[SCENE] Magatamas Work On Their Owners Too
[[Takes place a little while ago but I'm a slow and anal cleaner. >:| ]]
Edgeworth: *walks down the stairs of the courthouse with a pleased sigh. His case had resolved with a loss, but it resolved correctly. Of course, this reminds him of Wright...* Hm, I need to drop off Trucy's gift anyway. *opens his phone and dials his friend*
Wright: *is splayed out on the couch yet again--though he's watching the news this time--when his cell phone goes off. He picks it up, glances at the call display, then hits receive* Hey Edgeworth.
Edgeworth: *briskly* Hello, Wright. I was just leaving the courthouse and thinking that perhaps I might take a half-day. *his voice is tentative but there's a small note of pride and amusement in it*
Wright: *glances down to his watch, chuckling slightly* This early? Congratulations.
Edgeworth: Indeed. *smirks* What are you up to? I take it you don't work until the evening.
Pearl: *walks in from the kitchen with a peanut-butter and banana sandwich, tilting her head at Mister Nick.* Who is it? *she whispers*
Wright: *to the phone* Mm. Vegetating. *pulls the phone slightly away from his mouth, but not by much, to talk to the girl* It's Edgeworth.
Edgeworth: *frowns* Shouldn't Trucy be in school? Unless, wait, is Iris there with you? *his voice is bemused*
Pearl: Oh. *whispers* Tell him I say hi.
Wright: *nods to Pearl* No, Tru's at school. Pearls is staying the week. She says hi. *yawns slightly, sitting up* What's up?
Edgeworth: Oh, I see. Well hello to her. *unlocks his car with the remote* I have Trucy's birthday present in the car, I was thinking I would drop by. When does she get home?
Wright: Not for a few hours yet. *stretches out the arm not holding the phone* About four. You want to come over and wait till she gets back?
Pearl: *sits cross-legged on the floor and looks up at the newscast, taking a bite out of her sandwich*
Edgeworth: That's acceptable, as long as you don't mind. I'll be there shortly.
Wright: Right, See you then. *hits disconnect and stuffs his phone back into his pocket* *casually, to Pearl* He's coming over in a bit to drop off Tru's present, Pearl.
Pearl: *blinks* Oh! Is it clean enough for a visitor yet? *nervously sweeps her gaze around the room, which is actually clean enough to be presentable, as all the mess is in other rooms*
Wright: It's fine; it's just Edgeworth. *splays back on the couch again, looking back to the news*
Pearl: *She looks doubtful but continues eating her sandwich, watching the newsreel roll by on the bottom and trying to see if she can read each news item before it escapes*
~~~
Edgeworth: *it's only a few minutes later that Edgeworth arrives and parks his car on the curb, lifting a large gift bag out of the trunk of his car and walking up to the door, ringing Wright's apartment*
Wright: *gets off the couch, walking over to the entrance and hitting the buzzer to open the front door*
Edgeworth: *takes the stairs two at a time, but without excitement--it's something he commonly does. He stops and politely knocks at the door*
Wright: *opens up the door, greeting Edgeworth with a grin and holding the door wide for the prosecutor to get in* Hey.
Edgeworth: *swings the gift in before him and sets it down next to the door* Good afternoon. *nods to Pearl* Good afternoon, Pearl. *turns back to Wright* You seem to be in a good mood.
Pearl: Good afternoon Mister Edgeworth!
Edgeworth: *nods to her*
Wright: I'm fine. Not much going on these days, really--I'd forgotten how much time opens up not having to hold a job from nine to five. *heads over to the kitchen* Want anything to drink?
Edgeworth: Not really. *blinks, then corrects himself* No thank you. I had an early lunch; I was expecting this trial to last longer. *brushes his shoulders with a satisfied air* I'm not used to the defense attorney catching on so quickly. It was refreshing.
Wright: *grabs a bottle of grape juice, and as it's almost finished, doesn't bother getting a glass for himself* Catching on that his client was guilty, you mean? What was the trial over?
Edgeworth: No, no, it was a murder case, *he glances uneasily into the living room but presses on* There was something funny about the whole thing--the evidence did point to the defendant but I didn't like it. I realized halfway through yesterday who had actually done it, and today I began nudging the defense attorney to figure it out herself. She managed to do so remarkably quickly, and for that I'm relieved.
Pearl: *looks attentive at the word murder, but she goes back to the news as she realizes it has nothing to do with her*
Wright: *takes a swig of the grape juice, smiling slightly* Good. Good to hear everything's still running smoothly.
Edgeworth: *raises an eyebrow* And for you? Any luck contacting Drew Misham?
Wright: Did, a week ago. *takes another swig of the grape juice, finishing the bottle; he goes to the sink to rinse it out*
Edgeworth: *the other eyebrow raises as well, and a crease appears between them* And...?
Wright: And talked to him. *appears focused on shaking the water out of the bottle, and putting it off to the side with the other recyclables*
Edgeworth: *frowns now, and glances again towards the living room. He closes the distance between himself and Wright and stands within arm's reach, muttering low under his breath.* What did you find out?
Wright: *shrugs, still speaking in a normal volume--he bends over under the counter to fetch another bottle* Everything I needed to.
Edgeworth: *his frown deepens, and he thinks the statement over for a moment. Then he leans back and crosses his arms with an irritable expression* So you know who his client was? The person who framed you for forging evidence. *his voice is still soft enough that Pearl can't hear it*
Wright: *unscrews the cap off the bottle--his tone is still completely level and funnily enough, so's his expression* Yeah, I did.
Edgeworth: *this is in complete contrast to Edgeworth's expression, which is becoming more irritable by the second* Who?
Wright: *takes a swing of grape juice* Nobody you know. *he says this lightly, but looks off to the side-- and instantly a web of chains spiral into view, four red locks slamming into place*
Wright: *he doesn't seem to notice them at all, though, and doesn't even pause before he continues on--* So, what exactly you get Tru, anyway?
Edgeworth: *for a beat or two his expression is completely blank and slack. He doesn't really seem to even understand what he's seeing - after all, it's been over a year - but then his expression focuses. Coldly,* You'll see. Give me a moment, please. *he stalks stiff-legged into the living room, taking one deep breath before he says to Pearl,* Pearl, could you please leave Wright and I alone for just a moment?
Pearl: *though confused at his expression and the anger in his bearing, she nevertheless nods* A-all right, Mister Edgeworth. *She stands up and retrieves a book, walking by the kitchen* I'm gonna go read in your room, okay Mister Nick? *Her expression is tentative and worried*
Wright: *grins slightly* Sure, Pearls. *despite this bottle being completely full, he raises it to his mouth and takes a swig from it, too-- his eyes shifting back and looking to Edgeworth*
Pearl: *Reassured by Mister Nick's casual smile, she nods and shuffles into his room, closing the door*
Wright: *after she's left, he tilts his head slightly at Edgeworth* What's up?
Edgeworth: *anger is still apparent in his stance, though his expression is neutral, or very close to it* Did you expect me to permit you to lie to me like that? *his voice is tense but low*
Wright: I wasn't aware I had to get your permission for anything. *leans against the counter--though there is a slight hint of irritation in his tone, it quickly reverts to a completely laid back one* And what makes you think I'm lying, anyway?
Edgeworth: *sweeps his gaze around Wright's face, and then narrows his eyes and glares into Wright's* I can see them, Wright. *it's all he can do to keep his voice from seething*
Wright: *sounds earnestly confused for a second--and his nonchalance also shifts into that same confused state* See wha-- *and then it clicks and he clams up, his hand flying into his pockets. When he finds the object still in there, it takes him a second longer to process what that means... and when he calms down, he chuckles quietly*
Wright: So how unwilling to tell you am I?
Edgeworth: Four locks' worth. *still looks quite angry, but he's raised his eyebrow and there's a hint of a smirk at the corner of his mouth* You're not going to make me break them, are you?
Wright: ...They're still there, aren't they? *although he's grinning, he glances down to the side--and what's visible of his expression seems to indicate he's ashamed* Are you going to try?
Edgeworth: *his anger slowly gives way to a more analytical gaze, the calm face he puts on during trials. He glances for a split-second towards the door, then back to Wright* Is it possible to break it with words and no evidence? *It's less a question about the mechanics of the magatama and more a question about the depth of their friendship; his gaze and tone of voice make that clear*
Wright: *there's no indication he's noticed the more subtle implication of the question, though* ...I've done it before. *he takes out the magatama from his pocket and holds it out with one hand, offering it to Edgeworth*
Edgeworth: *takes it, holding it in two fingers as he looks at it. He takes a deep breath and looks as if he's about to say something, but then he meets Phoenix's eyes again, curling his hand around the stone*
Wright: *there's just the faintest hint of... something approaching resignation in Phoenix's expression as he looks back to Edgeworth. Mostly, though, there's tiredness--and beneath that and in his eyes, there's that familiar, unchanged stubbornness, and a silent request in his gaze*
Edgeworth: *frowns and opens his palm, staring at the glow the stone is casting on his hand* You've changed. *There's nothing accusatory in the words, in fact they're spoken in just the same casual tone that Edgeworth uses to announce a point that's been proven a number of times through a trial. He raises his eyes back up to Wright's and his own expression takes on the resignation of his friend's*
Edgeworth: *closes his fist and then opens it again, plucking the magatama up with his other hand and raising it to eye level* This is a very valuable artifact, I found. *his tone is still casual. It becomes more focused now* And it's valuable to you as well, I know. And still you handed it to me more easily than this secret.
Edgeworth: *He reaches for Wright's hand and presses the magatama into it, curling the other man's fingers around it* ...Tell me when you feel comfortable doing so. *resigned, he lowers his eyes* And don't go handing this out to people you don't trust.
Wright: *startled, he closes his hand against the magatama tightly, seeming knocked off balance--both by the prosecutor's actions and by his words. He flushes red--but it's from shame--and he's altogether unable to meet the other man's eyes again* I trust you. I just... don't want you to get involved in this, Edgeworth. In this one thing. *hollowly* I'm not proud of what I'm doing.
Edgeworth: *he'd been about to turn away himself, but he stops and turns back, looking as if he's suddenly understanding the import of Wright's words* Involved? *Harshly* You should know by now that if you're involved I am by default. And this time I have no particular objections to being involved. *a light shrug that's belied by the hurt still evident on his features* And if you are doing something you're not proud of- *He stops, looking thoughtful* There must be no alternative. No proof.
Wright: *just nods* I can't. Magatamas and psychelock breaks aren't exactly admissible in court if people still aren't willing to testify... and I can't bring the person in. *closes his eyes, visibly seeming to struggle with a decision*
Wright: *and he chuckles after a moment* You know... when I first found out who it was, I pictured how you'd react if you knew. ...You'd drag me and him off to the courtroom, make it work somehow. Confront him openly. Take it into your own hands. *opens his eyes--the look isn't accusing... merely questioning* Isn't that what you'd do, Edgeworth?
Edgeworth: *frowns* That's more your style, Wright. *shakes his head with a light one-shouldered shrug* I guess it would depend on exactly how little evidence you have, exactly how much of it is circumstantial and unproven. Given that your case was not even strong enough by legal standards to merit a case at all, I would have no choice but to drop it, even if I attempted to bring charges against someone. *pauses* Wait. "The person"? A witness?
Wright: *raises an eyebrow at what Edgeworth says, but doesn't challenge him on it. At that last question though, he shrugs slightly again, shaking his head* She's twelve and won't talk about it.
Edgeworth: *frowns* Misham's daughter, then. She must have seen the culprit. Why can't you just bring Misham in? He was kind enough to meet with you.
Wright: He didn't see who it was.
Edgeworth: That's ridiculous. He had to have met with his own client, he's lyi- Wait, no. *He narrows his eyes and looks around, his eyes tracking as he thinks.* I suppose he wasn't. *mulls it over in silence for almost a full minute*
Edgeworth: *sighs* I won't lie to you, Phoenix. After all, *rueful smirk* apparently neither of us can lie to one another as long as you have that item with you. I want to know. I feel like I have a stake in this too. But perhaps you're right about me, perhaps I would have gone in furious and half-cocked with not enough evidence, assuming it would all work out. Maybe I caught it from you.
Edgeworth: You must have a damn good reason for keeping it from me. *gives a faint, gritted-teeth 'tch' sound* But I told you I trusted you to figure it out, left you with all the aid I was able to give. I suppose it would be unfair of me now to go back on that. *his face as he turns it back to Wright is resigned, almost amused* I'm impressed. You may just have matured a little bit.
Wright: *as Edgeworth speaks, his own expression changes slowly--to one of earnest relief and gratefulness. When he finishes, Phoenix breathes in and then exhales deeply, shoulders sagging slightly when he does--there's no more struggle there* Heh. Thank-- *his words catch in his throat for some reason, and he gives the other man a foolish but honest smile* ...thanks, Edgeworth. *he reaches out and clasps a hand on the prosecutor's arm* ...It means a lot to me.
Edgeworth: *he stiffens a little at the friendly touch, his other hand reaching up to Wright's unconsciously. Then he relaxes, and his lip curves just slightly in a smirk in response as he drops his hand on Wright's in an almost grudging pat* Don't embarrass yourself, Wright.
Pearl: *she probably should have thought of it before she went into Mister Nick's room, but it wasn't until she was a few pages into James and the Giant Peach that Pearl realized that the heel of her palm had peanut butter on it. She tries to ignore it, but it keeps bothering her, so she leaves Mister Nick's room, intending to sneak into the bathroom and wash her hand. She glances into the kitchen briefly to be sure they're not paying attention*
Wright: *laughs out cheerfully* What? I'm relieved. *his eyes turn teasing and he pulls back his hand--and Edgeworth's on top of it-- punching the other man on the arm* You don't say stuff like that very often, Prosecutor. *the smile ebbs goofy again* I'm grateful.
Edgeworth: *he rubs his arm with a snort, though it hadn't hurt at all. He relaxes slightly, and then puts his hand on Wright's shoulder for a brief moment. His eyes are earnest but have a twinkle of amusement in them* I only don't say such things often because they're so infrequently true. *his mouth curves in a sarcastic smirk* Don't disappoint me. At any rate, I'm sure I'll figure it out myself soo-
Pearl: *As Edgeworth is speaking, she barrels into the room with an outraged,* MISTER NICK!!!! *Using the momentum of her run and the entirety of her small body, she punches Phoenix directly in the stomach*
Wright: *startled and caught completely unawares, he grunts and hunches forward somewhat, having to snap his arm over to the counter to support himself* P-Pearls? wh... what?!
Edgeworth: *gapes on in astonishment, utterly unable to even comprehend what's happened*
Pearl: *stomps her foot. At the top of her lungs,* MISTER NICK YOU HAVE TO STOP BECAUSE YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE IS IRIS!
Pearl: *she punches him again, this time on the arm he's not using to support himself on the table. Her eyes are furious but sheened with tears*
Edgeworth: *can't repress a snort of amusement, he covers his mouth to hide his smile*
Wright: *yelps out at that second hit, pulling his shoulder back and stumbling away out of her swinging range hurriedly-- he nearly knocks over his grape juice bottle on the counter in the process and it wobbles precariously* I-I'm not-- wait, what-- *his eyes widen as that last tearful yell of hers clicks* O-of course she is! Why wouldn't she be?!
Pearl: *her tears don't fall but they shimmer in her eyes as she blurts out* MISS ANDREWS TOLD ME AND TRUCY THAT BOYS COULD BE EACH OTHER'S SPECIAL SOMEONES TOO AND YOU WERE LOOKING AT MISTER EDGEWORTH THAT WAY!!!!
Edgeworth: *he loses it. He bangs his fist lightly on the counter as uncontrollable laughter bubbles out of his nose*
Wright: *startled, he stares at Pearl, forgetting even to rub at his arm or clutch at his stomach* What!? I wasn't--
Wright: *at Edgeworth's uncontrollable laughing he glares at the man and for a moment looks as though he's willing to brain the frilly prosecutor on the head with the wobbling bottle on the counter* Oh don't you start-- *and then his head snaps back to Pearl* ...Ms. Andrews told you WHAT?
Pearl: *glares but doesn't approach, instead crossing her arms* Miss Andrews said that girls can be each other's special someones and boys can too, but your special someone is Miss Iris, not Mister Edgeworth!
Wright: *finally remembers to clutch at his stomach, and just-- gapes*
Edgeworth: *takes pity on Wright for a moment, though that note of amusement never leaves* Really, Wright, she's just a child. *from his tone it's not apparent whether he's excusing her reaction or berating Wright for overreacting to her abuse. He leans down with a bit of a patronizing tone in his voice* Pearl, it's all right. I already have a special someone too!
Pearl: *turns to him, her eyes flashing. She hauls back and punches him in the stomach too, as hard as she can* THEN YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO TOUCH MISTER NICK EITHER!!
Edgeworth: *As she whirls, he sees in her eyes a ferocity he's only ever seen in one other ten-year-old girl and his face falls the split-second before she punches him in the gut. He staggers back, having been completely unprepared, and breathes in slowly, looking at nothing in particular. In shock,* ...Ow.
Pearl: *rounds on Mister Nick again* I am very disappointed in you, Mister Nick!! *her voice breaks just a little*
Wright: *it's his turn to stifle in a laugh and a look of smug satisfaction as he sees Pearl sock Edgeworth in the gut. He's... relatively more amused when the angry girl turns back to him, and holds his hands out, palms outward, with a slight grin on his face* Pearls... calm down. ... Calm down... Please?
Pearl: *she's disarmed just a bit by his smile, so she drops the arm she'd been raising to hit him again with and frowns* What about Miss Iris' feelings, Mister Nick...? She loves you, I think. *her face is pleading*
Edgeworth: *wipes the sweat from his face with one hand, forehead to chin, and then pauses and raises a silent eyebrow at Wright as he reaches his chin*
Wright: *he can't help but smile a little bit wider at that, hands still held out steadily in front of him* ...I love her too, Pearls. That hasn't changed. *glances amusedly over to the prosecutor* ...And I can't entirely speak for Edgeworth, but I'm sure he's too attached to his special someone to look at me 'that way' too.
Pearl: *her angry look fades a little at Mister Nick's statement, and she turns to Edgeworth for confirmation*
Edgeworth: *flushes just slightly and stiffens* Uh, yes, well. *a very small, fleeting smile. Shortly,* It's true. *glances down at Pearl, his expression serious, and this time his voice is neutral with the barest hint of respect* Miss Fey, one can be very friendly and affectionate with another person without the two of them being, ah, 'special someones.'
Pearl: *frowns* But- *her frown deepens slightly and she looks to Mister Nick.* But that was different than just regular friends, right?
Wright: *tilts his head slightly* Edgeworth's not just a 'regular' friend. We're like-- *blinks as he realizes he can't think of many examples* ...like you and Tru, I guess.
Wright: *the faintest hint of sternness creeps into his voice* Now... what did we talk about the other day, about listening in on other peoples' conversations?
Pearl: *looks thoughtful at his first statement, but at his second she covers her mouth with her hand for a moment and looks chastened* I... I didn't listen, Mister Nick. I just looked.
Wright: *with much amusement in his tone--obviously figuring he's safe for now, as he crouches down to her level* So you weren't trying to eavesdrop then...?
Pearl: *shakes her head, her twisted bun flops slightly.* No! I was trying to wash my hand!! *raises it up; there's still a peanut-buttery stain on it*
Wright: Aaaah. *and he sounds as though her explanation has truly answered everything; any hint of sternness fades* Alright. Well you should go wash it then, huh?
Pearl: *looks at it, then back up. There's the faintest hint of confusion on her fact but it clears and is replaced by a small smile as she says,* So you really do love Miss Iris?
Wright: *leans forward, patting her head and ruffling the front part of her hair with a hand* Mmhmm. I do.
Pearl: *the smile that cracks her face is bright enough to rival the afternoon sun. Any previous agitation has evaporated as she brings her hands up to her face, eyes shining, then she fists them and jumps up and down just a little bit* A-all right Mister Nick! Don't forget to tell her that! All the time!! *beams again and does another little hop* I'm gonna go wash my hands, okay!!? *skips off to the bathroom with a tiny little giggle*
Edgeworth: *has been watching in an almost bemused silence at the two of them. As Pearl leaves, he steps aside to allow her to pass and then turns his attention back to Wright* Miss Andrews...?
Wright: *after she's hopped off, he finally rubs at his arm, wincing slightly* Yeah. Adrian Andrews-- she babysat Pearls and Tru the other day----- *his mouth forms a straight line as he realizes the implication of that*
Edgeworth: *cocks an eyebrow* Hn. Miss Andrews isn't a fool, she wouldn't have brought something like that up on her own.
Wright: Right. And now I'm wondering what could've... *looks thoughtful for a minute, but then shakes it off* Nevermind. I'll ask Tru about it later.
Edgeworth: *glances off towards the bathroom* She- I am certainly surprised at how strong she is. *his expression is almost unsettled*
Wright: *a laugh* I told you.
Edgeworth: Reminds me of someone. *turns halfway and smirks with a raised eyebrow*
Pearl: *comes out of the bathroom, still sparkling. She heads over towards the kitchen to wave at Mister Nick and then skips back into the bedroom with her book*
Wright: *waves at her as she skips off* Franziska? ... Yeah-- though I haven't been punched by her before, I'd say it's pretty similar.
Edgeworth: She wasn't much for punching. But she certainly was a fierce child. *shakes his head* In any case, where were we before that interruption? *his smirk cracks into a half-grin*
Wright: Ah. *he reaches for the grape juice then, taking another swig* My investigation, you mean.
Edgeworth: Yes. Ah, right. I believe I was saying you've probably said enough that I'll doubtless be able to figure it out on my own, by process of elimination if nothing else.
Wright: *shakes his head, smiling slightly--though he glances off again as he does so* You don't have to guess; it'd seem pretty obvious in a while... if it has to last, that is. It's Gavin.
Edgeworth: *A skeptical frown* I told you he's not- *Then it hits him; his eyes go blank and his mouth falls slack. He refocuses, and there's a visible progression of thoughts over his face: calculation, confusion, a brief note of disgust that falls away quickly, and then an overwhelming anger that, surprisingly, is turned inward*
Edgeworth: I- *he brings his forefinger up to his temple with a grimace* I am disgusted that I did not figure this out earlier.
Wright: *shrugs slightly* Don't be too hard on yourself.
Edgeworth: *turns, eyes still tracking around as his disparate thoughts resolve himself.* At least after that trial! Despite the venomous things his brother said about him, Klavier Gavin was still defending him! I should have known that- I knew he had to be involved somehow, even if he didn't know the evidence he was being passed was forged... *there's a nearly undetectable note of bitterness here*
Edgeworth: I thought if he couldn't be bought, one of the detectives or- *he pauses* But it's clear that the person he loves most in the world is his brother, and- *he stops again* But WHY? Had the two of you even met?
Wright: *shrugs again, dropping the bottle back on the table and stuffing his hands into his pockets* At my inquiry hearing.
Edgeworth: *guardedly* But not before.
Wright: *nods-- his face is completely neutral*
Edgeworth: *turns to the side and grimaces* That's nothing if not unsettling. *glances back at his friend* You said it would have seemed obvious shortly, how?
Wright: *laughs out at that, shaking his head* You're digging in. Like I said-- you want to take it into your own hands. *glances at Edgeworth again... but there isn't irritation there, just amusement*
Edgeworth: *indignantly* I won't be dragging him into the courtroom! Not without any evidence. *his eyelid twitches* You have some sort of plan, I take it?
Wright: Heh, yeah. *rubs the back of his hat slowly--his eyes are scrutinizing, but his tone is still light* Don't give me away, alright? Your poker face is worse than mine.
Edgeworth: *his expression evens out completely and he raises an eyebrow* You think so? I'm not the one who routinely presents my only copy of the decisive piece of evidence to the one I'm about to accuse.
Wright: Ha, ha. *grins wryly*...No, but you won't stand for any crooked behaviour. Even less so than I would.
Edgeworth: *shrugs regretfully* I have my hands full destroying the corruption that I can prove. What is your plan?
Wright: *laughs* I told you-- you'll see. *he smirks slightly* Are you done interrogating me yet, Prosecutor? My daughter's about to come home and I'd rather not discuss such things in front of her. *glances off towards the hallway that Pearl disappeared down* Or anyone else.
Edgeworth: *a long sigh, he combs his fingers through his bangs fussily,* Fine. I'll let you take care of it... And I'll keep your secret. *he grimaces*
Wright: *there's that appreciative look again, though this time it's mixed with amusement* ...Heh. Thanks. *stretches a bit lazily, finally noticing the bottle in his hand again* Oh, do you want something to eat? Drink? *holds up the grape juice*
Edgeworth: *glances at the bottle and is preoccupied enough that he almost accepts, but then a disgusted look blooms over his face and he looks back at Wright, his lip curled* No thank you, Wright. Did you forget you've been drinking directly from that bottle?
Wright: *shrugs cheerfully, not seeming all that surprised by his refusal* It's good stuff. I'll get you a bottle of your own. *and he reaches under the counter and does so*
Edgeworth: *takes it, eyeing the label* You buy it by the case? Hm. *opens the cupboard and gives Wright a wry look* I'll be drinking from a glass, like a civilized person.
Wright: Suit yourself. *heads to the corner cupboard to grab a bag of chips-- but stops himself halfway and turns to the fridge, wondering if they have some vegetables and dip instead, considering his guest...* We go through about a case every two weeks-- mostly by me; Tru doesn't like the stuff.
Edgeworth: *pours himself a glass and sips it, giving an appreciative nod* Not bad. I'd be careful you don't get cavities, though.
Wright: What am I, five? *opens the fridge door, waving Edgeworth off towards the couch with his free hand mock-disdainfully* I know you worry, Edgeworth, but you don't have to offer me advice for that.
Edgeworth: *a shrug and a smirk* I suppose I could try to be a bit less patronizing, couldn't I. *walks into the living room* I guess you have more important things to be concerned about anyway. *takes a seat on the couch, looking up at the news program that's still playing on the television*
Wright: Mm. You could. But then again, I guess you'd hardly be you. *finds a bag of mini carrots-probably meant for Twitch--and some dressing, and takes them out, rinsing them and placing them on a plate before heading over to join Edgeworth on the couch to wait for Trucy*
Edgeworth: *walks down the stairs of the courthouse with a pleased sigh. His case had resolved with a loss, but it resolved correctly. Of course, this reminds him of Wright...* Hm, I need to drop off Trucy's gift anyway. *opens his phone and dials his friend*
Wright: *is splayed out on the couch yet again--though he's watching the news this time--when his cell phone goes off. He picks it up, glances at the call display, then hits receive* Hey Edgeworth.
Edgeworth: *briskly* Hello, Wright. I was just leaving the courthouse and thinking that perhaps I might take a half-day. *his voice is tentative but there's a small note of pride and amusement in it*
Wright: *glances down to his watch, chuckling slightly* This early? Congratulations.
Edgeworth: Indeed. *smirks* What are you up to? I take it you don't work until the evening.
Pearl: *walks in from the kitchen with a peanut-butter and banana sandwich, tilting her head at Mister Nick.* Who is it? *she whispers*
Wright: *to the phone* Mm. Vegetating. *pulls the phone slightly away from his mouth, but not by much, to talk to the girl* It's Edgeworth.
Edgeworth: *frowns* Shouldn't Trucy be in school? Unless, wait, is Iris there with you? *his voice is bemused*
Pearl: Oh. *whispers* Tell him I say hi.
Wright: *nods to Pearl* No, Tru's at school. Pearls is staying the week. She says hi. *yawns slightly, sitting up* What's up?
Edgeworth: Oh, I see. Well hello to her. *unlocks his car with the remote* I have Trucy's birthday present in the car, I was thinking I would drop by. When does she get home?
Wright: Not for a few hours yet. *stretches out the arm not holding the phone* About four. You want to come over and wait till she gets back?
Pearl: *sits cross-legged on the floor and looks up at the newscast, taking a bite out of her sandwich*
Edgeworth: That's acceptable, as long as you don't mind. I'll be there shortly.
Wright: Right, See you then. *hits disconnect and stuffs his phone back into his pocket* *casually, to Pearl* He's coming over in a bit to drop off Tru's present, Pearl.
Pearl: *blinks* Oh! Is it clean enough for a visitor yet? *nervously sweeps her gaze around the room, which is actually clean enough to be presentable, as all the mess is in other rooms*
Wright: It's fine; it's just Edgeworth. *splays back on the couch again, looking back to the news*
Pearl: *She looks doubtful but continues eating her sandwich, watching the newsreel roll by on the bottom and trying to see if she can read each news item before it escapes*
~~~
Edgeworth: *it's only a few minutes later that Edgeworth arrives and parks his car on the curb, lifting a large gift bag out of the trunk of his car and walking up to the door, ringing Wright's apartment*
Wright: *gets off the couch, walking over to the entrance and hitting the buzzer to open the front door*
Edgeworth: *takes the stairs two at a time, but without excitement--it's something he commonly does. He stops and politely knocks at the door*
Wright: *opens up the door, greeting Edgeworth with a grin and holding the door wide for the prosecutor to get in* Hey.
Edgeworth: *swings the gift in before him and sets it down next to the door* Good afternoon. *nods to Pearl* Good afternoon, Pearl. *turns back to Wright* You seem to be in a good mood.
Pearl: Good afternoon Mister Edgeworth!
Edgeworth: *nods to her*
Wright: I'm fine. Not much going on these days, really--I'd forgotten how much time opens up not having to hold a job from nine to five. *heads over to the kitchen* Want anything to drink?
Edgeworth: Not really. *blinks, then corrects himself* No thank you. I had an early lunch; I was expecting this trial to last longer. *brushes his shoulders with a satisfied air* I'm not used to the defense attorney catching on so quickly. It was refreshing.
Wright: *grabs a bottle of grape juice, and as it's almost finished, doesn't bother getting a glass for himself* Catching on that his client was guilty, you mean? What was the trial over?
Edgeworth: No, no, it was a murder case, *he glances uneasily into the living room but presses on* There was something funny about the whole thing--the evidence did point to the defendant but I didn't like it. I realized halfway through yesterday who had actually done it, and today I began nudging the defense attorney to figure it out herself. She managed to do so remarkably quickly, and for that I'm relieved.
Pearl: *looks attentive at the word murder, but she goes back to the news as she realizes it has nothing to do with her*
Wright: *takes a swig of the grape juice, smiling slightly* Good. Good to hear everything's still running smoothly.
Edgeworth: *raises an eyebrow* And for you? Any luck contacting Drew Misham?
Wright: Did, a week ago. *takes another swig of the grape juice, finishing the bottle; he goes to the sink to rinse it out*
Edgeworth: *the other eyebrow raises as well, and a crease appears between them* And...?
Wright: And talked to him. *appears focused on shaking the water out of the bottle, and putting it off to the side with the other recyclables*
Edgeworth: *frowns now, and glances again towards the living room. He closes the distance between himself and Wright and stands within arm's reach, muttering low under his breath.* What did you find out?
Wright: *shrugs, still speaking in a normal volume--he bends over under the counter to fetch another bottle* Everything I needed to.
Edgeworth: *his frown deepens, and he thinks the statement over for a moment. Then he leans back and crosses his arms with an irritable expression* So you know who his client was? The person who framed you for forging evidence. *his voice is still soft enough that Pearl can't hear it*
Wright: *unscrews the cap off the bottle--his tone is still completely level and funnily enough, so's his expression* Yeah, I did.
Edgeworth: *this is in complete contrast to Edgeworth's expression, which is becoming more irritable by the second* Who?
Wright: *takes a swing of grape juice* Nobody you know. *he says this lightly, but looks off to the side-- and instantly a web of chains spiral into view, four red locks slamming into place*
Wright: *he doesn't seem to notice them at all, though, and doesn't even pause before he continues on--* So, what exactly you get Tru, anyway?
Edgeworth: *for a beat or two his expression is completely blank and slack. He doesn't really seem to even understand what he's seeing - after all, it's been over a year - but then his expression focuses. Coldly,* You'll see. Give me a moment, please. *he stalks stiff-legged into the living room, taking one deep breath before he says to Pearl,* Pearl, could you please leave Wright and I alone for just a moment?
Pearl: *though confused at his expression and the anger in his bearing, she nevertheless nods* A-all right, Mister Edgeworth. *She stands up and retrieves a book, walking by the kitchen* I'm gonna go read in your room, okay Mister Nick? *Her expression is tentative and worried*
Wright: *grins slightly* Sure, Pearls. *despite this bottle being completely full, he raises it to his mouth and takes a swig from it, too-- his eyes shifting back and looking to Edgeworth*
Pearl: *Reassured by Mister Nick's casual smile, she nods and shuffles into his room, closing the door*
Wright: *after she's left, he tilts his head slightly at Edgeworth* What's up?
Edgeworth: *anger is still apparent in his stance, though his expression is neutral, or very close to it* Did you expect me to permit you to lie to me like that? *his voice is tense but low*
Wright: I wasn't aware I had to get your permission for anything. *leans against the counter--though there is a slight hint of irritation in his tone, it quickly reverts to a completely laid back one* And what makes you think I'm lying, anyway?
Edgeworth: *sweeps his gaze around Wright's face, and then narrows his eyes and glares into Wright's* I can see them, Wright. *it's all he can do to keep his voice from seething*
Wright: *sounds earnestly confused for a second--and his nonchalance also shifts into that same confused state* See wha-- *and then it clicks and he clams up, his hand flying into his pockets. When he finds the object still in there, it takes him a second longer to process what that means... and when he calms down, he chuckles quietly*
Wright: So how unwilling to tell you am I?
Edgeworth: Four locks' worth. *still looks quite angry, but he's raised his eyebrow and there's a hint of a smirk at the corner of his mouth* You're not going to make me break them, are you?
Wright: ...They're still there, aren't they? *although he's grinning, he glances down to the side--and what's visible of his expression seems to indicate he's ashamed* Are you going to try?
Edgeworth: *his anger slowly gives way to a more analytical gaze, the calm face he puts on during trials. He glances for a split-second towards the door, then back to Wright* Is it possible to break it with words and no evidence? *It's less a question about the mechanics of the magatama and more a question about the depth of their friendship; his gaze and tone of voice make that clear*
Wright: *there's no indication he's noticed the more subtle implication of the question, though* ...I've done it before. *he takes out the magatama from his pocket and holds it out with one hand, offering it to Edgeworth*
Edgeworth: *takes it, holding it in two fingers as he looks at it. He takes a deep breath and looks as if he's about to say something, but then he meets Phoenix's eyes again, curling his hand around the stone*
Wright: *there's just the faintest hint of... something approaching resignation in Phoenix's expression as he looks back to Edgeworth. Mostly, though, there's tiredness--and beneath that and in his eyes, there's that familiar, unchanged stubbornness, and a silent request in his gaze*
Edgeworth: *frowns and opens his palm, staring at the glow the stone is casting on his hand* You've changed. *There's nothing accusatory in the words, in fact they're spoken in just the same casual tone that Edgeworth uses to announce a point that's been proven a number of times through a trial. He raises his eyes back up to Wright's and his own expression takes on the resignation of his friend's*
Edgeworth: *closes his fist and then opens it again, plucking the magatama up with his other hand and raising it to eye level* This is a very valuable artifact, I found. *his tone is still casual. It becomes more focused now* And it's valuable to you as well, I know. And still you handed it to me more easily than this secret.
Edgeworth: *He reaches for Wright's hand and presses the magatama into it, curling the other man's fingers around it* ...Tell me when you feel comfortable doing so. *resigned, he lowers his eyes* And don't go handing this out to people you don't trust.
Wright: *startled, he closes his hand against the magatama tightly, seeming knocked off balance--both by the prosecutor's actions and by his words. He flushes red--but it's from shame--and he's altogether unable to meet the other man's eyes again* I trust you. I just... don't want you to get involved in this, Edgeworth. In this one thing. *hollowly* I'm not proud of what I'm doing.
Edgeworth: *he'd been about to turn away himself, but he stops and turns back, looking as if he's suddenly understanding the import of Wright's words* Involved? *Harshly* You should know by now that if you're involved I am by default. And this time I have no particular objections to being involved. *a light shrug that's belied by the hurt still evident on his features* And if you are doing something you're not proud of- *He stops, looking thoughtful* There must be no alternative. No proof.
Wright: *just nods* I can't. Magatamas and psychelock breaks aren't exactly admissible in court if people still aren't willing to testify... and I can't bring the person in. *closes his eyes, visibly seeming to struggle with a decision*
Wright: *and he chuckles after a moment* You know... when I first found out who it was, I pictured how you'd react if you knew. ...You'd drag me and him off to the courtroom, make it work somehow. Confront him openly. Take it into your own hands. *opens his eyes--the look isn't accusing... merely questioning* Isn't that what you'd do, Edgeworth?
Edgeworth: *frowns* That's more your style, Wright. *shakes his head with a light one-shouldered shrug* I guess it would depend on exactly how little evidence you have, exactly how much of it is circumstantial and unproven. Given that your case was not even strong enough by legal standards to merit a case at all, I would have no choice but to drop it, even if I attempted to bring charges against someone. *pauses* Wait. "The person"? A witness?
Wright: *raises an eyebrow at what Edgeworth says, but doesn't challenge him on it. At that last question though, he shrugs slightly again, shaking his head* She's twelve and won't talk about it.
Edgeworth: *frowns* Misham's daughter, then. She must have seen the culprit. Why can't you just bring Misham in? He was kind enough to meet with you.
Wright: He didn't see who it was.
Edgeworth: That's ridiculous. He had to have met with his own client, he's lyi- Wait, no. *He narrows his eyes and looks around, his eyes tracking as he thinks.* I suppose he wasn't. *mulls it over in silence for almost a full minute*
Edgeworth: *sighs* I won't lie to you, Phoenix. After all, *rueful smirk* apparently neither of us can lie to one another as long as you have that item with you. I want to know. I feel like I have a stake in this too. But perhaps you're right about me, perhaps I would have gone in furious and half-cocked with not enough evidence, assuming it would all work out. Maybe I caught it from you.
Edgeworth: You must have a damn good reason for keeping it from me. *gives a faint, gritted-teeth 'tch' sound* But I told you I trusted you to figure it out, left you with all the aid I was able to give. I suppose it would be unfair of me now to go back on that. *his face as he turns it back to Wright is resigned, almost amused* I'm impressed. You may just have matured a little bit.
Wright: *as Edgeworth speaks, his own expression changes slowly--to one of earnest relief and gratefulness. When he finishes, Phoenix breathes in and then exhales deeply, shoulders sagging slightly when he does--there's no more struggle there* Heh. Thank-- *his words catch in his throat for some reason, and he gives the other man a foolish but honest smile* ...thanks, Edgeworth. *he reaches out and clasps a hand on the prosecutor's arm* ...It means a lot to me.
Edgeworth: *he stiffens a little at the friendly touch, his other hand reaching up to Wright's unconsciously. Then he relaxes, and his lip curves just slightly in a smirk in response as he drops his hand on Wright's in an almost grudging pat* Don't embarrass yourself, Wright.
Pearl: *she probably should have thought of it before she went into Mister Nick's room, but it wasn't until she was a few pages into James and the Giant Peach that Pearl realized that the heel of her palm had peanut butter on it. She tries to ignore it, but it keeps bothering her, so she leaves Mister Nick's room, intending to sneak into the bathroom and wash her hand. She glances into the kitchen briefly to be sure they're not paying attention*
Wright: *laughs out cheerfully* What? I'm relieved. *his eyes turn teasing and he pulls back his hand--and Edgeworth's on top of it-- punching the other man on the arm* You don't say stuff like that very often, Prosecutor. *the smile ebbs goofy again* I'm grateful.
Edgeworth: *he rubs his arm with a snort, though it hadn't hurt at all. He relaxes slightly, and then puts his hand on Wright's shoulder for a brief moment. His eyes are earnest but have a twinkle of amusement in them* I only don't say such things often because they're so infrequently true. *his mouth curves in a sarcastic smirk* Don't disappoint me. At any rate, I'm sure I'll figure it out myself soo-
Pearl: *As Edgeworth is speaking, she barrels into the room with an outraged,* MISTER NICK!!!! *Using the momentum of her run and the entirety of her small body, she punches Phoenix directly in the stomach*
Wright: *startled and caught completely unawares, he grunts and hunches forward somewhat, having to snap his arm over to the counter to support himself* P-Pearls? wh... what?!
Edgeworth: *gapes on in astonishment, utterly unable to even comprehend what's happened*
Pearl: *stomps her foot. At the top of her lungs,* MISTER NICK YOU HAVE TO STOP BECAUSE YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE IS IRIS!
Pearl: *she punches him again, this time on the arm he's not using to support himself on the table. Her eyes are furious but sheened with tears*
Edgeworth: *can't repress a snort of amusement, he covers his mouth to hide his smile*
Wright: *yelps out at that second hit, pulling his shoulder back and stumbling away out of her swinging range hurriedly-- he nearly knocks over his grape juice bottle on the counter in the process and it wobbles precariously* I-I'm not-- wait, what-- *his eyes widen as that last tearful yell of hers clicks* O-of course she is! Why wouldn't she be?!
Pearl: *her tears don't fall but they shimmer in her eyes as she blurts out* MISS ANDREWS TOLD ME AND TRUCY THAT BOYS COULD BE EACH OTHER'S SPECIAL SOMEONES TOO AND YOU WERE LOOKING AT MISTER EDGEWORTH THAT WAY!!!!
Edgeworth: *he loses it. He bangs his fist lightly on the counter as uncontrollable laughter bubbles out of his nose*
Wright: *startled, he stares at Pearl, forgetting even to rub at his arm or clutch at his stomach* What!? I wasn't--
Wright: *at Edgeworth's uncontrollable laughing he glares at the man and for a moment looks as though he's willing to brain the frilly prosecutor on the head with the wobbling bottle on the counter* Oh don't you start-- *and then his head snaps back to Pearl* ...Ms. Andrews told you WHAT?
Pearl: *glares but doesn't approach, instead crossing her arms* Miss Andrews said that girls can be each other's special someones and boys can too, but your special someone is Miss Iris, not Mister Edgeworth!
Wright: *finally remembers to clutch at his stomach, and just-- gapes*
Edgeworth: *takes pity on Wright for a moment, though that note of amusement never leaves* Really, Wright, she's just a child. *from his tone it's not apparent whether he's excusing her reaction or berating Wright for overreacting to her abuse. He leans down with a bit of a patronizing tone in his voice* Pearl, it's all right. I already have a special someone too!
Pearl: *turns to him, her eyes flashing. She hauls back and punches him in the stomach too, as hard as she can* THEN YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO TOUCH MISTER NICK EITHER!!
Edgeworth: *As she whirls, he sees in her eyes a ferocity he's only ever seen in one other ten-year-old girl and his face falls the split-second before she punches him in the gut. He staggers back, having been completely unprepared, and breathes in slowly, looking at nothing in particular. In shock,* ...Ow.
Pearl: *rounds on Mister Nick again* I am very disappointed in you, Mister Nick!! *her voice breaks just a little*
Wright: *it's his turn to stifle in a laugh and a look of smug satisfaction as he sees Pearl sock Edgeworth in the gut. He's... relatively more amused when the angry girl turns back to him, and holds his hands out, palms outward, with a slight grin on his face* Pearls... calm down. ... Calm down... Please?
Pearl: *she's disarmed just a bit by his smile, so she drops the arm she'd been raising to hit him again with and frowns* What about Miss Iris' feelings, Mister Nick...? She loves you, I think. *her face is pleading*
Edgeworth: *wipes the sweat from his face with one hand, forehead to chin, and then pauses and raises a silent eyebrow at Wright as he reaches his chin*
Wright: *he can't help but smile a little bit wider at that, hands still held out steadily in front of him* ...I love her too, Pearls. That hasn't changed. *glances amusedly over to the prosecutor* ...And I can't entirely speak for Edgeworth, but I'm sure he's too attached to his special someone to look at me 'that way' too.
Pearl: *her angry look fades a little at Mister Nick's statement, and she turns to Edgeworth for confirmation*
Edgeworth: *flushes just slightly and stiffens* Uh, yes, well. *a very small, fleeting smile. Shortly,* It's true. *glances down at Pearl, his expression serious, and this time his voice is neutral with the barest hint of respect* Miss Fey, one can be very friendly and affectionate with another person without the two of them being, ah, 'special someones.'
Pearl: *frowns* But- *her frown deepens slightly and she looks to Mister Nick.* But that was different than just regular friends, right?
Wright: *tilts his head slightly* Edgeworth's not just a 'regular' friend. We're like-- *blinks as he realizes he can't think of many examples* ...like you and Tru, I guess.
Wright: *the faintest hint of sternness creeps into his voice* Now... what did we talk about the other day, about listening in on other peoples' conversations?
Pearl: *looks thoughtful at his first statement, but at his second she covers her mouth with her hand for a moment and looks chastened* I... I didn't listen, Mister Nick. I just looked.
Wright: *with much amusement in his tone--obviously figuring he's safe for now, as he crouches down to her level* So you weren't trying to eavesdrop then...?
Pearl: *shakes her head, her twisted bun flops slightly.* No! I was trying to wash my hand!! *raises it up; there's still a peanut-buttery stain on it*
Wright: Aaaah. *and he sounds as though her explanation has truly answered everything; any hint of sternness fades* Alright. Well you should go wash it then, huh?
Pearl: *looks at it, then back up. There's the faintest hint of confusion on her fact but it clears and is replaced by a small smile as she says,* So you really do love Miss Iris?
Wright: *leans forward, patting her head and ruffling the front part of her hair with a hand* Mmhmm. I do.
Pearl: *the smile that cracks her face is bright enough to rival the afternoon sun. Any previous agitation has evaporated as she brings her hands up to her face, eyes shining, then she fists them and jumps up and down just a little bit* A-all right Mister Nick! Don't forget to tell her that! All the time!! *beams again and does another little hop* I'm gonna go wash my hands, okay!!? *skips off to the bathroom with a tiny little giggle*
Edgeworth: *has been watching in an almost bemused silence at the two of them. As Pearl leaves, he steps aside to allow her to pass and then turns his attention back to Wright* Miss Andrews...?
Wright: *after she's hopped off, he finally rubs at his arm, wincing slightly* Yeah. Adrian Andrews-- she babysat Pearls and Tru the other day----- *his mouth forms a straight line as he realizes the implication of that*
Edgeworth: *cocks an eyebrow* Hn. Miss Andrews isn't a fool, she wouldn't have brought something like that up on her own.
Wright: Right. And now I'm wondering what could've... *looks thoughtful for a minute, but then shakes it off* Nevermind. I'll ask Tru about it later.
Edgeworth: *glances off towards the bathroom* She- I am certainly surprised at how strong she is. *his expression is almost unsettled*
Wright: *a laugh* I told you.
Edgeworth: Reminds me of someone. *turns halfway and smirks with a raised eyebrow*
Pearl: *comes out of the bathroom, still sparkling. She heads over towards the kitchen to wave at Mister Nick and then skips back into the bedroom with her book*
Wright: *waves at her as she skips off* Franziska? ... Yeah-- though I haven't been punched by her before, I'd say it's pretty similar.
Edgeworth: She wasn't much for punching. But she certainly was a fierce child. *shakes his head* In any case, where were we before that interruption? *his smirk cracks into a half-grin*
Wright: Ah. *he reaches for the grape juice then, taking another swig* My investigation, you mean.
Edgeworth: Yes. Ah, right. I believe I was saying you've probably said enough that I'll doubtless be able to figure it out on my own, by process of elimination if nothing else.
Wright: *shakes his head, smiling slightly--though he glances off again as he does so* You don't have to guess; it'd seem pretty obvious in a while... if it has to last, that is. It's Gavin.
Edgeworth: *A skeptical frown* I told you he's not- *Then it hits him; his eyes go blank and his mouth falls slack. He refocuses, and there's a visible progression of thoughts over his face: calculation, confusion, a brief note of disgust that falls away quickly, and then an overwhelming anger that, surprisingly, is turned inward*
Edgeworth: I- *he brings his forefinger up to his temple with a grimace* I am disgusted that I did not figure this out earlier.
Wright: *shrugs slightly* Don't be too hard on yourself.
Edgeworth: *turns, eyes still tracking around as his disparate thoughts resolve himself.* At least after that trial! Despite the venomous things his brother said about him, Klavier Gavin was still defending him! I should have known that- I knew he had to be involved somehow, even if he didn't know the evidence he was being passed was forged... *there's a nearly undetectable note of bitterness here*
Edgeworth: I thought if he couldn't be bought, one of the detectives or- *he pauses* But it's clear that the person he loves most in the world is his brother, and- *he stops again* But WHY? Had the two of you even met?
Wright: *shrugs again, dropping the bottle back on the table and stuffing his hands into his pockets* At my inquiry hearing.
Edgeworth: *guardedly* But not before.
Wright: *nods-- his face is completely neutral*
Edgeworth: *turns to the side and grimaces* That's nothing if not unsettling. *glances back at his friend* You said it would have seemed obvious shortly, how?
Wright: *laughs out at that, shaking his head* You're digging in. Like I said-- you want to take it into your own hands. *glances at Edgeworth again... but there isn't irritation there, just amusement*
Edgeworth: *indignantly* I won't be dragging him into the courtroom! Not without any evidence. *his eyelid twitches* You have some sort of plan, I take it?
Wright: Heh, yeah. *rubs the back of his hat slowly--his eyes are scrutinizing, but his tone is still light* Don't give me away, alright? Your poker face is worse than mine.
Edgeworth: *his expression evens out completely and he raises an eyebrow* You think so? I'm not the one who routinely presents my only copy of the decisive piece of evidence to the one I'm about to accuse.
Wright: Ha, ha. *grins wryly*...No, but you won't stand for any crooked behaviour. Even less so than I would.
Edgeworth: *shrugs regretfully* I have my hands full destroying the corruption that I can prove. What is your plan?
Wright: *laughs* I told you-- you'll see. *he smirks slightly* Are you done interrogating me yet, Prosecutor? My daughter's about to come home and I'd rather not discuss such things in front of her. *glances off towards the hallway that Pearl disappeared down* Or anyone else.
Edgeworth: *a long sigh, he combs his fingers through his bangs fussily,* Fine. I'll let you take care of it... And I'll keep your secret. *he grimaces*
Wright: *there's that appreciative look again, though this time it's mixed with amusement* ...Heh. Thanks. *stretches a bit lazily, finally noticing the bottle in his hand again* Oh, do you want something to eat? Drink? *holds up the grape juice*
Edgeworth: *glances at the bottle and is preoccupied enough that he almost accepts, but then a disgusted look blooms over his face and he looks back at Wright, his lip curled* No thank you, Wright. Did you forget you've been drinking directly from that bottle?
Wright: *shrugs cheerfully, not seeming all that surprised by his refusal* It's good stuff. I'll get you a bottle of your own. *and he reaches under the counter and does so*
Edgeworth: *takes it, eyeing the label* You buy it by the case? Hm. *opens the cupboard and gives Wright a wry look* I'll be drinking from a glass, like a civilized person.
Wright: Suit yourself. *heads to the corner cupboard to grab a bag of chips-- but stops himself halfway and turns to the fridge, wondering if they have some vegetables and dip instead, considering his guest...* We go through about a case every two weeks-- mostly by me; Tru doesn't like the stuff.
Edgeworth: *pours himself a glass and sips it, giving an appreciative nod* Not bad. I'd be careful you don't get cavities, though.
Wright: What am I, five? *opens the fridge door, waving Edgeworth off towards the couch with his free hand mock-disdainfully* I know you worry, Edgeworth, but you don't have to offer me advice for that.
Edgeworth: *a shrug and a smirk* I suppose I could try to be a bit less patronizing, couldn't I. *walks into the living room* I guess you have more important things to be concerned about anyway. *takes a seat on the couch, looking up at the news program that's still playing on the television*
Wright: Mm. You could. But then again, I guess you'd hardly be you. *finds a bag of mini carrots-probably meant for Twitch--and some dressing, and takes them out, rinsing them and placing them on a plate before heading over to join Edgeworth on the couch to wait for Trucy*