[SCENE] Phoenix and Edgeworth in: Drunky NaruMitsu Times
((Takes place last weekend.))
Edgeworth: *The bar is dimly lit, smells strongly of fried food, and has some remnants of a 1950's theme. A vintage jukebox stands in the corner next to a piano, piping out a faintly hissing rendition of Roy Orbison's A Legend In My Time. Edgeworth sits in one of the faded booths, tapping a forefinger against a highball glass half-full of brown liquid. He's been sitting there for a while*
Edgeworth: *At the moment, his head is slightly inclined and he is staring out into space. His magenta jacket is folded neatly over the seat next to him but the small casual touch doesn't make him stick out any less in the bar, which is full of blue collar types in short-sleeves and wifebeaters. Each of the other patrons glances curiously at him in turn, but none of them bother to approach. He doesn't seem to notice that, just lifts the glass to his mouth and takes a quick, silent pull from it. He sets it back down, still intently studying the cobwebs in the corner directly opposite him*
Wright: *walks in, hands in hoodie pockets, giving the room a cursory glance before he walks over to the piano in the corner and takes a seat on the bench. If he'd noticed Edgeworth, he gives no indication--though it's hard to believe he could miss catching sight of the man. After a while, one of the bar's patrons heads over to the corner, seemingly interested in requesting some tune or another. Apparently he's refused, as he turns heel in a huff, barging off to find the manager*
Edgeworth: *it isn't until the man storms off (and the song on the jukebox switches to I've Got You Under my Skin) that Edgeworth turns his head lazily over to look at the new addition in the bar. His neck stiffens and he rolls his shoulders, suddenly tense and obviously irritated. Momentarily, it dissipates and he sighs, his glare turning into a rueful stare and then turning away* I should have known... *he says at a low murmur, lifting his glass to his lips*
Wright: *it's fairly clear that Phoenix has in fact spotted Edgeworth--when the man turns away and takes another drink, he lets out a chuckle and pushes to his feet, strolling on over to where Miles is sitting* Evening, Chief Prosecutor. Fancy seeing you at a dive like this.
Edgeworth: *scowls, but it's clear his heart isn't in it* I was hoping not to run into anyone I knew, but then you've always had the knack for being exactly where I don't want you to be.
Wright: You know me. Old habits die hard. *takes a seat across from Edgeworth, grinning* So. Things went that badly, huh?
Edgeworth: You've still got it! *the sarcasm in his voice and expression is clear evidence that it's not his first drink, but his demeanor is otherwise normal. He turns to the side with a quiet scoff* I was shown the door. Very politely, mind you, but there you are.
Wright: *whistles, shaking his head* That was fast. Guess you couldn't hold a candle to a gen-u-ine cowboy, huh?
Edgeworth: *his grip tightens around the glass. Through gritted teeth,* Thanks for that. She claims that she won't be returning to him, actually. Though I'm not sure how much of that I believe...
Wright: A ha ha. How long do you give it? *flags a waitress across the room, who gapes over at him in a very startled manner*
Edgeworth: *sullenly* I don't know. She's not the type to go back on her word so easily, but if that possibility weren't there and strong... Well, I wouldn't be sitting here across from you, at least. *the ice in his glass shifts as he gestures with his opposite hand and he looks off to the side* She takes her time, Lana. Though I guess not in breaking things off. *a bitter laugh. He finishes the drink*
Wright: All I know about her is that she makes snap judgements and then is unbearably stubborn in sticking to them. *chuckles* Granted, I didn't exactly catch her at the right time... but that sure seems to fit your description.
Wright: *the waitress arrives and leans over to Phoenix, trying to communicate some hushed message. Phoenix just remains sitting back and grinning, however* Another drink for this guy over here, alright? And a bottle of grape juice for me.
Edgeworth: *slides the glass forward and as a reminder says* Whiskey tonic, double, on the rocks.
Wright: *the waitress hesitantly nods, taking the empty glass and shooting Phoenix a reluctant look before she leaves. Phoenix chuckles again, turning to Edgeworth but not saying anything*
Edgeworth: *drums his fingers on the table* Well, yes. She was showing that force of will that she has when she said that-- *pauses, calling it up in his head* She said she had "no rational desire to recover" her relationship with Marshall. Hah. *closes his eyes* It affects me the same whether she returns to him or not, honestly.
Wright: Really? *raises an eyebrow* I'd imagine it'd be quite the blow to your pride.
Edgeworth: *twitches and scowls, eyes still closed* Hn. *shrugs* Perhaps if she returns to him immediately. Given all he's put her through, her fleeing directly from my arms to his would certainly say something about me. *opens his eyes, fixing them on some point beyond Wright* The only shock in the whole matter was that Marshall returned. Beyond that, everything followed logically.
Wright: *the waitress returns, placing down the orders before scampering away. Phoenix uncaps his drink and takes a swig, sighing out comfortably* Why'd you do it, then? The odds of everything working out seems like it was astronomically low.
Edgeworth: *seems taken aback by the question, focuses on Wright's face and takes his drink loosely in his hand on the table. His response is mildly confrontational: he curls his lip as he speaks* I'm not sure what you mean to imply. It wasn't as if I set out to become embroiled in some sort of ridiculous situation.
Wright: Of course not. *grins, resting his elbows on the table and his head on a hand* But I'd figure you would have been more cautious, nonetheless.
Edgeworth: Maybe I should have been. I guess I was enjoying myself. For a time, I had no expectations of where the relationship was going - a side effect of Lana's cautious nature, I suppose. After that, it was a race against time. I must have thought it was worth it. *he lifts his glass and takes a swallow, slamming it down on the table with a familiar, decisive thunk* Well. I'll not have many more opportunities to be incautious, I imagine. A problem that solves itself.
Wright: *eyes him, with the bottle of grape juice still raised up to his mouth* Giving up on women altogether?
Edgeworth: *an uneven shrug* I've always been married to the work. *he raises an eyebrow* Why are you interested? *there's a not-quite-pause between the first and second word, a faint smirk on his face as he says it*
Wright: I suppose it's something for me to keep in mind. *chuckles* Don't overdo it--you know what they say about all work and no play. *as if on cue, a large man in an apron arrives and gestures angrily to Phoenix, speaking a few sentences in a language that definitely isn't English. Phoenix gets up obligingly, but not very quickly* 'Scuse me for a minute. *the two head a few booths away, and there's a lot of heated words from the aproned man-- Phoenix remains grinning the entire time, however*
Edgeworth: *leans back, crossing his arms and looking politely away from Wright's dressing-down. The jukebox is still playing - now it's something too old and low to make out that sounds like it's by Buddy Holly*
Wright: *the man in the apron marches off and Phoenix ambles on over to Edgeworth again, retaking his seat* Sorry about that--now, what were you saying?
Edgeworth: I was about to say that I've learned over the years how to balance my time, but perhaps we should cut this conversation short. *pointedly,* All play and no work is at least as unacceptable, wouldn't you say?
Wright: Hm? Oh, yes for the most part. *doesn't seem to quite catch Edgeworth's drift though, as he remains comfortably seated, taking a lengthy sip of his drink*
Edgeworth: *sighs, shaking his head and moving on* At any rate... Lana understood the burdens of the law and had her own matters to attend to as well. We even managed to keep one another free of long hours at the office... *he blinks slowly, frowns, and reaches for his glass*
Wright: So now you're wallowing here like this. Are you going to drink till you're gone? *studies the other man's features carefully* You don't have much more to go, if that's the case.
Edgeworth: *scowls* Hmph. "Wallowing," am I? *turns his head irritably and lifts the glass halfway to his mouth. He stops and glances back at Wright. Something relents and he lowers his arm slowly* I had entertained the thought... In fact, that could have been my intention, coming into this... place. *he's quite apparently leaving out some unfavorable adjectives, by the look of disdain on his face* But then I got to thinking... just trying to understand the whole matter. *pushes the half-full glass away* I would have left already, if not for you.
Wright: Don't let me keep you. *tilts his head* In fact I'm ready to leave, whenever you are.
Edgeworth: You just got here. I'm sure you have poker to play... Don't you? *glances off toward the door that the man in the apron disappeared into*
Wright: Not all places hire me to play poker. Some actually think I'll play music. *shrugs, laughing* I don't know why.
Edgeworth: Ah. *gives a weak chuckle* I'm sure they feel the fool for it. *taps his fingers on the table* In that case, perhaps it's best if we leave with our dignities intact.
Wright: Sure thing. *pushes to his feet, grabbing his bottle* You didn't drive here, did you?
Edgeworth: *as he rises, it's clear that now is about the right time for him to stop drinking. He does so slowly, with a curious thoughtful expression on his face. Finally, he comes up with an answer* ...No. I left my car at the park and ride near my house and took a taxi.
Wright: There's that preparedness. *leaves behind a few dollar bills on the table-- only enough to cover the tip, it seems-- before he walks over and places a hand on Edgeworth's shoulder*
Edgeworth: *shrugs the hand off* Please, I'm fully capable. *grabs his blazer and puts it on, smartly, then walks to the cashier to settle his tab. He bumps a chair on his way over, but doesn't pause or break stride in the slightest. That done, he returns* All right. Now, let's go.
Wright: Not tipsy enough, huh. *walks on over to the door, holding it open for Edgeworth*
Edgeworth: For what? To allow you to lead me around like a blind little girl? *scoffs* Never.
Wright: Oh, I'd never expect you to get that drunk. *walks on out*
Edgeworth: *follows him out, hands in pockets* Then why did you make an attemp- *stops and looks back* Wright, did you settle your tab?
Wright: *raises an eyebrow* I left some bills on the table--didn't we establish you were not that tipsy just now? *heads down to the edge of the street to flag a cab*
Edgeworth: Not quite enough not to notice the caliber of the bills. *raises an eyebrow. But he lowers it, lifts his shoulders in a shrug and shakes his head.* Oh well. Your affairs are none of my business, as long as your name doesn't cross my desk.
Wright: You've loosened up. *a taxi cruising down the street catches his waving and comes to a stop in front of them* If they notice, they'll take it out of my paycheck. If they send a paycheck.
Edgeworth: *crosses his arms* I'm just not quite sober enough to care. I have hardly loosened up at all.
Wright: I meant due to the alcohol-- not due to any sudden change to your temperament. *opens up the passenger door, gesturing to Edgeworth to get in*
Edgeworth: Fair enough. *slides in, leaning back with a grunting sigh. Glances at Wright, sardonically* I suppose it must be nice to have someone with a dependably unchanging demeanor around.
Wright: *cheerfully* I suppose so. *calls out the address to the cabby, then shuts the door. He waves a hand and wanders off more or less right away*
Edgeworth: *gives a brief wave through the window, seeming unsurprised. He leans back, closing his eyes and dozing most of the way back to his house*
Edgeworth: *The bar is dimly lit, smells strongly of fried food, and has some remnants of a 1950's theme. A vintage jukebox stands in the corner next to a piano, piping out a faintly hissing rendition of Roy Orbison's A Legend In My Time. Edgeworth sits in one of the faded booths, tapping a forefinger against a highball glass half-full of brown liquid. He's been sitting there for a while*
Edgeworth: *At the moment, his head is slightly inclined and he is staring out into space. His magenta jacket is folded neatly over the seat next to him but the small casual touch doesn't make him stick out any less in the bar, which is full of blue collar types in short-sleeves and wifebeaters. Each of the other patrons glances curiously at him in turn, but none of them bother to approach. He doesn't seem to notice that, just lifts the glass to his mouth and takes a quick, silent pull from it. He sets it back down, still intently studying the cobwebs in the corner directly opposite him*
Wright: *walks in, hands in hoodie pockets, giving the room a cursory glance before he walks over to the piano in the corner and takes a seat on the bench. If he'd noticed Edgeworth, he gives no indication--though it's hard to believe he could miss catching sight of the man. After a while, one of the bar's patrons heads over to the corner, seemingly interested in requesting some tune or another. Apparently he's refused, as he turns heel in a huff, barging off to find the manager*
Edgeworth: *it isn't until the man storms off (and the song on the jukebox switches to I've Got You Under my Skin) that Edgeworth turns his head lazily over to look at the new addition in the bar. His neck stiffens and he rolls his shoulders, suddenly tense and obviously irritated. Momentarily, it dissipates and he sighs, his glare turning into a rueful stare and then turning away* I should have known... *he says at a low murmur, lifting his glass to his lips*
Wright: *it's fairly clear that Phoenix has in fact spotted Edgeworth--when the man turns away and takes another drink, he lets out a chuckle and pushes to his feet, strolling on over to where Miles is sitting* Evening, Chief Prosecutor. Fancy seeing you at a dive like this.
Edgeworth: *scowls, but it's clear his heart isn't in it* I was hoping not to run into anyone I knew, but then you've always had the knack for being exactly where I don't want you to be.
Wright: You know me. Old habits die hard. *takes a seat across from Edgeworth, grinning* So. Things went that badly, huh?
Edgeworth: You've still got it! *the sarcasm in his voice and expression is clear evidence that it's not his first drink, but his demeanor is otherwise normal. He turns to the side with a quiet scoff* I was shown the door. Very politely, mind you, but there you are.
Wright: *whistles, shaking his head* That was fast. Guess you couldn't hold a candle to a gen-u-ine cowboy, huh?
Edgeworth: *his grip tightens around the glass. Through gritted teeth,* Thanks for that. She claims that she won't be returning to him, actually. Though I'm not sure how much of that I believe...
Wright: A ha ha. How long do you give it? *flags a waitress across the room, who gapes over at him in a very startled manner*
Edgeworth: *sullenly* I don't know. She's not the type to go back on her word so easily, but if that possibility weren't there and strong... Well, I wouldn't be sitting here across from you, at least. *the ice in his glass shifts as he gestures with his opposite hand and he looks off to the side* She takes her time, Lana. Though I guess not in breaking things off. *a bitter laugh. He finishes the drink*
Wright: All I know about her is that she makes snap judgements and then is unbearably stubborn in sticking to them. *chuckles* Granted, I didn't exactly catch her at the right time... but that sure seems to fit your description.
Wright: *the waitress arrives and leans over to Phoenix, trying to communicate some hushed message. Phoenix just remains sitting back and grinning, however* Another drink for this guy over here, alright? And a bottle of grape juice for me.
Edgeworth: *slides the glass forward and as a reminder says* Whiskey tonic, double, on the rocks.
Wright: *the waitress hesitantly nods, taking the empty glass and shooting Phoenix a reluctant look before she leaves. Phoenix chuckles again, turning to Edgeworth but not saying anything*
Edgeworth: *drums his fingers on the table* Well, yes. She was showing that force of will that she has when she said that-- *pauses, calling it up in his head* She said she had "no rational desire to recover" her relationship with Marshall. Hah. *closes his eyes* It affects me the same whether she returns to him or not, honestly.
Wright: Really? *raises an eyebrow* I'd imagine it'd be quite the blow to your pride.
Edgeworth: *twitches and scowls, eyes still closed* Hn. *shrugs* Perhaps if she returns to him immediately. Given all he's put her through, her fleeing directly from my arms to his would certainly say something about me. *opens his eyes, fixing them on some point beyond Wright* The only shock in the whole matter was that Marshall returned. Beyond that, everything followed logically.
Wright: *the waitress returns, placing down the orders before scampering away. Phoenix uncaps his drink and takes a swig, sighing out comfortably* Why'd you do it, then? The odds of everything working out seems like it was astronomically low.
Edgeworth: *seems taken aback by the question, focuses on Wright's face and takes his drink loosely in his hand on the table. His response is mildly confrontational: he curls his lip as he speaks* I'm not sure what you mean to imply. It wasn't as if I set out to become embroiled in some sort of ridiculous situation.
Wright: Of course not. *grins, resting his elbows on the table and his head on a hand* But I'd figure you would have been more cautious, nonetheless.
Edgeworth: Maybe I should have been. I guess I was enjoying myself. For a time, I had no expectations of where the relationship was going - a side effect of Lana's cautious nature, I suppose. After that, it was a race against time. I must have thought it was worth it. *he lifts his glass and takes a swallow, slamming it down on the table with a familiar, decisive thunk* Well. I'll not have many more opportunities to be incautious, I imagine. A problem that solves itself.
Wright: *eyes him, with the bottle of grape juice still raised up to his mouth* Giving up on women altogether?
Edgeworth: *an uneven shrug* I've always been married to the work. *he raises an eyebrow* Why are you interested? *there's a not-quite-pause between the first and second word, a faint smirk on his face as he says it*
Wright: I suppose it's something for me to keep in mind. *chuckles* Don't overdo it--you know what they say about all work and no play. *as if on cue, a large man in an apron arrives and gestures angrily to Phoenix, speaking a few sentences in a language that definitely isn't English. Phoenix gets up obligingly, but not very quickly* 'Scuse me for a minute. *the two head a few booths away, and there's a lot of heated words from the aproned man-- Phoenix remains grinning the entire time, however*
Edgeworth: *leans back, crossing his arms and looking politely away from Wright's dressing-down. The jukebox is still playing - now it's something too old and low to make out that sounds like it's by Buddy Holly*
Wright: *the man in the apron marches off and Phoenix ambles on over to Edgeworth again, retaking his seat* Sorry about that--now, what were you saying?
Edgeworth: I was about to say that I've learned over the years how to balance my time, but perhaps we should cut this conversation short. *pointedly,* All play and no work is at least as unacceptable, wouldn't you say?
Wright: Hm? Oh, yes for the most part. *doesn't seem to quite catch Edgeworth's drift though, as he remains comfortably seated, taking a lengthy sip of his drink*
Edgeworth: *sighs, shaking his head and moving on* At any rate... Lana understood the burdens of the law and had her own matters to attend to as well. We even managed to keep one another free of long hours at the office... *he blinks slowly, frowns, and reaches for his glass*
Wright: So now you're wallowing here like this. Are you going to drink till you're gone? *studies the other man's features carefully* You don't have much more to go, if that's the case.
Edgeworth: *scowls* Hmph. "Wallowing," am I? *turns his head irritably and lifts the glass halfway to his mouth. He stops and glances back at Wright. Something relents and he lowers his arm slowly* I had entertained the thought... In fact, that could have been my intention, coming into this... place. *he's quite apparently leaving out some unfavorable adjectives, by the look of disdain on his face* But then I got to thinking... just trying to understand the whole matter. *pushes the half-full glass away* I would have left already, if not for you.
Wright: Don't let me keep you. *tilts his head* In fact I'm ready to leave, whenever you are.
Edgeworth: You just got here. I'm sure you have poker to play... Don't you? *glances off toward the door that the man in the apron disappeared into*
Wright: Not all places hire me to play poker. Some actually think I'll play music. *shrugs, laughing* I don't know why.
Edgeworth: Ah. *gives a weak chuckle* I'm sure they feel the fool for it. *taps his fingers on the table* In that case, perhaps it's best if we leave with our dignities intact.
Wright: Sure thing. *pushes to his feet, grabbing his bottle* You didn't drive here, did you?
Edgeworth: *as he rises, it's clear that now is about the right time for him to stop drinking. He does so slowly, with a curious thoughtful expression on his face. Finally, he comes up with an answer* ...No. I left my car at the park and ride near my house and took a taxi.
Wright: There's that preparedness. *leaves behind a few dollar bills on the table-- only enough to cover the tip, it seems-- before he walks over and places a hand on Edgeworth's shoulder*
Edgeworth: *shrugs the hand off* Please, I'm fully capable. *grabs his blazer and puts it on, smartly, then walks to the cashier to settle his tab. He bumps a chair on his way over, but doesn't pause or break stride in the slightest. That done, he returns* All right. Now, let's go.
Wright: Not tipsy enough, huh. *walks on over to the door, holding it open for Edgeworth*
Edgeworth: For what? To allow you to lead me around like a blind little girl? *scoffs* Never.
Wright: Oh, I'd never expect you to get that drunk. *walks on out*
Edgeworth: *follows him out, hands in pockets* Then why did you make an attemp- *stops and looks back* Wright, did you settle your tab?
Wright: *raises an eyebrow* I left some bills on the table--didn't we establish you were not that tipsy just now? *heads down to the edge of the street to flag a cab*
Edgeworth: Not quite enough not to notice the caliber of the bills. *raises an eyebrow. But he lowers it, lifts his shoulders in a shrug and shakes his head.* Oh well. Your affairs are none of my business, as long as your name doesn't cross my desk.
Wright: You've loosened up. *a taxi cruising down the street catches his waving and comes to a stop in front of them* If they notice, they'll take it out of my paycheck. If they send a paycheck.
Edgeworth: *crosses his arms* I'm just not quite sober enough to care. I have hardly loosened up at all.
Wright: I meant due to the alcohol-- not due to any sudden change to your temperament. *opens up the passenger door, gesturing to Edgeworth to get in*
Edgeworth: Fair enough. *slides in, leaning back with a grunting sigh. Glances at Wright, sardonically* I suppose it must be nice to have someone with a dependably unchanging demeanor around.
Wright: *cheerfully* I suppose so. *calls out the address to the cabby, then shuts the door. He waves a hand and wanders off more or less right away*
Edgeworth: *gives a brief wave through the window, seeming unsurprised. He leans back, closing his eyes and dozing most of the way back to his house*