musings (whilst on walkies)

Day 5: Appearances

Although saying that he wants to help Miles is easy enough, it's hard to put it into action, Pess finds. Even without Nick around, life goes on; each morning, they go for a quick walk, then Miles gets ready for work. Pess is always there, watching him put on his suit. It is very complicated, and Pess has no idea how Miles can figure out all of those buttons, but by the end, Miles always looks so cool! And although LA is warm, he always does worry about how cold Miles must get without any fur; seeing him put on layer after layer is a little reassuring when he goes out into the elements.

He never dresses in his bright suits when he takes Pess for walks, though. Pess never understands it. The man always puts on very dark, innocuous clothes whenever they go anywhere; it looks completely unlike the rest of Miles' wardrobe. Big hooded sweaters and those pants that make that swishy-swishy sound don't really suit Pess. He's handsome always, of course, but it never feels quite right- like a collar that's on a bit too tight, like when he gets all tangled up in his leash. Something about it is wrong.

It only occurs to Pess that Miles might not want to be spotted in his usual red suit two weeks after their meeting with Nick in the park. It is just an early Saturday morning, and their route to the park is as pretty as always; when they are just about to turn onto the main road leading them to their usual trail, however, a voice calls, "Yo, aren't you that prosecutor guy? Edgeworth?"

Pess automatically turns to look at the newcomer. He does not recognize this man jogging up to them; is he a friend? A colleague, maybe? The idea is exciting beyond belief; he has never met anyone in Miles' life aside from Nick! Does this person make Miles happy, too? What kind of smile will Miles wear with them?

One brief pause is all it takes to dash those hopes into the pavement. Pess takes one look at Miles' face and is instantly on high alert, standing between his human and the stranger, hackles up, teeth bared. He does not know who this person is, but the sheer alarm on Miles' face is proof enough that they need to leave, and now.

Thankfully, there is no physical interaction. Once the stranger is close enough, they say their piece quickly and efficiently before storming away, anger rolling off of themselves in waves. "My brother was innocent, you piece of shit," they spit at Miles, rage flashing in their eyes. "And now he's locked up forever. It's been five years and he's still stuck in that hell, all because of you."

Miles… locked someone up? Pess shivers, looking up at the man's face pleadingly. You wouldn't do that… right?

But Miles does not say a word, even as the stranger leaves. He merely bows his head and keeps his eyes firmly affixed to the ground, biting his lip, brow furrowed and face pale; his tremors transmit down Pess' leash, sending shivers of anxiety up his spine as he watches Miles stand there long after the person has walked away.

Once the stranger has turned the corner, Pess carefully walks up to Miles, licking his hand. He whines softly, nuzzling the man's palm, eyes locked onto Miles' face. I'm here, Miles. It's okay.

A minute of this later, and Miles has finally snapped out of his stupor. With a heavy, deep sigh, the man runs his fingers through his hair, squatting low and scratching Pess' cheeks gently. "I- I'm okay, boy." Then, softer, he snorts dryly. "I- they weren't wrong, anyways. I can never take back what I did." Then, even softer, he adds, "If only he would get that by now, too."

Pess withdraws for a moment, confused. Did you… really hurt someone?

Miles' lips are pressed tightly together, though. No more answers shall be given this day. And yet, Pess does not know if he even needs those answers; he knows, deep within his belly, that the 'he' mentioned just has to be Nick.

He hopes they'll be okay. He misses Nick, too.

However, it seems the park and just simply going home are both out of the question as Miles' eyes suddenly widen, a curse slipping past his lips. "I forgot that file at the office, didn't I?" Groaning, he turns to Pess, asking, "Do you mind if we go to my office to pick up some papers, boy?"

Pess nods happily, tail wagging, trying to appear bright. He'll go with Miles as long as he is allowed, after all! All of the confusing bits do not matter; he's just happy being by Miles' side.

So, they make their way to the office. Pess has never been to an 'office' before; he doesn't really like it, based on his first impression. The moment he walks through the door, he sneezes. There is the scent of dust and old paper and dirt in the air, just strong enough for his sensitive nose to notice it circulating in the air conditioning; the carpet feels stiff under his paws, nothing like plush grass or the soft rugs and couches at home. He doesn't like this stuffy place.

Still, they need to go. Miles pauses a few times to say a word or two to people he meets in the building. Pess feels uneasy around all these strangers; there are so many of them, and after that incident earlier, he does not know whether they shall be kind or cruel to Miles.

As it turns out, however, they are neither. Politeness is etched into every word spoken, but everyone's eyes always give away the truth. Pess does not like what he sees in their gazes; the way they look down at Pess, startled, before awkwardly asking whether Pess is Miles' dog with a hint of incredulous surprise, makes Pess feel uncomfortable. Why does no one believe that Pess is Miles' dog? Is Pess not good enough to be Miles' dog? Why are they all so shocked? No one loves Miles as much as Pess does, after all- what else does he need to do?!

By the time they reach an office which presumably belongs to Miles, Pess is thoroughly exhausted. The moment that door is opened, though, a wave of familiar scents washes over him, welcoming him home. He perks up and barks excitedly as Miles undoes his leash once they are inside, allowing Pess to freely explore this space that has Miles' scent all over it; his favourite cologne, his favourite tea, his soap and skin and sweat and snacks. All of it smells like everything he has come to associate with Miles, but in a stronger, more concentrated form, locked up in this little office.

He rolls over onto his back, basking in this, tongue lolling out and tail beating the carpet happily. Miles takes a glance over to see him like this, and finally, for the first time in what feels like forever, Miles laughs.

This place is wonderful, Pess thinks, tail wagging harder. I love it here!

Their visit is short-lived, unfortunately. Miles eventually reattaches his collar with files in hand, saying pointedly, "As much as you whine, we'll still go home. It's my day off. I shouldn't be here anyways."

Pess whines a little extra, just to be sure. When it seems that Miles is serious, however, he relents, allowing himself to trot happily in front of Miles as they exit his office.

What happens next is a bit of a blur. A deep, echoing voice cries out ecstatically, "Mr. Edgeworth, that's the cutest dog! Who are you, huh boy? Are ya dog sitting, Mr. Edgeworth?" all while a giant figure kneels in front of Pess, hulking over him, blocking out the fluorescent light from above. For a moment, Pess wants to hide away, ducking behind Miles' legs.

Then, he smells it. Instantly, he leaps around the giant man who had spoken to him, jumping into Nick's unsuspecting embrace joyously. It's you! he cries, barking and huffing excitedly as he kisses Nick's hands and face all over. I missed you! Miles missed you, too! And you're here! Before Nick has the chance to respond, Pess leaps off, grabbing his pant leg and dragging him unceremoniously towards Miles, finally letting go once the two men are facing one another. He squats between them, glancing between their stunned expressions, tongue lolling out as he pants excitedly. Now talk!

Nick begins. "Oh- uh… hi, Edgeworth."

"Right," Miles says tentatively.

Pess headbutts Miles' calf. Call him by his name! You call me 'Pess' and it makes me happy! Call him Nick!

He does not, though. Clearing his throat, Miles comments awkwardly, clutching his elbow, "This is the Prosecutor's Office. You know this, right?"

The giant man stands up, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "I came to get something for right from Mr. Payne, sir! I take full responsibility for an attorney bein' here."

Sighing, Miles massages his temples. "Well, then, get it and leave."

The big man salutes. "Of course, pal! But first-" and he squats down in front of Pess, his smile wide and goofy and loving, "who is this, sir? He's so cute!"

"…Pess."

That's me! Pess barks, walking up to the man. Neither Miles nor Nick seem worried, so Pess licks the outstretched hand awaiting him. Without hesitation, the man begins to scratch behind his ears and under his chin and along his back and sides- it's wonderful! I like you, stranger!

And it seems the stranger likes Pess, too. "What a good boy! Mr. Edgeworth, you don't seem like the type to have a dog! Is it someone else's?"

Pess immediately hops onto his feet again, showing off his collar proudly. No, I'm Miles'! He's my human! Why would you think I'm not his?

It is Nick who steps in to clarify things, reaching down to pet Pess' back. "No, Pess is Edgeworth's dog. You never knew Edgeworth is great with pets too?"

"No sir, but I'm not surprised! You're good at everything!" the big man says cheerily, massaging Pess' jowls. "You have a big, sweet, well-trained dog. That's perfect for you, sir!"

Pess barks, glowing. This joy does not last long, however; one quick look back at Miles shows that he is very, very uncomfortable. So, Pess tears himself away from the lovely pets, then goes back to Miles, stepping on his shoes lightly. Home?

Miles smiles gently. "Let's go, Pess." Clearing his throat, he looks up at the other two men. "I'm off. Don't linger here too long, right."

"Gotcha," Nick replies, looking a little stilted.

Pess takes that hesitation to lick Nick's hand, biting his fingers and tugging gently. Come with us! he pleads, whining softly.

If Nick understands, he doesn't say a word, merely petting Pess' head before following the large man down the corridor. "See you, Edgeworth," he says, his tone far too sad for a normal goodbye.

"…Good day, right."

And with that, they part. Pess does his best to smile and be perky all the way home, but Miles' eyes are lost, forlorn. The sight of it breaks Pess' heart, his head all in a tizzy after everything he had learned that day.

Some people don't like Miles, it seems. Some people do. Some people don't think he's good with animals, or that he's nice, even though he is! Miles is Pess' favourite!

And, most importantly, Nick likes Miles. Nick knows all those things.

…Pess has the sneaking suspicion that if he was braver, Miles would've pulled Nick's hand and asked him to join them, too. It makes Pess sad. He wants to be brave and there for Miles, but there are some things that he can't say for Miles. He wishes he could. He'd do anything for Miles.