When Edgeworth and Wright walked into the bar, Wright directed him towards a booth in the corner. Edgeworth sat down and Wright leaned down to him.

"I'll get the drinks," said Wright. He turned to go but stopped himself. "You do like beer...right? You're not too good for it, are you?"

"Yes—I mean, no, I'm not and yes, I'll have a beer."

"Okay. Be back in a second."

Edgeworth watched as Wright walked to the bar and ordered their drinks. Wright kept one hand on his hip and the other on the counter, just like how always stood in court. He could be such a creature of habit, so predictable.

But, it was odd of Wright to invite Edgeworth to get drinks. Maybe it was odder Edgeworth invited Wright to dinner. Either way, the whole situation was odd. It was odd to be with Wright outside of the courthouse. The only time he had been was when Wright would visit him at the detention center and when Detective Gumshoe had treated them to a celebratory dinner after Wright got him a not guilty verdict. He hadn't seen him outside the courthouse much. The two hadn't had business outside of the courthouse.

He wished it were different. He wished that he could see Wright more. He wondered if Wright felt the same.

Keeping Wright at a distance was easier. He wouldn't be saddled with unnecessary feelings. It was uncomfortable to be face-to-face with someone who believed so heavily in justice and would only use his career to serve it. Edgeworth was uneasy at seeing him because he was forced to examine his own doings as an attorney and became uncertain about his path, which was something that was always easier to just ignore. Moreover...moreover, there were other feelings that stirred because of Wright. Feelings that needed to be ignored and pushed away no matter what. Those would truly only serve to hold him back.

Wright suddenly turned around and Edgeworth quickly averted his gaze, not wanting Wright to know he was watching him.

"Alright! Here," Wright sat down, scooting next to Edgeworth. He felt his whole body get hot. "Move over, I'm hanging off the edge."

"Sorry—I'm," he moved over to give Wright some room, and then a little more as to not make Wright uncomfortable by how close they would be. "Sorry."

"Relax. You think with the wine would've calmed you down."

"Oh, I—"

"Relax," said Wright again. "I'm kidding."

Edgeworth looked at Wright, slightly wide-eyed. Wright only smiled back and took a sip of his beer. Wanting to appear at least halfway normal, Edgeworth did the same and grimaced at the taste.

"How are things, Edgeworth?" Wright asked. "Good?"

"What?"

"Things. Your life. Are they good?"

"Oh...yes, they're good. I'm good."

The went quiet again. Edgeworth took a gulp of his beer. wondering if Wright felt half as awkward as he did. He again averted his gaze away from Wright.

"Hey, Edgeworth," started Wright.

"Hmm?"

Wright sat back and drank his beer. "Today's trial...the case...what did you think of it?"

Edgeworth cocked his head. "I don't understand why you're asking me. You already know that—"

"Was my client guilty?"

Edgeworth's whole body tensed up. He paused, sipping his drink for a chance to stall. The only reason he had felt comfortable with the witness lying is that he truly believed Wright's client to be guilty. If he hadn't, maybe he would've said something about the witness' faulty testimony in Wright's place.

"I don't know if I should answer that," Edgeworth replied uncomfortably. "I don't know if you want me to answer that, actually."

"Well, then that answers it." Wright sighed, now leaning on the table and holding his head up with his hands. Edgeworth peered over to see a frown on his face. "You really think they were guilty?"

"Yes," said Edgeworth quietly. "Yes, I do."

"Maybe it's for the better that I missed the witness' lie," mumbled Wright. "And the others? The other cases I lost?"

Wright always took his cases very personally. Edgeworth, in a different way, could take his quite personally too. He always considered Wright's feelings more commendable though, even if they could be a bit naïve. This was simply because Wright had a client, Edgeworth did not. Sure, he was defending victims (who weren't always dead like all the cases he opposed Wright on so far) and wanted to get them justice in a way, but Wright was actively defending a person who was always living, breathing and their life depended on how well he did his job. On the other hand, Edgeworth usually took his cases personally because of how they affected his winning streak. Though, after his own case with Von Karma, he had begun to feel a little differently about what his winning streak meant and questioned how much he should be valuing it.

"Wright, why are you asking me this?" Edgeworth asked exasperated. "To make yourself miserable?"

Maybe to stall, Wright sipped on his beer instead of answering. It seemed like he was trying to think of a way to explain why he was asking without just admitting it was only going to serve to make himself miserable.

"I don't know," Wright said finally. "I'm just...ah, never mind."

"You're just what?"

"I feel guilty," said Wright. "I believed they were innocent. Were they lying? Were they telling the truth?"

Wright was looking down to his beer as if he was asking it those questions, and not Edgeworth. Edgeworth tried to scan his face to understand what Wright wanted him to reply with. Was he looking for an honest answer?

"Wright." Edgeworth waited for Wright to slowly look up and turn his head. "You're a good defense attorney, yet you don't think people who've committed the crime would want you to defend them? In hopes of being free?"

"Well, I...I believed them when they told me they were innocent."

"I think you need to truly assess what your criteria are for making sure someone is being honest with you," said Edgeworth. "Understand that you won't always get a client who is being honest with you."

Wright nodded. The pair stayed quiet, finishing their beer. Edgeworth got the urge to reach out and put his shoulder on Wright's back in an attempt to soothe him but was too uncomfortable to move his hand. He wondered what Wright was thinking about his reply to the questions he had asked.

Having to maybe defend a criminal was part of the reason why Edgeworth had shied away from being a defense attorney. It was a misguided reason and almost an after-thought, but it was a larger reason and the true reason for not switching to a defense attorney after the Von Karma trial. When Edgeworth had wanted to become a defense attorney, it wasn't for any selfless reason; it was really only because of his father. If his father was a prosecutor, he probably would've wanted to do that. Wright, though, had a more idealistic approach to being an attorney. He wanted to protect people who didn't have anyone else to defend them.

If a client had admitted their guilt to Wright, would Wright not take the case?

"Wright—"

"I'm gonna go get another drink, you want one?"

Edgeworth looked down at his glass to see he was nearly finished with his beer; he was a little bit more than just buzzed now. He wasn't sure if it was a good idea to drink anymore. He still needed to get home. Although...he was already past the point of driving himself home.

"Sure," said Edgeworth. He pulled his wallet out of his pocket. "But I'd prefer a scotch this time."

"No, no. I said it'll be my treat."

And again, Edgeworth was following Wright with his eyes as he walked to the bar. He felt like he was starting to lose his grip on himself. His eyes were wondering too much. His thoughts were slipping. Edgeworth couldn't stop thinking about Wright, about maybe being right up against him or his hands on Wright. His eyes were all over Wright, trying to imagine what he might look like under his suit.

He knew his face must've been burning brightly. It was probably partially due to how much he was drinking, and hopefully, if Wright noticed his flush, he would think the same.

Edgeworth again got those familiar feelings of guilt and shame. He shouldn't be having those feelings. Furthermore, those feelings shouldn't be stirring while he was with Wright. It was inappropriate and just plain rude, Edgeworth thought. Wright would likely feel immensely uncomfortable if he knew of Edgeworth's feelings. Edgeworth would probably feel the same if someone had been thinking of him the way he thought of Wright. Unless...unless it was Wright himself who was thinking of him like that.

He didn't allow himself to entertain those thoughts often. He tried to ignore his romantic (and other...) feelings for Wright but it was usually to no avail; however, when it came to the idea of Wright possibly feeling the same way, those thoughts went dismissed. They were completely delusional.

When Wright was coming back to the table, Edgeworth put his hand to his face, trying to cover his red cheeks.

"I got you both," said Wright, grinning and sitting down. "And got me two."

"What're you trying to do, Wright?"

"I'm trying to get you to tell me all your secrets." Wright leaned onto Edgeworth. "So, drink up!"

Edgeworth's whole body was heating up. He opened his mouth but was without a response.

"I'm only kidding..." Wright moved away. "You can be so tense, Miles."

Wright using his first name had made Edgeworth flush even harder and darker. I must look so stupid, Edgeworth thought. He again put his hand over his mouth and cheeks.

"What's the matter? You're not gonna puke, are you?"

"No," said Edgeworth irritably. He was faking it. He took a sip of his scotch. "But I think I drank too much."

"He said as he took another sip," quipped Wright. "I don't think I've ever seen you drunk."

"Why would you have?" Edgeworth mumbled. "I can't even remember the last time I was...maybe sometime in law school."

Wright laughed but Edgeworth stayed quiet. He should stop drinking. He didn't like the directions his thoughts were going and he knew he should stop drinking so that he could remain in control of himself. He felt like simply sitting normally was taking so much effort. Wright's leg was right up against his and he thought he was going to implode from the heat in his body.

"I miss Maya," said Wright suddenly. "I almost can't believe how much I miss her."

"Hmph."

"I miss Mia too."

"She was a great defense attorney," said Edgeworth. "Very, very intelligent woman."

"You went against her...right?"

"Once. Our first times in court. Well, it wasn't my first time exactly, my first case was taking over someone else's...but my first case that was my own was against Ms. Fey," Edgeworth was saying. "It was her first time too...but she was older than me."

Edgeworth remembered why he didn't like being inebriated. He could be so talkative.

"She seldom lost her cool," Edgeworth continued, despite himself. "I like to think I'm like that in court, but I think she's really what I want to be."

"Is that so?"

Wright was looking at Edgeworth simply. He was listening and that was all, it seemed like. It seemed he wasn't thinking much of what Edgeworth was saying.

"I've noticed you two have a lot of similarities, but I suppose that's only natural." Edgeworth laughed, an embarrassing giggle. "I've noticed you two both like shouting 'hold it!' and 'take that!' It's quite amusing."

Wright laughed too, throwing his head back. "How's that funny? What else am I suppose to say?"

Edgeworth shrugged, "I don't know...I just find it funny you say it the same way every time."

Wright laughed again, this time shaking his head. "So, who's better? Me or Mia?"

"Ms. Fey," Edgeworth replied instantly.

"Wow...didn't even have to think about it. Although I think I agree." Wright sat back, finishing his first beer and then bringing his second one closer to him. "I wish I could be like her."

"You are," Edgeworth said. "Though she just said had a different way of thinking from you, or me even. She's just so...I don't know, I can't explain it. She seemed to be able to see the case from all angles. Me and you try to do that, but she just seemed to do so effortlessly. Ms. Fey had a very unique way of thinking about each case. She knew that for her client to be innocent, there had to be a reason for contradicting evidence. Well, what I mean is...that it wouldn't be contradicting evidence. She could make her own piece of the evidence...the devil can cite scripture for his own purpose..."

"What?"

"Nothing." Edgeworth finished his scotch. He grabbed his beer. "We both do that too...all lawyers do, but Ms. Fey just had a natural talent...like you."

Edgeworth to see Wright blushing. Probably just the beer.

"Well, you know...I..."

"It's too bad Ms. Fey passed away. She was only really at the beginning of her career, but..." Edgeworth trailed off. He cleared his throat. "But now because of that, you have the chance to be better than her. You just aren't yet. I think you have a natural talent too. I'm not sure if you reached your full potential."

"Thanks...I think. Do you think you have? Reached your full potential?"

Edgeworth sighed. He looked away from Wright, embarrassed.

"No. I'm not sure if being...ah, never mind."

"No, what?"

Part of Edgeworth had always been ashamed of being a prosecutor. Especially after learning the truth about the DL-6 incident, Edgeworth felt an increased sense of shame about his path. It felt like it was all one big fat lie. His underlying reason for being a prosecutor was a lie. He hadn't needed to feel guilty about his father all this time.

"I'm not sure if I'll ever reach my potential as a prosecutor," Edgeworth admitted quietly. He could tell his voice was a little slurred.

"What do you mean? You're a great prosecutor."

"Well—"

"During Mia's case...remember Mr. White?"

"Of course."

"Although it was under-handed, and although ultimately you lost the case when you tried to get Mr. White to falsely admit to the wiretapping...I thought that was so genius." Wright snorted, "Annoying as all hell, but...you're quick on your feet."

"So are you."

Wright shrugged. "Use your passion for justice and wit for good, and use it honestly. That autopsy crap? You're better than that."

Edgeworth nodded, then put his head down. He was so embarrassed and ashamed of himself now for his past actions. Part of him was surprised that Wright was saying anything about it, but it was probably the alcohol giving him the guts to do it. Edgeworth would've been proud if it weren't him Wright was talking to.

"I meant that I shouldn't be on this career path..."

"Oh..." Wright leaned over and tried to look at Edgeworth's face. "Want to switch?"

Edgeworth laughed. It was more so a huff that came out. "I said that to you after the Von Karma case..."

"Offer still stands," said Wright, smiling. "But I think I would suck as a prosecutor."

"Mmm probably..."

Wright was terribly close to Edgeworth. He couldn't think straight anymore. Half of him wanted to move away from Wright, so he wouldn't feel so hot all over, so he wouldn't feel so tense. The other half of him though...

The other half of him wanted Wright even closer than he was now. He wanted to put his hands on Wright so badly it hurt. It felt like his feelings and urges to Wright had never been so strong as they were right now. Right as Wright was leaning over, their shoulders touching and looking over at him. It felt like he could almost just lean over and press his lips to Wright's.

"I..." Edgeworth left his mouth hanging open.

"Yeah?"

Wright's smirking face was staring back at him. Edgeworth looked away and moved away from Wright. He couldn't be so close. It felt like Wright would be able to know his feelings simply from how close they were to each other. He pushed his beer away.

"I can't drink anymore," Edgeworth mumbled.

"Mmm. Let's get out of here."

Edgeworth nodded slowly. Wright reached over for Edgeworth's beer, having finished his own, and finished it for him. Edgeworth, feeling bad for leaving all the glasses on the table, pulled some cash from his wallet and left it on the table.

"You have so much money," said Wright.

"I'm aware," said Edgeworth uncomfortably.

Once the two were in the cool night, out of the bar, Edgeworth thought listlessly that he wished he'd worn a coat. He made to walk back to the restaurant they were at earlier.

"Where are you going?" Wright asked.

"My car...?"

"Why? We're gonna have to take a taxi..."

"Oh, right." Edgeworth's shoulders slumped. "Let's just walk...to my office...it's close..."

"Sure," said Wright, following Edgeworth. "Why not?"

Edgeworth felt like he was stumbling. He wasn't used to drinking so much. At all. Wright seemed to have a bit more control of himself. His face had a soft blush on it and he wore a dopey smile, but he was walking a lot better than Edgeworth. He put his arm around Edgeworth's shoulders.

"Dinner was great," he said, beaming with a grin. "Thanks."

"Yeah," Edgeworth replied.

He couldn't really pay attention to what Wright was saying with his arm around him. he kept his face turned away from Wright.

The entire rest of the way, Wright kept his arm on Edgeworth. He wanted to shake it off. He knew Wright would probably not be so touchy with him if he knew Edgeworth's true feelings towards him. Wright maybe wouldn't even be friends with him if he knew. He'd probably turn away in disgust.

"Oh, you're right. It's not far...I don't know why I didn't realize..."

The two went into the building went towards the elevator.

"Let's take the stairs," said Edgeworth.

"Why? What floor is your office on?"

Edgeworth was quiet for a moment.

"The twelfth," he said quietly.

"Twelfth?! Why would we take the stairs?"

"Uhm...it's broken," Edgeworth lied, moving towards the stairwell. "Let's just take the stairs."

"It looks fine to me."

"I don't trust the maintenance here though."

Wright narrowed his eyes at Edgeworth. "Fine."

Once he was actually walking up the stairs, Edgeworth partially regretted not taking the elevator. But, he never took the elevator. Wright was trailing behind him, huffing about how many stairs they were climbing up. Usually, he was alright walking up the stairs (perhaps a tiny bit winded when he got all the way up there), but being drunk made climbing up all the stairs feel like climbing a mountain.

"Fah..." Wright wheezed, "Finally."

Edgeworth chuckled, out of breath himself, but certainly feeling a lot better than Wright. He produced his keys from his pocket and unlocked his office door.

"Woah, it's huge...and so clean."

"Of course. What were you expecting?"

Wright stumbled to the couch in Edgeworth's office. Edgeworth wanted to appear a little more put together than Wright, but tripped on his own two feet. Luckily, he saved himself from falling and resigned to also stumbling and falling on the couch.

"I have..." started Edgeworth, putting his head in his hands, "a trial tomorrow afternoon."

"Are you ready for it?"

"Of course I am. I'm always ready."

Wright laughed. "Right, of course."

There was a small pause.

"I'll...order us some coffee..." Edgeworth said. He couldn't help but feel he was speaking very slowly, and that he probably had been since they left the bar. "From the hotel."

"The hotel?"

Edgeworth wasn't if Wright was being loud from surprise or simply not knowing how loud he was being.

"The Gatewater Hotel?" Edgeworth rose a brow. "It's right down the street."

"Huh, wasn't aware you could order something from a hotel without, you know, being in the hotel."

"I've always ordered it from there," said Edgeworth.

Wright shrugged.

Despite saying he would call for coffee, Edgeworth stayed put next to Wright. Wright was looking around his office, craning his neck to look up at the ceiling. Edgeworth sat, his body was relaxed but his mind was racing. Wright turned to him.

"Hmm. Alright."

Wright put his hand on Edgeworth's leg, which he immediately stiffened. He felt like his heart was beating so loudly that Wright could probably hear it. He knew that wasn't possible, but it just felt so loud. Edgeworth dragged his gaze down to Wright's hand, which Wright was now moving up and down Edgeworth's thigh. Edgeworth couldn't bring his gaze back up to Wright, who was again looking around Edgeworth's office. He couldn't figure out why Wright was touching his leg like that. It made him so uneasy, yet so...comfortable. No, it wasn't that. It was pleasing and the heat radiating through him was pleasant. He wondered how unease could feel so confining and so satisfying at the same time.

It almost as if Wright wasn't even aware his hand was on Edgeworth's leg, Edgeworth realized. He was probably so drunk he couldn't even tell whose leg he was touching. It seemed as if the motion was supposed to self-soothing.

"So," Wright turned to Edgeworth finally, wearing a drunk smolder. "About that coffee?"

"Right...Wright...I'll..."

Edgeworth trailed off pathetically, his voice giving out. He felt his body leaning over, almost as if he was falling in slow-motion. They were intensely close and it felt like was time was moving quickly but too slowly at the same time. Edgeworth felt his lips push up against Wright. He thought it could feel Wright leaning in too.

Almost as soon as it started, the two pulled away and both turned away from each other. Edgeworth's hands instantly flew to cover his face while Wright erupted with laughter.

"What? Did you think I was a girl?"

Wright was laughing, still, and Edgeworth was brooding in shame. Why had he done that? What couldn't he just control himself? He shouldn't have drunk that much. He shouldn't have gone to the bar with Wright. He shouldn't have even asked Wright to dinner.

"Edgeworth?" Wright asked, not laughing anymore but Edgeworth could hear a smile in his voice. "You okay?"

"I'm so...I'm so sorry. I don't know why I did that." Edgeworth's voice was muffled by his hands. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay! It was funny."

"It was not."

"Why not?"

"Why do you think?"

Wright put his hand on Edgeworth's back and Edgeworth nudged Wright away with his elbow. He was still covering his face.

"Edgeworth, look at me."

"No."

"Please? It's not that big of a deal."

Edgeworth finally moved his hands away from his face but didn't turn to Wright.

"What's the matter?" Wright asked.

"What do you think is the matter?"

Edgeworth moved one of his hands to hold his elbow, almost hugging himself. His old, familiar disposition when he was uneasy or embarrassed.

"Don't be so uptight! I've kissed people cause I was drunk," Wright paused, a laugh bubbling up. "I mean it was girls but..."

Edgeworth gave an exasperated huff and put his head back in his hands.

"Oh, don't do that!" Wright clutched onto Edgeworth's arm to try and move it from his face. "You don't have to be embarrassed."

Again, Edgeworth moved his hands away from his face. He rose to his feet, facing away from Wright.

"You should leave."

"What? Why?"

"I'm sorry, Wright."

Edgeworth looked over his shoulders to see Wright look up at him. He had stopped smiling completely now.

"It's really no big deal," said Wright. "Who cares?"

"I care." Edgeworth turned to face Wright. "How are you so calm about this?"

"You're drunk out of your mind. You were probably just...imagining I was some girl."

Edgeworth felt stuck. He couldn't explain why he was so embarrassed without explaining that he was most certainly not imagining he was some girl—never mind he wasn't even imagining, or thinking, or whatever that Wright was some guy. He knew was he was doing and was well aware of what he was doing, but just almost couldn't stop himself. Wright couldn't possibly understand. Edgeworth wouldn't let him understand.

"Still. It's embarrassing and I'm sorry."

Wright laughed. This time Edgeworth didn't really sense that Wright was laughing at him, but only in an attempt to make Edgeworth laugh too.

"It's okay!"

"I still think you should go," Edgeworth said.

"I..." Wright gave up. "Okay, I'll go."

Edgeworth pulled out his wallet and gave Wright some cash. "Here," he said. "For a taxi."

"Thanks." Wright stood up, taking the money into his own hand from Edgeworth's. "Please, don't be so embarrassed. It's only me."

Edgeworth simply turned away, crossing his arms. "Good-night, Wright."

"Good-night."

So, Wright left Edgeworth's office quietly. Edgeworth felt bad for kicking him out of his office like that, but part of him felt that Wright most likely wanted to leave anyway. He had to be feeling extremely uncomfortable and was probably itching to leave. Edgeworth couldn't really blame him.

He sat back down on the couch. Edgeworth never wanted to come out of his office again. He never wanted to see Wright for as long as he lived. Things would be so much easier that way; if he and Wright had just never met again.

When the two were younger, Edgeworth had only considered Wright to be his best friend after the class trial about his lunch money. He supposed Larry Butz was also a friend of his, even if only because he was also friends with Wright. Before that, though, Edgeworth really hadn't had any friends. He had barely talked to anyone during school and went all day waiting to get home and see his father. But, after defending Wright, he had graciously extended his arm to Edgeworth. Larry had actually done that same, but with Wright things were different

Wright tried so hard to open up Edgeworth when they were younger, and he still tried to do just that. That's why it was so different. When Edgeworth was cold to Larry and Wright, if he had turned away from them, Larry just shrugged and let him be. Wright, on the other hand, was stubborn. He wouldn't just take no for an answer. If Wright had to simply sit quietly next to Edgeworth to be with him, he would.

Edgeworth thought that he was too young at that time to understand his feelings for Wright at that time. Thinking back, he probably would've called it a "crush" if he had recognized his feelings at the time.

When he had left the school, and left Wright, he found himself thinking about Wright almost constantly. He doubted Wright did the same. Edgeworth had always felt that they'd meet again but thought that was only wishful thinking. In college and law school, he hadn't thought about Wright nearly as much as he had before. Never could he have imagined that he and Wright would meet again, and most certainly he didn't imagine they'd be in a courtroom with him as the prosecutor and Wright as the defense attorney.

Wright had never mentioned even being interested in law when they were young, much less being a defense attorney.

Apart from any unease or uncertainty about his career path, there were other feelings that stirred because of Wright. Some of those feelings were from when he was only a boy while there were other feelings that were much more mature and he didn't have until he was an adult. Seeing Wright only a little over a year ago at this point made it so he felt like was a young boy again, when he was thinking of Wright all the time. He tried repeatedly to ignore his feelings and tried to get himself to not feel anything for Wright. It felt wrong to feel something so intensely for someone who didn't know and even if they did, wouldn't be interested. Moreover, Edgeworth felt guilty for his desire for Wright, especially so because his feelings went so far beyond romantic. It was wrong.

Edgeworth thought that it was only a matter of time until his feelings bubbled over the surface. It was only a matter of time that he leaned over to Wright and let those feelings spill over. If he hadn't drunk as much as he had tonight, he wouldn't have done that. He had enough control over himself to at least control his actions, even if he couldn't control his thoughts. The lack of his impulse control tonight was shameful.

If Wright started to evade Edgeworth after tonight (as Edgeworth thought he very well could), surely he would hate that. Even if it seemed easier to avoid Wright and his feelings for him, Edgeworth wasn't sure if it was easier. Now that Wright was back in his life, Edgeworth wanted him to stay.

Edgeworth leaned forward and took his shoes and put his legs up on the couch. He folded his arms and leaned his head back, letting his eyes close.