Ron thinks to himself, "Thought so," and is about to leave, when he sees something in an unrelated section.*
MILES: *Edgeworth elbows his way past a rather rotund college student and frowns at the state of the aisle. He rolls his eyes and while doing so spots the figure he came for, sticking halfway out from a display of pro wrestling toys.*
RON: *At the top of the misplaced box, the tip of the Evil Magistrate's weapon can be seen. The blade is made of translucent plastic, and there is a hint of blood. It is none other than the special variant Evil Magistrate figure with battle damage, crystal clear parts and interchangable hand poses -- the exact figure Ron looked at pictures of online. He can hardly believe his eyes, and his luck. Because of its limited run, he didn't think he'd have a chance to obtain it. Steps quickening, he approaches the unrelated display and immediately reaches out for it.*
MILES: *Edgeworth smirks at his incredible luck. This couldn't be the last one! But it seems that way, the ones in the Steel Samurai display were all the same character. Someone must have stuck this one back here to hide it. He walks up slowly, ignoring the footsteps approaching from his side, and reaches for the figure at the same time as another person, his hand colliding with the smaller person's hand.*
RON: *When his hand brushes against Edgeworth's, he looks up at the shady-looking character in surprise.* Oh! I-I'm sorry. I just need to get to this... *doesn't finish the sentence; cocks his head in thought and stares at the man when he realizes something about him seems familiar.*
MILES: *He freezes in place when he sees the unmistakable hair. He pulls his hand back and shields his face with his collar.* Uh... *He says, debating whether to bolt and abandon his prize or stay and abandon his pride.*
RON: *Studies the man's hair, posture, and general demeanor* Um... *retracts his hand and turns his body towards Edgeworth* Were you... also interested in this toy?
MILES: *He grits his teeth and freezes, hoping that DeLite doesn't recognize him.* Uh... Yes.
RON: *Smiles politely* Ah! ...Is it for a gift?
MILES: *He sighs.* ...No.
RON: *picks up the box and says cheerfully* It's for yourself, then?
MILES: *Grudgingly.* Yes.
RON: *Pleasantly* You're a collector, then? I don't have any merchandise from this series, myself.
MILES: I suppose you could call me that. *He says, glancing at the other man for any signs that he's been recognized.*
RON: I see... *Looking down at the box in his hand and admiring the paint job on the figure, not showing any signs of recognition.* Well... I did want this figure, but... *looks up and smiles* I think it belongs to you. You must be a big fan! *Hands the box over to Edgeworth with a friendly expression.* Please, take it.
MILES: *He drops his hand, looking down at DeLite with a curious expression on his face.* But you said- *He stops himself, looking a bit shocked.*
RON: *Still smiling and offering the figure* You're a collector, yes? Then you should have this. *quiet* I don't buy things for myself very often, anyway. It cuts into my other budget. I shouldn't be doing this. She wants a new paint job... *trails off*
MILES: *He looks almost grudging at the offer. The idea of being indebted to Ron DeLite niggles at him. Still... the figure... He takes it.* Thank you. *He says, a tad gruff.*
RON: *Smiles brightly and folds his hands in front of him, speaking in a very sweet tone* You're very welcome! Please, don't worry about it. I'm not as big of a fan as you are... *smile suddenly turning into a stern frown and furrowing his brow, he exclaims loud enough so everyone in the vicinity can hear* ...Mister EDGEWOOOOOOOORTH!!!
MILES: *Faces turn to the two of them, and Edgeworth gapes at DeLite.* You- *He sees recognition flicker in a couple of the faces and he grabs DeLite by the arm, dragging him into the empty board games aisle.* You- How did you- Were you the one who broke into my memorabilia room!?
RON: *dragged to the other aisle with relative ease* H-hey! Don't grab me, please! I'm not a child! *rubs his arm and hesitates a bit when confronted with Edgeworth's question* Wh...what? *thinks quickly; feigning realization* Oh! Y-you mean... that room full of memorabilia where the door was left wide open? *deliberately, with a thorn in his tone of voice* ...The memorabilia for children's television programs?!
MILES: *He grits his teeth, flicking his sunglasses up onto his head and flipping his collar down.* Fine. Perhaps that was ill-advised. Especially considering...
RON: *tempted to comment on Edgeworth's "disguise," but holds back* Especially considering...?
MILES: *He levels his gaze.* Well I suppose you didn't, but I wouldn't be surprised if you'd recognized my writing style in that journal post you made.
RON: *looks blankly at Edgeworth, tilting his head* In my journal post? *it clicks in his head* ...OH! You mean, that was... That anonymous poster that knew so much about the series and put so much thought to it was you?!
MILES: *He curls his lip,* As much as it pains me to admit this in a public place, yes. Though most of the Nickel Samurai questions were, as I said, posed by posters on an online community.
RON: Wow, Mr. Edgeworth... *Unable to hold back a triumphant-looking grin as he laughs at Edgeworth with his eyes* You sure are a dedicated fan. Are there any other secrets you're hiding?
MILES: *giving Ron the stink-eye.* None that you need hear about, Mr. DeLite.
RON: *shrinks a bit, thinking he may've gone too far* S-sorry, sir. *with anger returning to his voice* So you DON'T think I'm a fool for enjoying this series, yes? Mr. Edgeworth... I thought you were an honest man!
MILES: *he looms over Ron briefly, stepping back and adjusting his sleeve under the heavy coat.* If you recall Mr. DeLite, I never said a thing about you being a "fool" or anything of the sort. I used no dishonest words or turn of phrase. Your assumptions led you to believe something that was false.
RON: *stepping forwards slightly, hands balling into fists* "No dishonest words?" But you claimed nothing interests you asides from educational programs! A-and even if you didn't directly call me a fool, your phrasing... Your phrasing! And your tone said it all! *yelling towards the cheap fluorescent lighting in the ceiling* Why won't you come out and admit YOU LOVE STEEL SAMURAAAAAAAI?!
MILES: *He balls up his fists as the shrieking attracts more attention.* Could you calm yourself down for ONE MOMENT!? My GOD you're infuriating. *He seethes. He points his index finger aggressively into DeLite's personal space.* Look, I don't like you. You made a mockery of the justice system I work to uphold. Nothing I said was a lie, strictly speaking. As a lawyer I'm good at these things. As a criminal, I'm surprised you're not better at bearing up under the scrutiny of others. But yes, the two of us share a certain few common interests, one of which is The Steel Samurai. *He crosses his arms, his lip twitching.*
RON: *startled by Edgeworth's outburst, he stumbles back as he is pointed at, bumping into a large stack of the "Sorry!" board game. He's not sure how to answer to this sudden revelation.* I... *lowers his head but still keeps his eyes on Edgeworth* *quiet* A... a mockery of the justice system? *frowns* But... but, I was honest. I turned myself in. I confessed to my crimes. *looks up* I begged for the guilty verdict! Begged for it! And I admitted again and again to who I was! But... the court didn't listen to me. What did I do that was wroooong?!
MILES: *Edgeworth blinks.* Frankly, I wasn't aware of that. I just read the papers, and I'm certain Europe got a different story. *He sighs.* Hn. You're certainly a contradictory person, Mr. DeLite.
RON: *standing perfectly straight again, looking a little sad as he looks to the side* I read as many articles as I could about my case when it was all over. Many of them got the facts wrong... some of them twisted the story to suit their own interpretations... *Returns his gaze to Edgeworth with a serious look in his eyes* You can hate me all you like, sir, and you can brand me a criminal... but it isn't my fault I walk here today as a free man, going after your collectible toys!
MILES: It sounds so ridiculous when you say it that way. *massages his temple.* Fine. It's my responsibility to work out the flaws in the system as well. It was a lack of foresight on someone's part. Irrespective, you're right, you are a free man and I hardly intended to harass you.
RON: *displeased* Y-you always strictly abide by the rules of the law, don't you, sir? Well... Legally, I did nothing wrong. I never was a phantom thief, and my criminal record is clean. But, we both know there's something wrong with that, so... *rubs his arm, speaking more softy* Wouldn't you agree, then, that there's no black and white when it comes to your own words? *getting quieter* I mean, you can't fault me for reading between the lines and seeing the grey area...
MILES: Very well. *He gestures for DeLite to follow him as he goes up to the register and he continues talking as he pays.* I admit that there were days when I less strictly obeyed the rules than I should have, and there are those who believe I should have been punished for that. I freely admit to being a hypocrite at times. *He says with a sigh.* I should not have showed my possibly slightly misled contempt for you in such a way. *The saleslady hands him his bag, looking slightly irritated that he never said a word to her as he paid.* Here. *He offers the bag to DeLite.*
RON: *blinks and looks at the bag, then at Edgeworth* ...Th...thank you for giving me a chance, Mr. Edgeworth, but I'm afraid I don't have the time to carry your bags for you. *rambles* See, I was actually in the middle of some errands. There's this leather jacket that caught Dessie's eyes last week, and she loved it, but she wasn't sure if she was in love with it, you know? So she didn't get it, but she changed her mind when--
MILES: *rolls his eyes.* Take it, Mr. DeLite.
RON: But I just said-- *blinks agian* Wait. Huh? *takes the bag* Are you... You're giving it to... me?
MILES: Isn't the Evil Magistrate your favorite character? *His expression is carefully neutral.*
RON: *clutching the bag with disbelief* Uh... Yes! ...Don't you like him?
MILES: He's the villain. *he says simply.* I'll just buy the figure online.
RON: *genuine smile* ...Thank you, Mr. Edgeworth! *Ron's cell phone starts ringing (it's the Mask*DeMasque theme)* Oh! Excuse me. *takes the phone from his pocket and answers it with joy* Hi, honey! *pause* Yes, I'll be done soon. *pause* I miss you too! Don't worry, I'll be home shortly. Hey, you'll never guess who I ran into... *in his own happy bubble*
MILES: *He smirks.* Good day, Mr. DeLite. *As he walks off, he mutters to himself.* I hope never to meet you in a professional situation.