[SCENE] Edgeworth and Wright in: "This One's for the Fangirls"
((Please see this and this for context.))
Edgeworth: *There's a nice breeze blowing, and it's an altogether pleasant day. However, Edgeworth has a sour expression on his face and his hand is in his pocket, on his watch. It's the day of his (second) blind date, and evidently his date is late. He's dressed no more casually than the last time he was set up, in black slacks and a red dress shirt. His foot taps idly as he scans the street for anyone who looks promising*
Wright: *about twenty minutes after the agreed upon time, Phoenix shows up-- he's not dressed any differently at all, of course. It doesn't take him very long to scan the rendezvous area, and when he locates Edgeworth he does not look particularly surprised--he merely grins and swaggers on over*
Wright: Lovely weather today, hmm?
Edgeworth: *raises his eyebrows* True. Good day, Wright. What brings you here? *his face is decidedly suspicious*
Wright: Why do you think? *the grin widens* I'll give you three guesses, and two of them don't count. *glances off vacantly, without actually waiting for an answer* I would've brought flowers, but I forgot which ones were your favorite...
Edgeworth: You- *he blinks in a sort of mild surprise--he'd evidently expected some kind of ridiculousness from this. Still, he groans audibly and gives a heavy sigh, pressing his fingers into the start of a headache at his temple* Who the hell gave Ron such a ridiculous idea...? It's just a bit too far for him to have come up with it on his own.
Wright: *his expression grows... solemn* To be honest... I asked him to.
Edgeworth: *blinks, peering at Wright. He gives his friend the kind of eye that one gives a suspicious tupperware in the fridge, looking him up and down* Go on. *it's somewhere between an expression of disbelief and an order*
Wright: Well, it was... important to me that you'd accept. *smiles a small half smile, glancing off* And I didn't think you would have if I'd asked directly. *glances back at Edgeworth* Was I right?
Edgeworth: *he is definitely a bit disconcerted for a few moments, but he clucks his tongue and shakes his head with a shrug* As if you wouldn't have said something years ago. You nearly tripped over that line several times since I met you. *points coolly at Wright* You wouldn't repeat the same prank twice, and there's only one other person Ron speaks to who would come up with such a ludicrous idea.... *turns his back and gestures for Wright to follow* So I'll fulfill my obligation here and speak with Armando later. *glances back, expression grudgingly bemused* You nearly had me for a moment there.
Wright: *maintains his serious expression for several more moments... but finally laughs and throws up his hands in a shrug* Had to give it a shot. But the look on your face, a second ago... it was worth the trip already.
Edgeworth: *shakes his head* A testament to your skill. Thankfully logic prevails.
Wright: Well. Dinner, a movie, some time at an amusement park-- its already paid for, so what do you say? *flutters his eyelids* ...Date?
Edgeworth: Tch. *more amused than anything* I could never resist a pretty face so smitten with me.
Wright: I'm flattered. *wraps an arm around Edgeworth, turning him around and guiding him over to the restaurant they're standing in front of--some sort of barbeque place...*
~~~
Edgeworth: *shortly, they're seated at the restaurant--which by the flag displayed near the entrance, appears to be Korean. The table has a brazier inset, and Edgeworth glances over to the side of the booth, which has some sort of display of cooking utensils hanging from a set of wrought-iron hooks. He gives the tongs a good hard look* Strange, those don't look decorative.
Wright: Call it a hunch, but I think we're supposed to use them. *a waitress appears and sets down two giant plates before walking off--they're two plates of neatly layered thin cuts of raw meat*
Edgeworth: I see. *seems to be feeling thwarted somehow* I'm not familiar with this type of restaurant.
Wright: Neither am I. But hey, how can you go wrong with meat? *grabs a tong, takes a slice of what seems to be beef, and places it down on the grill. It makes a very pleasant sizzle*
Edgeworth: *takes up his own set of tongs, and lifts his own slice of meat onto the brazier* That must be why Armando chose this place. I can't imagine how he racked his brain... *there's a grumble in his voice*
Wright: Hm? *his attention is focused on flipping his slice of meat over* Man, I've got to take Maya here...
Edgeworth: *his own meat cooks quickly enough that it almost surprises him, he flips it over and it's a tad crispy at the edges* Ah, yes, she might enjoy it. I think she had a very good time on that blind date you set up... *he makes some sort of overture towards irritation, but can't manage it* She's more sheltered than I'd have thought. It would do her good to try a number of new things.
Wright: *picks up the slice of beef, blowing lightly on it* That she would. I'm thinking of setting her up with Ron, next. *holds out the tong to Edgeworth's mouth* Want the first bite~?
Edgeworth: Ha, good luck with that. He's beyond dedicated to that wife of his. *doesn't even look up, concentrating on making sure that his slice cooks perfectly to make up for his earlier error* And no thank you, I trust my own cooking far more than-
Wright: *with careful precision, he aligns the beef slice to Edgeworth's mouth, stuffing it in without causing the prosecutor to chomp down on the metal tongs*
Edgeworth: Mmf. *gives him a shocked look and doesn't chew for a few beats. Then finally, he scowls and chews and swallows* I said no, Wright.
Wright: Your lips, they say no... but your stomach--and the other words coming out of your mouth-- *chuckles, placing a few more slices of beef on the grill* they say yes...!
Edgeworth: I've heard that argument in the courtroom before and it didn't fly there, either. *he draws his slice off the grill. Grudgingly,* It was quite good. *he puts the meat on Wright's plate instead of his own* There, and now we're even.
Wright: *chuckles, helping himself to the offered meat on his plate, and giving a contented sigh after he does*
Edgeworth: *spends a bit of time arranging the meat on the grill fussily so that none of it overlaps or folds over itself. As he is doing that, a waitress comes up and he turns to look at her curiously. She's holding a bottle of red wine, looking as though she doesn't quite know how to express the thought she's been sent there to express* Is that for us? *he points the tongs at the bottle of wine and she nods* Huh. *looks to Wright*
Wright: *looks at Edgeworth, looks at the bottle, then shrugs* Well, if I don't have to pay for it... break out the glasses. *leans forward, smiling unreservedly over at Edgeworth--much to the waitress' seeming embarrassment* Half the bottle each, alright, honey~?
Edgeworth: *stares flatly back at him, seemingly unamused. He glances at the waitress* Really, in front of the help you speak to me this way? *turns his charm on and turns to the waitress* Don't mind him. Please set that down here.
Wright: Now, dear-- *but the woman has already set down the bottle and the glasses and more or less run away* .....You're no fun. *grabs the bottle, pops out the already loosened cork, and starts pouring two generous glasses* But trust me, I had a look at the title of the movie we're supposed to be seeing. You may want more than half of this.
Edgeworth: Come now, that's about as much playing along as I'm willing to do. *looks askance at Wright* What film is it? Nothing too artsy, I hope...
Wright: Well, you know that film festival going on right now? *offers a glass forward, and takes a sip of his own drink* The one with rave reviews that critics are going gaga over?
Edgeworth: I read about it, yes. *sniffs the wine and swirls it very gently - it's too full to swirl whole-heartedly*
Wright: Yeah. Well, the one we're seeing isn't from that. *reaches into his hoodie pocket, taking out two envelopes--one of which he opens up. Two tickets are inside, and he reads out:* 6:30 at the Bloor Street Theater. The 20th anniversary showing of "Brokeback Mountain." *a pause* I hate romantic dramas.
Edgeworth: "Brokeback..." *thinks* Ah. I see. Typical.
Wright: Mm. *takes another gulp of his glass, and gets to seeing to the grilled meat again...*
~~~
Edgeworth: *...the two of them are seated next to one another in a packed theater. Surprisingly the showing is well-attended, so much so that they were not permitted an empty seat between the two of them. The seats share an armrest that is quite small and Edgeworth has been attempting to gain control of it for the first part of the movie. Abruptly a hush falls over the audience as the famous first sex scene of the movie unfolds. Edgeworth gazes stonily at the screen, his arm taking up precisely half of the armrest for the time being*
Wright: *had been watching while helping himself to a mouthful of popcorn; he doesn't seem all that drunk or all that affected by what is going on screen, but when the scene unfolds he lets out a slightly awkward laugh* That really can't be that pleasant without lubrication. *this is said lowly but clearly not enough so--it merits a "SHHH!" and a glare from the people beside him*
Edgeworth: *rubs his temple - he doesn't seem drunk either, but the fact that he responds at all is evidence enough* Shut UP, Wright. *he's shushed as well and turns to glare at the offending voice, his expression saying clearly that their hushing was a fair bit louder than his speaking was to begin, with so they should just mind their own damn business. At length he returns to the scene, not wincing or reacting overly to the action*
Wright: *shuts up as demanded, using the interim to take a large sip of his grape drink, a bottle which he'd somehow smuggled inside. When he replaces the drink in the holder and places his hand back down on the armrest, he inadvertently sets it down on Edgeworth's hand*
Edgeworth: *it takes him a split second to even realize* Hn? *he snatches up his arm as if it's been burned and gives Wright a suspicious glare*
Wright: *shrugs, appreciating his newly acquired monopoly of the armrest and using his other hand to shovel popcorn into his mouth instead*
Edgeworth: *frowns, not so cagey about personal space that he'll give up comfort for it, and attempts to reclaim at least his half of the armrest*
Wright: *with his eyes still directed at the screen, he jostles back-- the ensuing struggle causes rustling that earns them another series of glares and "SHHS" from those around them*
Edgeworth: *glares and slides his arm on top of Wright's, elbow angled slightly, his hand in a fist. He glances down and his expression reads 'that's that'*
Wright: *sighs dramatically (SHH), but sits back with his arm mashed down, deciding to acquiesce and just enjoy the rest of the movie...*
~~~
Wright: *an hour or so later, Phoenix and Edgeworth stand in line stoically at the amusement park. The ride they are lining up for? The nearby sign declares it in bright red accompanied with hearts: "The Tunnel of Love." It's just starting to get dark, and around the park bright ride lights are starting to turn on, washing the world in neon lights and overly cheerful music*
Edgeworth: *looks up at the sign blankly* When we finish with this, our obligations are up, correct?
Wright: Yeah. *the couple in front of them board the 'love boat', and Phoenix leans past the guardrail, glancing cheerfully at the murky though shallow waters that constitute the ride's path* Don't feel like exploring the rest of this place? It just reopened after that bear incident five years ago, you know.
Edgeworth: It's not the kind of place I feel comfortable in. Too loud and bright... *raises an eyebrow and continues dryly* Too much merriment. I'm a man who hates fun, remember.
Wright: Fun, sunshine and happiness in general, yes. *chuckles, but this cuts off abruptly when a boat carrying a lovey dovey couple returns back to the front. The carny in charge of the ride lets them off, directs them to a nearby tented booth to the side, then swings open the gate for Phoenix and Edgeworth to board* Well. Think you can stand being in a dark crowded space with me for all of two minutes?
Edgeworth: The last two hours weren't pleasant, but I'll manage somehow. *brushes off his sleeve and then leans down, offering his hand to help Wright in first* Be my guest.
Wright: *his mouth quirks slightly at the offered hand, but he takes it and boards, settling in, sprawling out and resting an arm on the back of the seat*
Edgeworth: *boards as well, leaning against the arm and glancing irritably behind himself* Fresh.
Wright: Alright, alright. I'll behave. *and as he draws back his hand and sits almost painfully properly with his hands in his lap, the boat starts off with a lurch--heading into the pitch darkness of the tunnel ride*
Edgeworth: Thank you. *he looks around as darkness falls* I comprehend the basic concept of such a ride, but I don't understand why it's so dark. Wouldn't that make it a bit more difficult than it ought to be?
Wright: You know, that's a good question. *his voice echoes oddly on the walls, somewhat closer to Edgeworth than one would expect* Leaves more to the imagination, maybe? And, you know, there's the privacy thing.
Edgeworth: Hn. *shifts, crossing his leg away from Wright as best he can in the cramped little boat* More likely for the unskilled to fumble.
Wright: *chuckles again in the darkness--by the shift in his voice, he's sitting forward* You know... now that I have you all alone in a place you can't just storm out of...
Edgeworth: *doesn't move at all, tellingly. His voice is flat* Now that you have that... What?
Wright: Well. You know that paper you wrote a few years back? About the jurist system?
Edgeworth: *shifts, uncrossing his leg* ...What? Of course I do. What a ridiculous question, I wrote the paper. What of it?
Wright: What if I were to tell you I know someone's trying to get the system reinstated? *offhandedly* By proposing a test run in this city, no less.
Edgeworth: *warily* I would ask you how you'd know something like that before me...
Wright: I'm the one trying to get it passed, of course. *with a casual laugh that indicates he's probably grinning in the darkness* Actually, you're the last person I need to pitch the idea to--I've already gotten the approval from all the other bigwigs hereabouts.
Edgeworth: *grips the edge of the boat and turns, jostling the little boat in the water some* What? Y-you...!? You went over my head? You spoke to Gumshoe already?
Wright: Whoa, whoa-- *his voice wobbles around, as if he's trying to stop the boat from shaking-- with only marginal success* Hey, the Chief of Police is on more or less equal level with you, right? --But yeah, I did have a meeting with the DA as well, so--
Edgeworth: The nerve--! *chokes it off, becoming cognizant of the rocking he's creating. He stops moving quite so much, but he's still leaning towards where he perceives Phoenix to be. He starts again a bit more calmly* I was the one who brought this up five years ago and was shrugged off by my superiors... I was the one who got the nasty letters from the families of victims whose killers were successfully prosecuted using the three-day system despite lack of evidence... And now you're waltzing in and talking to my superiors about it without even consulting me? Who the hell do you think I am, Wright? Why wouldn't you come to me first? And why this, why now!?
Wright: *incredibly levelly--and actually sounding serious, for once* Because you're Miles Edgeworth, Chief Prosecutor for the district, and I knew you would have this exact reaction. *the grave tone of his voice is as of old... but there's a hard ring in it that is distinctly new* I came to you last because I knew that. This is my fight.
Edgeworth: *reaches out blindly, grabbing a fistful of the shoulder of Wright's hoodie. There's an audible grinding sound that can only be his teeth gritting* You didn't answer the most important question, Wright. *his voice is deathly serious and edged with anger. His fist tightens* I've got you alone, too, in a place you can't dodge so easily. Why are you doing this?
Wright: *doesn't struggle or otherwise resist-his voice has grown somewhat casual again* Because it's the right thing to do.
Edgeworth: *he sounds slightly less furious and more weary, but his grip doesn't slacken* As if I'd believe it was so simple. It was the right thing to do five years ago and you know that. What the hell aren't you telling me, Wright?
Wright: *shrugs, an action that tugs on the hoodie cloth currently being gripped* This is going through, even if you suspect ulterior motives or throw out an objection. Which you won't, once I detail all the specifics--because you're you.
Edgeworth: Oh, I don't suspect ulterior motives, I am certain of them. Moreso now that you've failed to directly answer me again. *shifts his weight against his arm, pressing against Wright's shoulder, shifting back and forth a bit to try to gain his balance. The boat lists to Wright's side. It's precarious, but he intends to make his point* I'm sure you're right that I'll raise no objections once I hear the entirety of your plan, but the only reason for that is that despite all evidence to the contrary, some part of me still believes that you're worthy of my trust. *his voice lowers and his hand tightens once again on the hoodie, though somehow the action is more earnest* Don't disappoint me, Wright.
Wright: Ha--when have I ever done that? *chuckles quietly, reaching up and taking Edgeworth's hand, clasping onto it firmly before he tugs it down* Don't worry; I'm still me. Now, sit down properly before you tip us over.
Edgeworth: *though this would be a time for his voice to be wry, he sounds resigned* Oh, you'd be surprised. *despite the request, he doesn't move quite yet* Whatever your reasons, I'll discover them eventually. Keep that in mind. *begins to shift his weight, carefully at first*
Wright: ...I expect it. *before they settle properly back into their seats, however, a bright flash of light goes off in the dark tunnel; in the split second that it illuminates the area, Phoenix's face--not surprised, but certainly more alert than usual is caught in the glare--
Edgeworth: *The flash doesn't blind him--it's already pitch black again--but it does surprise him, and his hand on the edge of the boat slips at the exact moment that his foot finds some stray water at the bottom of the boat* Nngh! *is all that he allows to slip out as he stumbles. He catches his other hand on the edge of the boat and somehow manages to stay clear of the water for a few seconds before his weight lowers the edge of the boat into the water and he loses his balance. He slides in shoulder first, upending the boat behind him*
Wright: Whoa-- *had, in the last few milliseconds, leaned forward in some sort of an attempt to grab Edgeworth back on board, but with the whole vessel upset by the other man's fall, he finds himself plunging into the shallow waters head first instead*
Edgeworth: *the water is cold and as he comes up, sputtering into the pitch-blackness, he shivers* W-Wright, where are you? *he reaches out blindly, finding only the turned over boat at first*
Wright: *there's a splash from behind Edgeworth, and then two hands wrap around the prosecutor's torso, pulling him sharply back down into the water*
Edgeworth: Nk!! *falls back into the water, holding his breath. He twists around quickly, grabbing the sopping wet sweatshirt and using that leverage to push himself up while keeping Wright down*
Wright: Pfff--- *is dunked back in, but not without swiping a kick at Edgeworth's legs--overhead, a siren goes off as some carny or amusement park officer finally realizes the ruckus that is going on in the ride*
Edgeworth: *loses his footing from the trip and falls into the water again just as the emergency lights come up. They're red and they pulse faintly, casting odd shadows in the water. He surfaces and spits out some water with a grimace* Hn. *looks about, spotting a ladder and heading for it*
Wright: *floats back up, wiping the grimy water away from his eyes before he gives a look around. After a bit of sputtering, he heads on over to the same ladder Edgeworth is headed towards*
Edgeworth: *grimacing at the uncomfortable squelching coming from his (now ruined) shoes, Edgeworth climbs the ladder onto the accessway. He crosses his arms and looks peeved before reaching his arm down towards Wright as he approaches*
Wright: *grabs a rung on the ladder but when Edgeworth offers his hand, he reaches for it while batting his damp eyelashes * My hero.
Edgeworth: Tch. *he scoffs and releases his grip, his wet hand easily slipping out of Wright's*
Wright: *slips a little--his eyes widen the slightest amount--but manages to re-grab the rung before he falls back into the water. With a laugh he pulls himself ashore and sits there, dripping on the walkway*
Edgeworth: *stands, brooding, his stiff-backed pose looking ridiculous contrasted with his soaked hair, clothes, and everything. He leans against the wall, casting his eyes down to the exit of the ride and then beginning to unbutton his soaking wet dress shirt. Beneath it he wears an equally soaked undershirt, but that ought to be less uncomfortable. He glances to Phoenix* I don't imagine you have a change of clothes.
Wright: Are you kidding? I think you ruined the last set of clean clothes I own. *coughs, removing his hat and seeming quite occupied with checking the pin on it for any damage. A man's voice echoes down the dark corridor, probably the carny in charge*
Edgeworth: Hn. *folds his dress shirt over his arm, pressing his hand to his right shoulder reflexively* Well, I suspect I'll be hearing from a higher authority on that matter. *calls out* Yes, we're over here!
Wright: I'm sending the dry cleaning bill to you, not to them. *wrings out his hat and then, the pin's integrity verified, moves on to checking the cell phone that had been in his hoodie pocket* If this thing's broken, I'm sending a receipt over to you, too.
Edgeworth: *looks down at it* You're long overdue for a new one.
Wright: *the phone gives a rather waterlogged beep-- after a shake and a wipe on a soggy hoodie sleeve, it seems to be in functional order and powers on. Phoenix smiles softly when it does, replacing the item carefully into his pocket* No. It's a memento from the old days--I'm holding on to it. *stands, the soft smile directed briefly over at Edgeworth before he nods in the direction of the end of the tunnel* Come on, Mr. Prosecutor. Time to use your skills to bail us out.
Edgeworth: *shakes his head, though the smile that tugs at his lips is not completely sarcastic. He rubs his shoulder and then removes his hand, revealing the old scar as he stands straight* Just leave the talking to me. *there's a flash in his eyes and any remaining frivolity leaves his expression as he fixes it on the approaching park employees* Let's see if I can secure you a change of clothes. *the grin on his face is anything but frivolous*
Edgeworth: *In the ensuing conversation - though there are those who would call it a bloodbath - Edgeworth informs the employees that for not informing the patrons of the ride that they'll be photographed and for failing to secure the boats adequately along their route, it's their hides on the line at the moment, not his. It only takes a moment of uncomfortable glances to one another before they fold, offering up free hard copies of the photo that was taken, a change of clothes for both of them, and free ride passes. Edgeworth whispers to Wright as they follow the two men out of the ride* Perhaps they've had problems before.
Wright: Almost definitely. *follows everyone out of the tunnel, whistling casually to himself. Once out in the open, he, along with Edgeworth, are led to the small tented stand where photos of the ride are displayed on electronic screens--the whistling cuts short* Oh look. There we are.
Edgeworth: *glances up at the screen and then his jaw drops and the shirt slips to the ground with a plop. He turns to the park employee with blazing eyes* We don't want hard copies. Delete them.
Wright: *doesn't seem all that disgruntled, but when the worker scrambles off as ordered, he follows him into the booth--seemingly to confirm that any and all copies are deleted*
Edgeworth: *picks up his shirt from the ground and shakes it out, though with the filthy water all over him it's really a moot point. He relaxes visibly when the photo leaves the screen, and ignores the prying eyes around him*
Wright: *exits the booth after a few moments, and returns to where Edgeworth is standing*
Edgeworth: It's taken care of, then? *he eyes Wright suspiciously*
Wright: *chuckles, stuffing his hands into his soggy hoodie pockets* Well, they already had a copy printed out, and I wasn't about to let them keep it...
Edgeworth: You destroyed it, right? *leading*
Wright: *tsks dramatically, following* Listen to you and your talk of destroying evidence, Mr. Prosecutor.
Edgeworth: ...But you destroyed it. *turns to stare at him*
Wright: *stops in turn... and then chuckles and keeps on walking, patting his soggy right hoodie pocket from within*
Edgeworth: *glares* Wright! *chases after him, spattering water over the pavement as he runs* I won't stand for that mysterious act from you...! *as the two of them walk off into the park area towards the souvenir shop where they are to get a change of clothes, the lights of the Tunnel of Love ride flicker, then extinguish altogether. Edgeworth glances back and then turns back to his placid friend with a resigned sigh, slapping him wetly on the shoulder as the two of them walk toward the park entrance*
Edgeworth: *There's a nice breeze blowing, and it's an altogether pleasant day. However, Edgeworth has a sour expression on his face and his hand is in his pocket, on his watch. It's the day of his (second) blind date, and evidently his date is late. He's dressed no more casually than the last time he was set up, in black slacks and a red dress shirt. His foot taps idly as he scans the street for anyone who looks promising*
Wright: *about twenty minutes after the agreed upon time, Phoenix shows up-- he's not dressed any differently at all, of course. It doesn't take him very long to scan the rendezvous area, and when he locates Edgeworth he does not look particularly surprised--he merely grins and swaggers on over*
Wright: Lovely weather today, hmm?
Edgeworth: *raises his eyebrows* True. Good day, Wright. What brings you here? *his face is decidedly suspicious*
Wright: Why do you think? *the grin widens* I'll give you three guesses, and two of them don't count. *glances off vacantly, without actually waiting for an answer* I would've brought flowers, but I forgot which ones were your favorite...
Edgeworth: You- *he blinks in a sort of mild surprise--he'd evidently expected some kind of ridiculousness from this. Still, he groans audibly and gives a heavy sigh, pressing his fingers into the start of a headache at his temple* Who the hell gave Ron such a ridiculous idea...? It's just a bit too far for him to have come up with it on his own.
Wright: *his expression grows... solemn* To be honest... I asked him to.
Edgeworth: *blinks, peering at Wright. He gives his friend the kind of eye that one gives a suspicious tupperware in the fridge, looking him up and down* Go on. *it's somewhere between an expression of disbelief and an order*
Wright: Well, it was... important to me that you'd accept. *smiles a small half smile, glancing off* And I didn't think you would have if I'd asked directly. *glances back at Edgeworth* Was I right?
Edgeworth: *he is definitely a bit disconcerted for a few moments, but he clucks his tongue and shakes his head with a shrug* As if you wouldn't have said something years ago. You nearly tripped over that line several times since I met you. *points coolly at Wright* You wouldn't repeat the same prank twice, and there's only one other person Ron speaks to who would come up with such a ludicrous idea.... *turns his back and gestures for Wright to follow* So I'll fulfill my obligation here and speak with Armando later. *glances back, expression grudgingly bemused* You nearly had me for a moment there.
Wright: *maintains his serious expression for several more moments... but finally laughs and throws up his hands in a shrug* Had to give it a shot. But the look on your face, a second ago... it was worth the trip already.
Edgeworth: *shakes his head* A testament to your skill. Thankfully logic prevails.
Wright: Well. Dinner, a movie, some time at an amusement park-- its already paid for, so what do you say? *flutters his eyelids* ...Date?
Edgeworth: Tch. *more amused than anything* I could never resist a pretty face so smitten with me.
Wright: I'm flattered. *wraps an arm around Edgeworth, turning him around and guiding him over to the restaurant they're standing in front of--some sort of barbeque place...*
~~~
Edgeworth: *shortly, they're seated at the restaurant--which by the flag displayed near the entrance, appears to be Korean. The table has a brazier inset, and Edgeworth glances over to the side of the booth, which has some sort of display of cooking utensils hanging from a set of wrought-iron hooks. He gives the tongs a good hard look* Strange, those don't look decorative.
Wright: Call it a hunch, but I think we're supposed to use them. *a waitress appears and sets down two giant plates before walking off--they're two plates of neatly layered thin cuts of raw meat*
Edgeworth: I see. *seems to be feeling thwarted somehow* I'm not familiar with this type of restaurant.
Wright: Neither am I. But hey, how can you go wrong with meat? *grabs a tong, takes a slice of what seems to be beef, and places it down on the grill. It makes a very pleasant sizzle*
Edgeworth: *takes up his own set of tongs, and lifts his own slice of meat onto the brazier* That must be why Armando chose this place. I can't imagine how he racked his brain... *there's a grumble in his voice*
Wright: Hm? *his attention is focused on flipping his slice of meat over* Man, I've got to take Maya here...
Edgeworth: *his own meat cooks quickly enough that it almost surprises him, he flips it over and it's a tad crispy at the edges* Ah, yes, she might enjoy it. I think she had a very good time on that blind date you set up... *he makes some sort of overture towards irritation, but can't manage it* She's more sheltered than I'd have thought. It would do her good to try a number of new things.
Wright: *picks up the slice of beef, blowing lightly on it* That she would. I'm thinking of setting her up with Ron, next. *holds out the tong to Edgeworth's mouth* Want the first bite~?
Edgeworth: Ha, good luck with that. He's beyond dedicated to that wife of his. *doesn't even look up, concentrating on making sure that his slice cooks perfectly to make up for his earlier error* And no thank you, I trust my own cooking far more than-
Wright: *with careful precision, he aligns the beef slice to Edgeworth's mouth, stuffing it in without causing the prosecutor to chomp down on the metal tongs*
Edgeworth: Mmf. *gives him a shocked look and doesn't chew for a few beats. Then finally, he scowls and chews and swallows* I said no, Wright.
Wright: Your lips, they say no... but your stomach--and the other words coming out of your mouth-- *chuckles, placing a few more slices of beef on the grill* they say yes...!
Edgeworth: I've heard that argument in the courtroom before and it didn't fly there, either. *he draws his slice off the grill. Grudgingly,* It was quite good. *he puts the meat on Wright's plate instead of his own* There, and now we're even.
Wright: *chuckles, helping himself to the offered meat on his plate, and giving a contented sigh after he does*
Edgeworth: *spends a bit of time arranging the meat on the grill fussily so that none of it overlaps or folds over itself. As he is doing that, a waitress comes up and he turns to look at her curiously. She's holding a bottle of red wine, looking as though she doesn't quite know how to express the thought she's been sent there to express* Is that for us? *he points the tongs at the bottle of wine and she nods* Huh. *looks to Wright*
Wright: *looks at Edgeworth, looks at the bottle, then shrugs* Well, if I don't have to pay for it... break out the glasses. *leans forward, smiling unreservedly over at Edgeworth--much to the waitress' seeming embarrassment* Half the bottle each, alright, honey~?
Edgeworth: *stares flatly back at him, seemingly unamused. He glances at the waitress* Really, in front of the help you speak to me this way? *turns his charm on and turns to the waitress* Don't mind him. Please set that down here.
Wright: Now, dear-- *but the woman has already set down the bottle and the glasses and more or less run away* .....You're no fun. *grabs the bottle, pops out the already loosened cork, and starts pouring two generous glasses* But trust me, I had a look at the title of the movie we're supposed to be seeing. You may want more than half of this.
Edgeworth: Come now, that's about as much playing along as I'm willing to do. *looks askance at Wright* What film is it? Nothing too artsy, I hope...
Wright: Well, you know that film festival going on right now? *offers a glass forward, and takes a sip of his own drink* The one with rave reviews that critics are going gaga over?
Edgeworth: I read about it, yes. *sniffs the wine and swirls it very gently - it's too full to swirl whole-heartedly*
Wright: Yeah. Well, the one we're seeing isn't from that. *reaches into his hoodie pocket, taking out two envelopes--one of which he opens up. Two tickets are inside, and he reads out:* 6:30 at the Bloor Street Theater. The 20th anniversary showing of "Brokeback Mountain." *a pause* I hate romantic dramas.
Edgeworth: "Brokeback..." *thinks* Ah. I see. Typical.
Wright: Mm. *takes another gulp of his glass, and gets to seeing to the grilled meat again...*
~~~
Edgeworth: *...the two of them are seated next to one another in a packed theater. Surprisingly the showing is well-attended, so much so that they were not permitted an empty seat between the two of them. The seats share an armrest that is quite small and Edgeworth has been attempting to gain control of it for the first part of the movie. Abruptly a hush falls over the audience as the famous first sex scene of the movie unfolds. Edgeworth gazes stonily at the screen, his arm taking up precisely half of the armrest for the time being*
Wright: *had been watching while helping himself to a mouthful of popcorn; he doesn't seem all that drunk or all that affected by what is going on screen, but when the scene unfolds he lets out a slightly awkward laugh* That really can't be that pleasant without lubrication. *this is said lowly but clearly not enough so--it merits a "SHHH!" and a glare from the people beside him*
Edgeworth: *rubs his temple - he doesn't seem drunk either, but the fact that he responds at all is evidence enough* Shut UP, Wright. *he's shushed as well and turns to glare at the offending voice, his expression saying clearly that their hushing was a fair bit louder than his speaking was to begin, with so they should just mind their own damn business. At length he returns to the scene, not wincing or reacting overly to the action*
Wright: *shuts up as demanded, using the interim to take a large sip of his grape drink, a bottle which he'd somehow smuggled inside. When he replaces the drink in the holder and places his hand back down on the armrest, he inadvertently sets it down on Edgeworth's hand*
Edgeworth: *it takes him a split second to even realize* Hn? *he snatches up his arm as if it's been burned and gives Wright a suspicious glare*
Wright: *shrugs, appreciating his newly acquired monopoly of the armrest and using his other hand to shovel popcorn into his mouth instead*
Edgeworth: *frowns, not so cagey about personal space that he'll give up comfort for it, and attempts to reclaim at least his half of the armrest*
Wright: *with his eyes still directed at the screen, he jostles back-- the ensuing struggle causes rustling that earns them another series of glares and "SHHS" from those around them*
Edgeworth: *glares and slides his arm on top of Wright's, elbow angled slightly, his hand in a fist. He glances down and his expression reads 'that's that'*
Wright: *sighs dramatically (SHH), but sits back with his arm mashed down, deciding to acquiesce and just enjoy the rest of the movie...*
~~~
Wright: *an hour or so later, Phoenix and Edgeworth stand in line stoically at the amusement park. The ride they are lining up for? The nearby sign declares it in bright red accompanied with hearts: "The Tunnel of Love." It's just starting to get dark, and around the park bright ride lights are starting to turn on, washing the world in neon lights and overly cheerful music*
Edgeworth: *looks up at the sign blankly* When we finish with this, our obligations are up, correct?
Wright: Yeah. *the couple in front of them board the 'love boat', and Phoenix leans past the guardrail, glancing cheerfully at the murky though shallow waters that constitute the ride's path* Don't feel like exploring the rest of this place? It just reopened after that bear incident five years ago, you know.
Edgeworth: It's not the kind of place I feel comfortable in. Too loud and bright... *raises an eyebrow and continues dryly* Too much merriment. I'm a man who hates fun, remember.
Wright: Fun, sunshine and happiness in general, yes. *chuckles, but this cuts off abruptly when a boat carrying a lovey dovey couple returns back to the front. The carny in charge of the ride lets them off, directs them to a nearby tented booth to the side, then swings open the gate for Phoenix and Edgeworth to board* Well. Think you can stand being in a dark crowded space with me for all of two minutes?
Edgeworth: The last two hours weren't pleasant, but I'll manage somehow. *brushes off his sleeve and then leans down, offering his hand to help Wright in first* Be my guest.
Wright: *his mouth quirks slightly at the offered hand, but he takes it and boards, settling in, sprawling out and resting an arm on the back of the seat*
Edgeworth: *boards as well, leaning against the arm and glancing irritably behind himself* Fresh.
Wright: Alright, alright. I'll behave. *and as he draws back his hand and sits almost painfully properly with his hands in his lap, the boat starts off with a lurch--heading into the pitch darkness of the tunnel ride*
Edgeworth: Thank you. *he looks around as darkness falls* I comprehend the basic concept of such a ride, but I don't understand why it's so dark. Wouldn't that make it a bit more difficult than it ought to be?
Wright: You know, that's a good question. *his voice echoes oddly on the walls, somewhat closer to Edgeworth than one would expect* Leaves more to the imagination, maybe? And, you know, there's the privacy thing.
Edgeworth: Hn. *shifts, crossing his leg away from Wright as best he can in the cramped little boat* More likely for the unskilled to fumble.
Wright: *chuckles again in the darkness--by the shift in his voice, he's sitting forward* You know... now that I have you all alone in a place you can't just storm out of...
Edgeworth: *doesn't move at all, tellingly. His voice is flat* Now that you have that... What?
Wright: Well. You know that paper you wrote a few years back? About the jurist system?
Edgeworth: *shifts, uncrossing his leg* ...What? Of course I do. What a ridiculous question, I wrote the paper. What of it?
Wright: What if I were to tell you I know someone's trying to get the system reinstated? *offhandedly* By proposing a test run in this city, no less.
Edgeworth: *warily* I would ask you how you'd know something like that before me...
Wright: I'm the one trying to get it passed, of course. *with a casual laugh that indicates he's probably grinning in the darkness* Actually, you're the last person I need to pitch the idea to--I've already gotten the approval from all the other bigwigs hereabouts.
Edgeworth: *grips the edge of the boat and turns, jostling the little boat in the water some* What? Y-you...!? You went over my head? You spoke to Gumshoe already?
Wright: Whoa, whoa-- *his voice wobbles around, as if he's trying to stop the boat from shaking-- with only marginal success* Hey, the Chief of Police is on more or less equal level with you, right? --But yeah, I did have a meeting with the DA as well, so--
Edgeworth: The nerve--! *chokes it off, becoming cognizant of the rocking he's creating. He stops moving quite so much, but he's still leaning towards where he perceives Phoenix to be. He starts again a bit more calmly* I was the one who brought this up five years ago and was shrugged off by my superiors... I was the one who got the nasty letters from the families of victims whose killers were successfully prosecuted using the three-day system despite lack of evidence... And now you're waltzing in and talking to my superiors about it without even consulting me? Who the hell do you think I am, Wright? Why wouldn't you come to me first? And why this, why now!?
Wright: *incredibly levelly--and actually sounding serious, for once* Because you're Miles Edgeworth, Chief Prosecutor for the district, and I knew you would have this exact reaction. *the grave tone of his voice is as of old... but there's a hard ring in it that is distinctly new* I came to you last because I knew that. This is my fight.
Edgeworth: *reaches out blindly, grabbing a fistful of the shoulder of Wright's hoodie. There's an audible grinding sound that can only be his teeth gritting* You didn't answer the most important question, Wright. *his voice is deathly serious and edged with anger. His fist tightens* I've got you alone, too, in a place you can't dodge so easily. Why are you doing this?
Wright: *doesn't struggle or otherwise resist-his voice has grown somewhat casual again* Because it's the right thing to do.
Edgeworth: *he sounds slightly less furious and more weary, but his grip doesn't slacken* As if I'd believe it was so simple. It was the right thing to do five years ago and you know that. What the hell aren't you telling me, Wright?
Wright: *shrugs, an action that tugs on the hoodie cloth currently being gripped* This is going through, even if you suspect ulterior motives or throw out an objection. Which you won't, once I detail all the specifics--because you're you.
Edgeworth: Oh, I don't suspect ulterior motives, I am certain of them. Moreso now that you've failed to directly answer me again. *shifts his weight against his arm, pressing against Wright's shoulder, shifting back and forth a bit to try to gain his balance. The boat lists to Wright's side. It's precarious, but he intends to make his point* I'm sure you're right that I'll raise no objections once I hear the entirety of your plan, but the only reason for that is that despite all evidence to the contrary, some part of me still believes that you're worthy of my trust. *his voice lowers and his hand tightens once again on the hoodie, though somehow the action is more earnest* Don't disappoint me, Wright.
Wright: Ha--when have I ever done that? *chuckles quietly, reaching up and taking Edgeworth's hand, clasping onto it firmly before he tugs it down* Don't worry; I'm still me. Now, sit down properly before you tip us over.
Edgeworth: *though this would be a time for his voice to be wry, he sounds resigned* Oh, you'd be surprised. *despite the request, he doesn't move quite yet* Whatever your reasons, I'll discover them eventually. Keep that in mind. *begins to shift his weight, carefully at first*
Wright: ...I expect it. *before they settle properly back into their seats, however, a bright flash of light goes off in the dark tunnel; in the split second that it illuminates the area, Phoenix's face--not surprised, but certainly more alert than usual is caught in the glare--
Edgeworth: *The flash doesn't blind him--it's already pitch black again--but it does surprise him, and his hand on the edge of the boat slips at the exact moment that his foot finds some stray water at the bottom of the boat* Nngh! *is all that he allows to slip out as he stumbles. He catches his other hand on the edge of the boat and somehow manages to stay clear of the water for a few seconds before his weight lowers the edge of the boat into the water and he loses his balance. He slides in shoulder first, upending the boat behind him*
Wright: Whoa-- *had, in the last few milliseconds, leaned forward in some sort of an attempt to grab Edgeworth back on board, but with the whole vessel upset by the other man's fall, he finds himself plunging into the shallow waters head first instead*
Edgeworth: *the water is cold and as he comes up, sputtering into the pitch-blackness, he shivers* W-Wright, where are you? *he reaches out blindly, finding only the turned over boat at first*
Wright: *there's a splash from behind Edgeworth, and then two hands wrap around the prosecutor's torso, pulling him sharply back down into the water*
Edgeworth: Nk!! *falls back into the water, holding his breath. He twists around quickly, grabbing the sopping wet sweatshirt and using that leverage to push himself up while keeping Wright down*
Wright: Pfff--- *is dunked back in, but not without swiping a kick at Edgeworth's legs--overhead, a siren goes off as some carny or amusement park officer finally realizes the ruckus that is going on in the ride*
Edgeworth: *loses his footing from the trip and falls into the water again just as the emergency lights come up. They're red and they pulse faintly, casting odd shadows in the water. He surfaces and spits out some water with a grimace* Hn. *looks about, spotting a ladder and heading for it*
Wright: *floats back up, wiping the grimy water away from his eyes before he gives a look around. After a bit of sputtering, he heads on over to the same ladder Edgeworth is headed towards*
Edgeworth: *grimacing at the uncomfortable squelching coming from his (now ruined) shoes, Edgeworth climbs the ladder onto the accessway. He crosses his arms and looks peeved before reaching his arm down towards Wright as he approaches*
Wright: *grabs a rung on the ladder but when Edgeworth offers his hand, he reaches for it while batting his damp eyelashes * My hero.
Edgeworth: Tch. *he scoffs and releases his grip, his wet hand easily slipping out of Wright's*
Wright: *slips a little--his eyes widen the slightest amount--but manages to re-grab the rung before he falls back into the water. With a laugh he pulls himself ashore and sits there, dripping on the walkway*
Edgeworth: *stands, brooding, his stiff-backed pose looking ridiculous contrasted with his soaked hair, clothes, and everything. He leans against the wall, casting his eyes down to the exit of the ride and then beginning to unbutton his soaking wet dress shirt. Beneath it he wears an equally soaked undershirt, but that ought to be less uncomfortable. He glances to Phoenix* I don't imagine you have a change of clothes.
Wright: Are you kidding? I think you ruined the last set of clean clothes I own. *coughs, removing his hat and seeming quite occupied with checking the pin on it for any damage. A man's voice echoes down the dark corridor, probably the carny in charge*
Edgeworth: Hn. *folds his dress shirt over his arm, pressing his hand to his right shoulder reflexively* Well, I suspect I'll be hearing from a higher authority on that matter. *calls out* Yes, we're over here!
Wright: I'm sending the dry cleaning bill to you, not to them. *wrings out his hat and then, the pin's integrity verified, moves on to checking the cell phone that had been in his hoodie pocket* If this thing's broken, I'm sending a receipt over to you, too.
Edgeworth: *looks down at it* You're long overdue for a new one.
Wright: *the phone gives a rather waterlogged beep-- after a shake and a wipe on a soggy hoodie sleeve, it seems to be in functional order and powers on. Phoenix smiles softly when it does, replacing the item carefully into his pocket* No. It's a memento from the old days--I'm holding on to it. *stands, the soft smile directed briefly over at Edgeworth before he nods in the direction of the end of the tunnel* Come on, Mr. Prosecutor. Time to use your skills to bail us out.
Edgeworth: *shakes his head, though the smile that tugs at his lips is not completely sarcastic. He rubs his shoulder and then removes his hand, revealing the old scar as he stands straight* Just leave the talking to me. *there's a flash in his eyes and any remaining frivolity leaves his expression as he fixes it on the approaching park employees* Let's see if I can secure you a change of clothes. *the grin on his face is anything but frivolous*
Edgeworth: *In the ensuing conversation - though there are those who would call it a bloodbath - Edgeworth informs the employees that for not informing the patrons of the ride that they'll be photographed and for failing to secure the boats adequately along their route, it's their hides on the line at the moment, not his. It only takes a moment of uncomfortable glances to one another before they fold, offering up free hard copies of the photo that was taken, a change of clothes for both of them, and free ride passes. Edgeworth whispers to Wright as they follow the two men out of the ride* Perhaps they've had problems before.
Wright: Almost definitely. *follows everyone out of the tunnel, whistling casually to himself. Once out in the open, he, along with Edgeworth, are led to the small tented stand where photos of the ride are displayed on electronic screens--the whistling cuts short* Oh look. There we are.
Edgeworth: *glances up at the screen and then his jaw drops and the shirt slips to the ground with a plop. He turns to the park employee with blazing eyes* We don't want hard copies. Delete them.
Wright: *doesn't seem all that disgruntled, but when the worker scrambles off as ordered, he follows him into the booth--seemingly to confirm that any and all copies are deleted*
Edgeworth: *picks up his shirt from the ground and shakes it out, though with the filthy water all over him it's really a moot point. He relaxes visibly when the photo leaves the screen, and ignores the prying eyes around him*
Wright: *exits the booth after a few moments, and returns to where Edgeworth is standing*
Edgeworth: It's taken care of, then? *he eyes Wright suspiciously*
Wright: *chuckles, stuffing his hands into his soggy hoodie pockets* Well, they already had a copy printed out, and I wasn't about to let them keep it...
Edgeworth: You destroyed it, right? *leading*
Wright: *tsks dramatically, following* Listen to you and your talk of destroying evidence, Mr. Prosecutor.
Edgeworth: ...But you destroyed it. *turns to stare at him*
Wright: *stops in turn... and then chuckles and keeps on walking, patting his soggy right hoodie pocket from within*
Edgeworth: *glares* Wright! *chases after him, spattering water over the pavement as he runs* I won't stand for that mysterious act from you...! *as the two of them walk off into the park area towards the souvenir shop where they are to get a change of clothes, the lights of the Tunnel of Love ride flicker, then extinguish altogether. Edgeworth glances back and then turns back to his placid friend with a resigned sigh, slapping him wetly on the shoulder as the two of them walk toward the park entrance*