[Scene] Burning Bridges - Metaphorically this time
Phoenix: *Phoenix enters the prosecutor's office, and after signing in with reception is directed to Klavier Gavin's office. As he rides the elevator to the 12th floor he takes the magatama out of his pocket and rubs it with his thumb, as if for good luck. He's not sure yet exactly what he intends to do, just that he had to do something.*
Phoenix: *The elevator chimes, and with a deep breath he pockets the jewel and moves to Klavier's office. He raps on the door and tries to calm his nerves as he waits for a response.*
Klavier: *Klavier is listening to music on a headset, but he detects a beat that is not in time with the song's percussion. He lays aside his headphones and twirls in his seat to face the door* Achtung! Company at last. This brief is killing me here...
Phoenix: *Hears some kind of answer, and decides it's good enough. He opens the door and steps inside--and closes it behind him just in case Klavier tries to immediately throw him out.* Hello, Prosecutor Gavin.
Klavier: ...... *he inclines his head imperiously, and though he has not risen from his chair, it almost seems he is looking down on the standing visitor* ..... *finally he speaks* Ach. If you've come to get your lapel pin back, you're at the wrong office, Herr Attorney.
Phoenix: *sets his hands in his pockets* I'm not here to cause any trouble, I just want to talk for a few minutes. If you don't mind.
Klavier: If you have anything to say... I suppose I can hear you out. *kicks back in his chair* Have a seat. You can take the right speaker.
Phoenix: *Glances at the speaker, then shakes his head, but he does come closer.* No thanks. I'd rather stand.
Klavier: *shrugs, lazily* Suit yourself. So what has the fallen attorney crawled back to tell me?
Phoenix: *His eyebrow twitches, but he holds back a retort.* I know it'd be a waste of time to plead my innocence, so there's only one thing I want from you. *His hand tightens around the magatama in his pocket* Who tipped you off about the evidence being forged?
Klavier: *sits forward, on his guard now this has become an interrogation rather than a plea bargain* That is confidential and you know it...!
Klavier: *Chains unfurl and cross in between them, but Klavier stares right through the two padlocks, as if he doesn't even see them* I am not going to let you badger the informant who called you out.
Phoenix: Someone knew about that forgery even before I did. Don't you find that suspicious? Whoever it is needs to be brought forward and questioned. *He eyes the locks, knowing he has nothing to present, but he's not going to back down yet.*
Klavier: Before you did? *scoffs* Herr Wright, that tip came in at the eleventh hour-- the night before the trial. Your business with Herr Misham was long since concluded, ja? *looks up when Phoenix's gaze drifts, but he sees nothing to distract the other man*
Phoenix: *tries not to frown* That's not the timeline I testified to. But it doesn't matter--even assuming I ordered the forgery, I certainly didn't tell anyone. And if Misham didn't either, how did someone else find out? I can't answer that until you tell me who it was.
Klavier: *lazily jabs his pointer finger right through the abstract locks* Your answers don't jive, Herr Wright. You can speak about what you would or wouldn't do until your face turns blue-- I can't trust anything you say with no evidence to back it up. *Ironically... another lock slams down now.* It doesn't matter how or from whom my informant got their information; the crux of the matter is it checked out.
Phoenix: *Winces as the extra lock appears. Determined not to leave empty handed, he decides on a different, possibly more dangerous approach.* Your informant is a criminal, and he went after me for a reason. I deserve to know--was it someone I know? You've looked at my whole record by now, you must have noticed if it was someone I helped put away.
Klavier: My informant is no criminal! They were just trying to do the right thing...! *stands up to face the ex-attorney* You're grasping. My informant has no grudge against you. They just wanted you to do the right thing. But no-- Herr Attorney Wright had to present that forgery...
Phoenix: *The question backfiring makes Phoenix's head spin, and he shakes it try and get his focus back* If this person is so innocent why haven't they come forward? Is there some other reason you're protecting them?
Klavier: Th-the only reason I'm shielding them from your badgering is because they placed their confidence in me... *But in spite of what he says, something in that question has shattered the first lock* ...And if I betrayed that confidence...
Phoenix: *It's the only opening Phoenix has, and he jumps on it* You're lying. You are protecting someone. *his eyes narrow* Or maybe you're just protecting yourself.
Klavier: *His jaw sets.* I do not need to protect myself, Herr Wright. My performance has been true to the law. *snaps his fingers, and points toward the door* And this is my final act with you, unless you have a reason for an encore. Get out of my office.
Phoenix: *Phoenix takes a step back without meaning to as his head starts to throb. He rubs his eyes, but it won't go away and he knows he can't keep going. He lets go of the magatama.* Fine, for now. But I'm not going to stop until I have the truth. *He turns and shows himself out.*
Klavier: *sighs deeply, and takes his seat again* You know... he almost was blue in the face for a moment, there... *shakes his head* Achtung! To work...
Phoenix:*Phoenix moves from Klavier's office to the door next to it, but before knocking he takes a moment to collect himself. It's the first time he'll be seeing or speaking to Edgeworth since the afternoon at the courthouse, and in all that time he still hasn't figured out exactly what he's going to say. With a deep breath, he knocks on the door--probably harder than is necessary*
Edgeworth:*loudly, from within* Detective, if you haven't found the witness, you can turn yourself right back around without coming in.
Phoenix:*rolls his eyes--he had hoped to find Edgeworth in at least a better mood than he was. He lets himself in* It's me, Edgeworth.
Edgeworth:*is sitting at his desk as usual--when Phoenix enters, he's glaring at the pages of a file folder as if demanding it to spontaneously produce answers. When he realizes who it is at the doorway, though, he shuts the book with a thud and places it aside*
Edgeworth:*somewhat curtly, though without hostility* Wright. I was expecting this visit a little sooner.
Phoenix:I know, but I've been...busy. *strides forward and thumps down in the chair across from Edgeworth. He rubs his eyes* Do you have some Aspirin or something?
Edgeworth:...That bad, hm. *reaches into the top drawer, producing a bottle and setting it on the desktop. Following that, he swivels in his chair, and pours some plain water into a scalloped teacup, offering that forward as well* I take it... no solutions as of yet.
Phoenix:No...not yet. *takes two and drinks them down before continuing* I paid Gavin a visit, but I didn't get much out of him. I need something that'll rattle him before I try again.
Edgeworth:......You're still on his case? *raises an eyebrow and glances over to the wall of bookshelves on his left* I've talked to him on several occasions, before and after your hearing. Klavier Gavin's harmless-- a loud, attention-craving, thrill-seeking child, but harmless. You're looking in the wrong direction.
Phoenix:*stares at him, for a moment confused--he didn't expect Edgeworth to shut him down that quickly* What other direction is there? Gavin had more to gain than anyone by sabotaging that trial. *pulls the magatama out of his pocket and puts it on the desk between them* He's hiding something, more than just his informant's name.
Edgeworth:*jabs a finger in the air* More than anyone--that we're aware of at the moment. I'm not ruling him out purely on the grounds of working beside him, Wright. Of course he seems the most likely culprit at an initial glance. But he doesn't seem the kind--
Edgeworth:*falls silent, seeming to contemplate his words. He turns his glare to the small green jewel on his desk briefly before surveying Phoenix's expression* He showed psycholocks, then?
Phoenix:Psyche--er, yeah. *runs a hand through his hair* I was able to figure out it wasn't someone from one of my old cases--as far as Klavier knows, that is--but that's all. If only I had something he wasn't expecting, to give me an edge.
Edgeworth:Hn. *laces his fingers together, resting his chin upon them. He spends almost a full minute in contemplation before looking up* I've been meaning to ask you. Have you spoken with his brother?
Phoenix:His...brother? *It takes him a moment to think of who Edgeworth means.* You mean, Kristoph Gavin? Only for a second after the hearing. Why?
Edgeworth:*his brows furrow further* I talked to the man-- you two didn't so much as know each other before the hearing? Don't you find his actions in the whole matter suspicious?
Phoenix:*leans back, and as he catches on his expression sours* You find it "suspicious" that someone would stand up for me? Just what are you trying to say?
Edgeworth:Oh come off it, Wright. Out of all the attorneys in the city, the one man to stand against the decision just so happens to be the prosecutor's brother? *bluntly* I don't trust him. What's his motive?
Phoenix:Not everyone needs a motive to stand up for someone when it's the truth, Edgeworth. *Gripped by sudden defensiveness he leans forward against the desk.* Unless you think I'm so obviously guilty that you'd have to be crazy to believe in me. What's with you today anyway? I call out a prosecutor so you have to call out a defense attorney, is that it?
Edgeworth:*lowers his hands to the table* Are you so stuck on your theories of prosecutorial corruption that you can't contemplate any other possibility? *a pause--then he shakes his head, and shrugs* Ah. I see. This is that whole "classroom trial" thing again, isn't it?
Phoenix:That whole... *with a scowl of frustration Phoenix stands and moves behind the chair restlessly* Okay, yeah, maybe it is. Maybe I find it hard to believe that the one person who stood up for me on the most humiliating day of my life was just trying to trick me. Why? They had me--if any one of them had something to do with it, why not just keep their mouths shut and let me fry?
Edgeworth:*waves his hand dismissively* Overconfidence, a case of overinflated ego--I don't know. Because he has something to gain by lowering your guard? You've certainly shown a willingness to do so to date.
Phoenix:That's ridiculous--we don't even know each other. And it doesn't make half as much sense as an arrogant young prosecutor trying to make a name for himself by taking out the city's most famous defense attorney. *glances at Edgeworth's chess set next to him, and childishly flicks the blue "pawn" over. It skids across the board and knocks two of the red "knights" to the floor*
Edgeworth:*rises to his feet as the two pieces clatter noisily on the hardwood* Are you four years old, Wright? What the devil did you do that for? That set is worth more than your suit!
Phoenix:*flinches--he hadn't meant for them to go flying, but he's not about to pick them up. He folds his arms* S-So what? You're rich. Buy a new one.
Edgeworth:*scowls* I'll have you foot the bill if anything is damaged. *rounds his desk, picking up the two pieces and setting them away from the attorney* Recent loss of employment be damned.
Phoenix:*watches Edgeworth with annoyance that melts quickly to anger* Is that supposed to be a joke? Your little pet protege's taken everything from me, and you're worried about your stupid toys?
Edgeworth:*grits his teeth* Your half-baked grounds for suspecting him have long since turned into petty mockery. He's a prosecutor who took the correct actions given everything placed before him, Wright. Until you can show otherwise--
Phoenix:*cuts him off with an accusatory finger jab* You want to talk about basis, how about the fact that every prosecutor out of this office for the last three years has been guilty of something? Face it Edgeworth--your whole department's been corrupt from the start, and until I came along no one was willing to do anything about it, including you!
Edgeworth:*his expression turns stony--he slams a hand loudly on his desk* Is that your summary of events? With that kind of mindset it's some wonder nobody else knocked you down a peg years ago!
Phoenix:Tell me I'm wrong! *takes a step closer, putting them uncomfortably close* Just this year you've had to lock up two more prosecutors, right? Not to mention Gant and Karma before them. Even you would be in jail now if not for me, and don't get me started on your sister. If that prick Gavin is innocent he'll be the first!
Edgeworth:*brings his hand up, and in a motion eerily reminiscent of his mentor's finger snaps he strikes Phoenix clean across the jaw*
Phoenix:*is stunned momentarily out of his anger, and as he rubs his jaw he stares back at Edgeworth with a look of betrayal* You were never going to defend me on this one, were you?
Edgeworth:*remains silent for several moments--when he finally speaks, it's eerily calm and with a bitter smile* Is your faith in me really so frail? Yes. Yes, even now, as you try your damned hardest to squander your last efforts and your last remaining days.
Edgeworth:*points to the door* You're in no shape to be reasoned with-- get out.
Phoenix:*the smile does it--resentment burns like bile at the back of his throat, and before he can think better of it, he swings his arm and punches Edgeworth full in the face*
Edgeworth:*the fist connects full with his right eye, and he staggers back from the hit. Unfortunately, his hip collides into the nearby chess table and it overturns with a noisy THUD and the clatter of innumerable tiny pieces as they hit the floor. Recovering, Edgeworth shields the wounded side of his face--and though he's even paler than normal, his open eye never looks away from Phoenix* Out.
Phoenix:*for some reason the clattering pieces make Phoenix jump, and his expression struggles between guilt and remaining anger* If what I've seen lately is your idea of faith, you can keep it. *He maneuvers past Edgeworth to snatch the magatama back from the desk* Maybe I should be glad you weren't at the hearing after all.
Edgeworth:*something in his resolve falters-he turns away, voice firm* You can hold that against me as long as you want... and as long as you need. But just see to it that you bring your turnabout.
Phoenix:*shoves the magatama in his pocket, and hesitates, his jaw working. At last he turns toward the door* I will.
Edgeworth:*doesn't seem to have anything more to say-- with a brief nod he walks back over to his desk, not bothering to fix the overturned table or the mess on the floor. He hasn't removed his hand from his eye*
Phoenix:*opens the door swiftly, as if getting ready to slam it shut, but he hesitates in that too. After one last glance back he shows himself out and closes the door--softly--behind him*
Phoenix:*Phoenix is still in a foul mood by the time he gets back to his apartment. He parks his bike in the rack and climbs to the second floor, wrestling his keys out of his pocket the entire way. At his door he pauses, glancing left and right to make sure there aren't any late-comer paparazzi's around, and finally moves to unlock his door.*
QuestionMarks: *the lock turns easily - too easily altogether, with no resistance at all. It's unlocked*
Phoenix:*Frowns down at the lock, and after another glance around he pushes the door slowly open.* Hello? Maya? *He pokes his head inside and looks around.*
QuestionMarks: *there's no sign that Maya's there - but Phoenix's DVD collection is strewn all over the floor in front of his TV, which is turned all the way up and playing a stupid buddy comedy with lots of fart jokes*
Phoenix:*Winces against the noise and cautiously steps inside.* Hello? *He nudges some of the DVD cases away with his feet on his way to turning off the television.*
QuestionMarks: *the place is generally a mess - sofa cushions dislodged, DVDs left sitting outside of their cases, a Victoria's Secret catalog lying open on the coffee table, turned to the racy pages*
Phoenix:*Phoenix is starting to get the picture. With a disgusted scowl he goes into the kitchen in search of the culprit*
QuestionMarks: *with the TV off it's easy to hear the shower running from the bathroom. The kitchen is in a similar state of disarray: used dishes are everywhere, the ketchup is sitting out, the bread is open, and the door to the fridge is ajar, showing the raided insides*
Phoenix:*Heaves a sigh as he twists the bread up and stows it back in the fridge. Before closing it, however, he grabs one of the few remaining beers and pops it open for a long gulp. At last he heads for the bathroom and the inevitable confrontation.*
Larry:*the shower is running, but Larry isn't in it - he's shaving his legs in the bathroom sink using Nick's facial razor. There is shaving cream in places that shouldn't be mentioned. He is stark naked*
Phoenix:*Looks into the bathroom, and gets a eyeful of unmentionable things he never wanted to ever see. He drops his beer in his desperate attempt to cover his eyes.* LARRY! What are you doing!?
Larry:*looks up, grins* Hey Nick! When'd you get back? *runs the razor WAAAAAAAAAAY up his thigh*
Phoenix:*His eyes follow the razor involuntarily, and he just about gags* Is that my razor!? You're... why are you shaving your legs!? *He stumbles back as if about to faint*
Larry:*frowns* Let me tell you, Nick. I sweat. A lot. Sometimes you gotta do this stuff! You know, to be hygienic. *merrily returns to his shaving* Anyway, thanks for letting me stay! Feels just like our college days.
Phoenix:*rubs his face with both hands, but the image just won't go away* I said you could sleep on my sofa, not turn the place upside down! D-Don't you have your own razor anyway? *retrieves his fallen beer and sucks out everything that's left*
Larry:Nick I'm pretty sure my razor is at Helena's. *scratches his head* I'm not going back there for a while. Besides, I'm clean! I didn't have lice or anything, last I checked. *watches him drink from the beer* Nick it's like two in the afternoon.
Phoenix:I need it. *wipes his mouth and, doing his very best NOT to look at naked Larry, surveys the carnage wreaked on his bathroom.* Ugh, you used my towels? You know those weren't clean...
Larry:*blinks, ceasing his shaving* Really? They didn't smell sour or anything.
Phoenix:Sour? *grimaces* I'm going to pretend you didn't say that. Just...finish up, okay? And rinse out the sink when you're done! *shaking his head, he moves to close the door*
Larry:Oh! Wait a minute Nick, wait a minute. *returns to his shaving anyway, his tongue stuck out* I was going to clean up the place before you got home, honest! You're way earlier than I expected. You get off work early?
Phoenix:*stops with the door half closed.* Uh...yeah, you could say that. I'm off for good, in fact.
Larry:*flinches, nicking himself on the thigh* What! Nick, when I said you should consider another career path I was kidding! I didn't think you'd do it! You've got to go back and tell 'em you changed your mind!
Phoenix:*starts to open the door again, but when he's reminded of Larry's naked state he retreats again* I'm not talking to you until you put some clothes on!
Larry:I'm not putting any clothes on until you start being a lawyer again!
Phoenix:Larry...! *rolls his eyes--there's no use using logic or even getting mad at Larry.* Just stop that before you bleed to death. I'm getting another beer. *Shuts the door soundly and heads back toward the kitchen.*
Larry:*a few seconds later Larry comes out of the bathroom, dripping shaving cream and with a thoughtful look on his face: this is Larry at his most serious* Listen, Nick, I wanted to talk to you. About this lawyer thing. *he is still very naked*
Phoenix:*Having been rummaging through the fridge in search of more booze, Phoenix hears him and looks up, maybe even preparing to say something serious...but it was not to be.* Damnit Larry, why are you naked in my kitchen? I eat in here!
Larry:Nick, we've known each other since we were five. I've been naked in your kitchen more times than I can count. *pulls a chair up for himself at the table, taking a seat and crossing his legs* I want you to tell me why you quit being a lawyer.
Phoenix:H-Hey, you're getting shaving cream on... *Gives up with a sigh--at least he's found another beer* I didn't quit. I was...fired. The lawyer equivalent, anyway. They took my attorney's badge.
Larry:*blinks again, and some pat of him understands well enough that he's already sweating* ...R-really? Why?
Phoenix:Because I... *Tries to think of the simplest explanation* They think I tried to cheat. I presented evidence that someone else had faked. *narrows his eyes* I was set up.
Larry:*digests this visibly and very slowly, his expression changing several times as he runs the thought through his mind* So they took away your badge... because they think that you made up evidence. Like... like one the guys you keep putting away.
Phoenix:Yeah. *Sips his new beer, and at last gives in.* It was a stupid mistake. I can admit it--to you, anyway. But I didn't fake any evidence, I was just doing my job! They wouldn't believe me, so now I'm fired. *smirks dryly* You'll have to find yourself a new lawyer, Larry.
Larry:*pauses for a beat, then explodes, the vein on his head standing out and dancing around* WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THAT BEFORE I GOT HERE? I have to get out of here!
Phoenix:*leans back in alarm.* Huh? What are you talking about?
Larry:I've seen this before! It's just like in the movies! They'll re-open all of your old cases and I'll be under scrutiny again and you won't be there to help! *gets up and runs into the living room*
Phoenix:*sighs, takes another sip of his beer, and follows.* Larry, it's not as bad as you think!
Larry:You don't understand, Nick! I'm going to go to jail like.... FORTY TIMES! *he pulls his clothes out from behind the sofa and begins to dress in a hurry, already hoping toward the door as he pulls on his socks*
Phoenix:*Is about to remind Larry of double jeopardy, but then glances around his apartment again, and pauses.* I only defended you once... Have you been racking up felonies I don't know about?
Larry:CAN'T TALK NOW NICK GOTTA GO BYE! *and then he's out the door, his pants most of the way up as he hops down the street*
Phoenix:*Does try to stop him. With a shake of his head he closes the door behind him and turns toward the mess left behind. After a few moments he takes a deep breath and rolls up his sleeves. There's a toilet that needs some serious cleaning.*
Phoenix: *The elevator chimes, and with a deep breath he pockets the jewel and moves to Klavier's office. He raps on the door and tries to calm his nerves as he waits for a response.*
Klavier: *Klavier is listening to music on a headset, but he detects a beat that is not in time with the song's percussion. He lays aside his headphones and twirls in his seat to face the door* Achtung! Company at last. This brief is killing me here...
Phoenix: *Hears some kind of answer, and decides it's good enough. He opens the door and steps inside--and closes it behind him just in case Klavier tries to immediately throw him out.* Hello, Prosecutor Gavin.
Klavier: ...... *he inclines his head imperiously, and though he has not risen from his chair, it almost seems he is looking down on the standing visitor* ..... *finally he speaks* Ach. If you've come to get your lapel pin back, you're at the wrong office, Herr Attorney.
Phoenix: *sets his hands in his pockets* I'm not here to cause any trouble, I just want to talk for a few minutes. If you don't mind.
Klavier: If you have anything to say... I suppose I can hear you out. *kicks back in his chair* Have a seat. You can take the right speaker.
Phoenix: *Glances at the speaker, then shakes his head, but he does come closer.* No thanks. I'd rather stand.
Klavier: *shrugs, lazily* Suit yourself. So what has the fallen attorney crawled back to tell me?
Phoenix: *His eyebrow twitches, but he holds back a retort.* I know it'd be a waste of time to plead my innocence, so there's only one thing I want from you. *His hand tightens around the magatama in his pocket* Who tipped you off about the evidence being forged?
Klavier: *sits forward, on his guard now this has become an interrogation rather than a plea bargain* That is confidential and you know it...!
Klavier: *Chains unfurl and cross in between them, but Klavier stares right through the two padlocks, as if he doesn't even see them* I am not going to let you badger the informant who called you out.
Phoenix: Someone knew about that forgery even before I did. Don't you find that suspicious? Whoever it is needs to be brought forward and questioned. *He eyes the locks, knowing he has nothing to present, but he's not going to back down yet.*
Klavier: Before you did? *scoffs* Herr Wright, that tip came in at the eleventh hour-- the night before the trial. Your business with Herr Misham was long since concluded, ja? *looks up when Phoenix's gaze drifts, but he sees nothing to distract the other man*
Phoenix: *tries not to frown* That's not the timeline I testified to. But it doesn't matter--even assuming I ordered the forgery, I certainly didn't tell anyone. And if Misham didn't either, how did someone else find out? I can't answer that until you tell me who it was.
Klavier: *lazily jabs his pointer finger right through the abstract locks* Your answers don't jive, Herr Wright. You can speak about what you would or wouldn't do until your face turns blue-- I can't trust anything you say with no evidence to back it up. *Ironically... another lock slams down now.* It doesn't matter how or from whom my informant got their information; the crux of the matter is it checked out.
Phoenix: *Winces as the extra lock appears. Determined not to leave empty handed, he decides on a different, possibly more dangerous approach.* Your informant is a criminal, and he went after me for a reason. I deserve to know--was it someone I know? You've looked at my whole record by now, you must have noticed if it was someone I helped put away.
Klavier: My informant is no criminal! They were just trying to do the right thing...! *stands up to face the ex-attorney* You're grasping. My informant has no grudge against you. They just wanted you to do the right thing. But no-- Herr Attorney Wright had to present that forgery...
Phoenix: *The question backfiring makes Phoenix's head spin, and he shakes it try and get his focus back* If this person is so innocent why haven't they come forward? Is there some other reason you're protecting them?
Klavier: Th-the only reason I'm shielding them from your badgering is because they placed their confidence in me... *But in spite of what he says, something in that question has shattered the first lock* ...And if I betrayed that confidence...
Phoenix: *It's the only opening Phoenix has, and he jumps on it* You're lying. You are protecting someone. *his eyes narrow* Or maybe you're just protecting yourself.
Klavier: *His jaw sets.* I do not need to protect myself, Herr Wright. My performance has been true to the law. *snaps his fingers, and points toward the door* And this is my final act with you, unless you have a reason for an encore. Get out of my office.
Phoenix: *Phoenix takes a step back without meaning to as his head starts to throb. He rubs his eyes, but it won't go away and he knows he can't keep going. He lets go of the magatama.* Fine, for now. But I'm not going to stop until I have the truth. *He turns and shows himself out.*
Klavier: *sighs deeply, and takes his seat again* You know... he almost was blue in the face for a moment, there... *shakes his head* Achtung! To work...
Phoenix:*Phoenix moves from Klavier's office to the door next to it, but before knocking he takes a moment to collect himself. It's the first time he'll be seeing or speaking to Edgeworth since the afternoon at the courthouse, and in all that time he still hasn't figured out exactly what he's going to say. With a deep breath, he knocks on the door--probably harder than is necessary*
Edgeworth:*loudly, from within* Detective, if you haven't found the witness, you can turn yourself right back around without coming in.
Phoenix:*rolls his eyes--he had hoped to find Edgeworth in at least a better mood than he was. He lets himself in* It's me, Edgeworth.
Edgeworth:*is sitting at his desk as usual--when Phoenix enters, he's glaring at the pages of a file folder as if demanding it to spontaneously produce answers. When he realizes who it is at the doorway, though, he shuts the book with a thud and places it aside*
Edgeworth:*somewhat curtly, though without hostility* Wright. I was expecting this visit a little sooner.
Phoenix:I know, but I've been...busy. *strides forward and thumps down in the chair across from Edgeworth. He rubs his eyes* Do you have some Aspirin or something?
Edgeworth:...That bad, hm. *reaches into the top drawer, producing a bottle and setting it on the desktop. Following that, he swivels in his chair, and pours some plain water into a scalloped teacup, offering that forward as well* I take it... no solutions as of yet.
Phoenix:No...not yet. *takes two and drinks them down before continuing* I paid Gavin a visit, but I didn't get much out of him. I need something that'll rattle him before I try again.
Edgeworth:......You're still on his case? *raises an eyebrow and glances over to the wall of bookshelves on his left* I've talked to him on several occasions, before and after your hearing. Klavier Gavin's harmless-- a loud, attention-craving, thrill-seeking child, but harmless. You're looking in the wrong direction.
Phoenix:*stares at him, for a moment confused--he didn't expect Edgeworth to shut him down that quickly* What other direction is there? Gavin had more to gain than anyone by sabotaging that trial. *pulls the magatama out of his pocket and puts it on the desk between them* He's hiding something, more than just his informant's name.
Edgeworth:*jabs a finger in the air* More than anyone--that we're aware of at the moment. I'm not ruling him out purely on the grounds of working beside him, Wright. Of course he seems the most likely culprit at an initial glance. But he doesn't seem the kind--
Edgeworth:*falls silent, seeming to contemplate his words. He turns his glare to the small green jewel on his desk briefly before surveying Phoenix's expression* He showed psycholocks, then?
Phoenix:Psyche--er, yeah. *runs a hand through his hair* I was able to figure out it wasn't someone from one of my old cases--as far as Klavier knows, that is--but that's all. If only I had something he wasn't expecting, to give me an edge.
Edgeworth:Hn. *laces his fingers together, resting his chin upon them. He spends almost a full minute in contemplation before looking up* I've been meaning to ask you. Have you spoken with his brother?
Phoenix:His...brother? *It takes him a moment to think of who Edgeworth means.* You mean, Kristoph Gavin? Only for a second after the hearing. Why?
Edgeworth:*his brows furrow further* I talked to the man-- you two didn't so much as know each other before the hearing? Don't you find his actions in the whole matter suspicious?
Phoenix:*leans back, and as he catches on his expression sours* You find it "suspicious" that someone would stand up for me? Just what are you trying to say?
Edgeworth:Oh come off it, Wright. Out of all the attorneys in the city, the one man to stand against the decision just so happens to be the prosecutor's brother? *bluntly* I don't trust him. What's his motive?
Phoenix:Not everyone needs a motive to stand up for someone when it's the truth, Edgeworth. *Gripped by sudden defensiveness he leans forward against the desk.* Unless you think I'm so obviously guilty that you'd have to be crazy to believe in me. What's with you today anyway? I call out a prosecutor so you have to call out a defense attorney, is that it?
Edgeworth:*lowers his hands to the table* Are you so stuck on your theories of prosecutorial corruption that you can't contemplate any other possibility? *a pause--then he shakes his head, and shrugs* Ah. I see. This is that whole "classroom trial" thing again, isn't it?
Phoenix:That whole... *with a scowl of frustration Phoenix stands and moves behind the chair restlessly* Okay, yeah, maybe it is. Maybe I find it hard to believe that the one person who stood up for me on the most humiliating day of my life was just trying to trick me. Why? They had me--if any one of them had something to do with it, why not just keep their mouths shut and let me fry?
Edgeworth:*waves his hand dismissively* Overconfidence, a case of overinflated ego--I don't know. Because he has something to gain by lowering your guard? You've certainly shown a willingness to do so to date.
Phoenix:That's ridiculous--we don't even know each other. And it doesn't make half as much sense as an arrogant young prosecutor trying to make a name for himself by taking out the city's most famous defense attorney. *glances at Edgeworth's chess set next to him, and childishly flicks the blue "pawn" over. It skids across the board and knocks two of the red "knights" to the floor*
Edgeworth:*rises to his feet as the two pieces clatter noisily on the hardwood* Are you four years old, Wright? What the devil did you do that for? That set is worth more than your suit!
Phoenix:*flinches--he hadn't meant for them to go flying, but he's not about to pick them up. He folds his arms* S-So what? You're rich. Buy a new one.
Edgeworth:*scowls* I'll have you foot the bill if anything is damaged. *rounds his desk, picking up the two pieces and setting them away from the attorney* Recent loss of employment be damned.
Phoenix:*watches Edgeworth with annoyance that melts quickly to anger* Is that supposed to be a joke? Your little pet protege's taken everything from me, and you're worried about your stupid toys?
Edgeworth:*grits his teeth* Your half-baked grounds for suspecting him have long since turned into petty mockery. He's a prosecutor who took the correct actions given everything placed before him, Wright. Until you can show otherwise--
Phoenix:*cuts him off with an accusatory finger jab* You want to talk about basis, how about the fact that every prosecutor out of this office for the last three years has been guilty of something? Face it Edgeworth--your whole department's been corrupt from the start, and until I came along no one was willing to do anything about it, including you!
Edgeworth:*his expression turns stony--he slams a hand loudly on his desk* Is that your summary of events? With that kind of mindset it's some wonder nobody else knocked you down a peg years ago!
Phoenix:Tell me I'm wrong! *takes a step closer, putting them uncomfortably close* Just this year you've had to lock up two more prosecutors, right? Not to mention Gant and Karma before them. Even you would be in jail now if not for me, and don't get me started on your sister. If that prick Gavin is innocent he'll be the first!
Edgeworth:*brings his hand up, and in a motion eerily reminiscent of his mentor's finger snaps he strikes Phoenix clean across the jaw*
Phoenix:*is stunned momentarily out of his anger, and as he rubs his jaw he stares back at Edgeworth with a look of betrayal* You were never going to defend me on this one, were you?
Edgeworth:*remains silent for several moments--when he finally speaks, it's eerily calm and with a bitter smile* Is your faith in me really so frail? Yes. Yes, even now, as you try your damned hardest to squander your last efforts and your last remaining days.
Edgeworth:*points to the door* You're in no shape to be reasoned with-- get out.
Phoenix:*the smile does it--resentment burns like bile at the back of his throat, and before he can think better of it, he swings his arm and punches Edgeworth full in the face*
Edgeworth:*the fist connects full with his right eye, and he staggers back from the hit. Unfortunately, his hip collides into the nearby chess table and it overturns with a noisy THUD and the clatter of innumerable tiny pieces as they hit the floor. Recovering, Edgeworth shields the wounded side of his face--and though he's even paler than normal, his open eye never looks away from Phoenix* Out.
Phoenix:*for some reason the clattering pieces make Phoenix jump, and his expression struggles between guilt and remaining anger* If what I've seen lately is your idea of faith, you can keep it. *He maneuvers past Edgeworth to snatch the magatama back from the desk* Maybe I should be glad you weren't at the hearing after all.
Edgeworth:*something in his resolve falters-he turns away, voice firm* You can hold that against me as long as you want... and as long as you need. But just see to it that you bring your turnabout.
Phoenix:*shoves the magatama in his pocket, and hesitates, his jaw working. At last he turns toward the door* I will.
Edgeworth:*doesn't seem to have anything more to say-- with a brief nod he walks back over to his desk, not bothering to fix the overturned table or the mess on the floor. He hasn't removed his hand from his eye*
Phoenix:*opens the door swiftly, as if getting ready to slam it shut, but he hesitates in that too. After one last glance back he shows himself out and closes the door--softly--behind him*
Phoenix:*Phoenix is still in a foul mood by the time he gets back to his apartment. He parks his bike in the rack and climbs to the second floor, wrestling his keys out of his pocket the entire way. At his door he pauses, glancing left and right to make sure there aren't any late-comer paparazzi's around, and finally moves to unlock his door.*
QuestionMarks: *the lock turns easily - too easily altogether, with no resistance at all. It's unlocked*
Phoenix:*Frowns down at the lock, and after another glance around he pushes the door slowly open.* Hello? Maya? *He pokes his head inside and looks around.*
QuestionMarks: *there's no sign that Maya's there - but Phoenix's DVD collection is strewn all over the floor in front of his TV, which is turned all the way up and playing a stupid buddy comedy with lots of fart jokes*
Phoenix:*Winces against the noise and cautiously steps inside.* Hello? *He nudges some of the DVD cases away with his feet on his way to turning off the television.*
QuestionMarks: *the place is generally a mess - sofa cushions dislodged, DVDs left sitting outside of their cases, a Victoria's Secret catalog lying open on the coffee table, turned to the racy pages*
Phoenix:*Phoenix is starting to get the picture. With a disgusted scowl he goes into the kitchen in search of the culprit*
QuestionMarks: *with the TV off it's easy to hear the shower running from the bathroom. The kitchen is in a similar state of disarray: used dishes are everywhere, the ketchup is sitting out, the bread is open, and the door to the fridge is ajar, showing the raided insides*
Phoenix:*Heaves a sigh as he twists the bread up and stows it back in the fridge. Before closing it, however, he grabs one of the few remaining beers and pops it open for a long gulp. At last he heads for the bathroom and the inevitable confrontation.*
Larry:*the shower is running, but Larry isn't in it - he's shaving his legs in the bathroom sink using Nick's facial razor. There is shaving cream in places that shouldn't be mentioned. He is stark naked*
Phoenix:*Looks into the bathroom, and gets a eyeful of unmentionable things he never wanted to ever see. He drops his beer in his desperate attempt to cover his eyes.* LARRY! What are you doing!?
Larry:*looks up, grins* Hey Nick! When'd you get back? *runs the razor WAAAAAAAAAAY up his thigh*
Phoenix:*His eyes follow the razor involuntarily, and he just about gags* Is that my razor!? You're... why are you shaving your legs!? *He stumbles back as if about to faint*
Larry:*frowns* Let me tell you, Nick. I sweat. A lot. Sometimes you gotta do this stuff! You know, to be hygienic. *merrily returns to his shaving* Anyway, thanks for letting me stay! Feels just like our college days.
Phoenix:*rubs his face with both hands, but the image just won't go away* I said you could sleep on my sofa, not turn the place upside down! D-Don't you have your own razor anyway? *retrieves his fallen beer and sucks out everything that's left*
Larry:Nick I'm pretty sure my razor is at Helena's. *scratches his head* I'm not going back there for a while. Besides, I'm clean! I didn't have lice or anything, last I checked. *watches him drink from the beer* Nick it's like two in the afternoon.
Phoenix:I need it. *wipes his mouth and, doing his very best NOT to look at naked Larry, surveys the carnage wreaked on his bathroom.* Ugh, you used my towels? You know those weren't clean...
Larry:*blinks, ceasing his shaving* Really? They didn't smell sour or anything.
Phoenix:Sour? *grimaces* I'm going to pretend you didn't say that. Just...finish up, okay? And rinse out the sink when you're done! *shaking his head, he moves to close the door*
Larry:Oh! Wait a minute Nick, wait a minute. *returns to his shaving anyway, his tongue stuck out* I was going to clean up the place before you got home, honest! You're way earlier than I expected. You get off work early?
Phoenix:*stops with the door half closed.* Uh...yeah, you could say that. I'm off for good, in fact.
Larry:*flinches, nicking himself on the thigh* What! Nick, when I said you should consider another career path I was kidding! I didn't think you'd do it! You've got to go back and tell 'em you changed your mind!
Phoenix:*starts to open the door again, but when he's reminded of Larry's naked state he retreats again* I'm not talking to you until you put some clothes on!
Larry:I'm not putting any clothes on until you start being a lawyer again!
Phoenix:Larry...! *rolls his eyes--there's no use using logic or even getting mad at Larry.* Just stop that before you bleed to death. I'm getting another beer. *Shuts the door soundly and heads back toward the kitchen.*
Larry:*a few seconds later Larry comes out of the bathroom, dripping shaving cream and with a thoughtful look on his face: this is Larry at his most serious* Listen, Nick, I wanted to talk to you. About this lawyer thing. *he is still very naked*
Phoenix:*Having been rummaging through the fridge in search of more booze, Phoenix hears him and looks up, maybe even preparing to say something serious...but it was not to be.* Damnit Larry, why are you naked in my kitchen? I eat in here!
Larry:Nick, we've known each other since we were five. I've been naked in your kitchen more times than I can count. *pulls a chair up for himself at the table, taking a seat and crossing his legs* I want you to tell me why you quit being a lawyer.
Phoenix:H-Hey, you're getting shaving cream on... *Gives up with a sigh--at least he's found another beer* I didn't quit. I was...fired. The lawyer equivalent, anyway. They took my attorney's badge.
Larry:*blinks again, and some pat of him understands well enough that he's already sweating* ...R-really? Why?
Phoenix:Because I... *Tries to think of the simplest explanation* They think I tried to cheat. I presented evidence that someone else had faked. *narrows his eyes* I was set up.
Larry:*digests this visibly and very slowly, his expression changing several times as he runs the thought through his mind* So they took away your badge... because they think that you made up evidence. Like... like one the guys you keep putting away.
Phoenix:Yeah. *Sips his new beer, and at last gives in.* It was a stupid mistake. I can admit it--to you, anyway. But I didn't fake any evidence, I was just doing my job! They wouldn't believe me, so now I'm fired. *smirks dryly* You'll have to find yourself a new lawyer, Larry.
Larry:*pauses for a beat, then explodes, the vein on his head standing out and dancing around* WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THAT BEFORE I GOT HERE? I have to get out of here!
Phoenix:*leans back in alarm.* Huh? What are you talking about?
Larry:I've seen this before! It's just like in the movies! They'll re-open all of your old cases and I'll be under scrutiny again and you won't be there to help! *gets up and runs into the living room*
Phoenix:*sighs, takes another sip of his beer, and follows.* Larry, it's not as bad as you think!
Larry:You don't understand, Nick! I'm going to go to jail like.... FORTY TIMES! *he pulls his clothes out from behind the sofa and begins to dress in a hurry, already hoping toward the door as he pulls on his socks*
Phoenix:*Is about to remind Larry of double jeopardy, but then glances around his apartment again, and pauses.* I only defended you once... Have you been racking up felonies I don't know about?
Larry:CAN'T TALK NOW NICK GOTTA GO BYE! *and then he's out the door, his pants most of the way up as he hops down the street*
Phoenix:*Does try to stop him. With a shake of his head he closes the door behind him and turns toward the mess left behind. After a few moments he takes a deep breath and rolls up his sleeves. There's a toilet that needs some serious cleaning.*