Title: Persuasive Precedent
Summary: A lawyer, a detective, and a mild obsession.
Pairing: Somewhat one-sided Gumshoe/Edgeworth.
Warnings: Slash. But you already knew that. =)
Disclaimer: Capcom's.
Note: Found this while flipping through one of my old writing books from a few years back. I forgot about it, so I never posted it. But I like it, so I'm posting it now.
Some things in life were made to be superior. Certain types of coffee, chocolate, bedsheets, cutlery, chicken – the list went on and on forever.
But Dick Gumshoe had discovered a superior that was one-of-a-kind, making every other high-quality good look common and unappealing.
One thought of that nature, and he was addicted. It was difficult for him to tear his eyes away from that lean, fit body, especially when he stood across the room or opposite him in such a way that was not unfeminine. He wished he could read lips sometimes, else he would continue with his wishful thinking that he was only saying his name. It would be a nice touch, yes; but it wasn't necessary. That voice alone was enough to drive him crazy. And thrown in with everything else Miles Edgeworth was, it did.
Often he had seen the man sitting at the window of his office looking glum, sipping tea as he did so. Never before was Gumshoe asked to join him, but one day: "Sit down. I'd like to talk."
So with joy swelling in his heart, they talked for hours. About the case, about the evidence and for some reason, the defendant's lawyer. It was completely out of his character, but Edgeworth couldn't help but ask about him.
"How is Mr. Wright? You've been keeping in contact with him, I'm sure?"
"Yeah, of course. He's doing well, staying out of trouble for the most part. Trying his best to get a firm hold on the case."
"I see..." Gumshoe was startled to see Edgeworth's handsome features sink back into gloom.
"Are you alright, Mr. Edgeworth?"
Ignoring the question completely, Edgeworth burst out, "Tell me honestly. Is he a better lawyer than I am?"
The answer was obvious. "Never, Mr. Edgeworth. You're in your prime, and what is he? Some rookie. He hasn't had as many cases as you, anyway. He might've won them all, but in the end, haven't you won more?"
Edgeworth was silent, staring down into his now-lukewarm tea.
Gumshoe sighed. He genuinely believed that Edgeworth was the top dog in the competition. Thus, if anyone was to be blamed for Edgeworth's guilty, it should be...
"Mr. Edgeworth, it's not you. If anyone should be blamed, it's me. I screwed up with my detective work."
"A lawyer should be able to worm his way out of any situation. I failed. It's not your fault, it's my own."
"Dammit!" Much to the surprise of Edgeworth, Gumshoe had slammed his hands down onto the finely-carved table. "I'll do what I can to persuade you otherwise! Mr. Edgeworth, you are the best lawyer there ever was! Believe me." The last two words were somewhat pleading, striking something deep within Edgeworth. And he decided, right then and there:
"I need you." Grabbing the front of Gumshoe's shirt, he pulled him closer.
The next thing Richard Gumshoe knew was that he was bound, content to be beside Edgeworth forever. Regardless of whether it was a working relationship (as he had put it) or not, he would be there for him.
END