A dull headache and panic are what Edgeworth woke up to. Instantly, he looked at his watch to see what time it was. Four thirty-two. That game him enough time to get ready to get his car, get back to his apartment, shower, and come back to look over this afternoon's case.
Edgeworth pulled himself up, putting his hand to his head, and massaged his temple. He felt an intense urge to just lie back down and close his again, but he knew that would be irresponsible. He knew that a shower and fresh clothes would make him feel better though, so he left his office and headed downstairs. The morning was cool, but sunny—part of the reason why Edgeworth loved the month of August—as he walked all the way to the Italian restaurant that he and Wright had eaten at. He got into his Mustang and drove to his apartment complex.
Once he was there, Edgeworth couldn't help but compare Wright's and his apartment complexes. His was so high-class and regal meanwhile Wright's was...well, not that.
Before he showered, Edgeworth allowed himself a few moments to sit and think.
Wright had reacted better than Edgeworth could ask for, Edgeworth realized. As long as he wasn't lying about what he felt. If Wright actually was uncomfortable but was just lying about finding the whole thing funny, Edgeworth would feel even worse about what he did. As much as Edgeworth wanted to just never see Wright again because of how ashamed and embarrassed he was, that wasn't realistic. Not only because Edgeworth and Wright would obviously see each other in court, but also because Edgeworth wouldn't be able to keep himself from Wright, he felt like. Although the two were never alone together outside of court (save for last night...), Edgeworth didn't want to make it so Wright wouldn't approach him. He was so terrified of being close to Wright because of his feelings but was always aching to be with him.
Finally, Edgeworth went into the shower. He kept the water boiling hot since it was always more relaxing that way. When he was finished, he always had a habit of turning off the hot water so his shower would become cold right before he jumped out. He thought it was better to be jolted out of the relaxing water than be shivering from the temperature drop when he came out of a hot shower. It was weird—he knew that—his father had once joked about doing it (Edgeworth wasn't even sure if his father had ever done it habitually or not) and since then he always had.
Once he was out of the shower, he wrapped a towel around his waist before washing his face, brushing his teeth, and blow-drying his hair. He went to his bedroom, the towel still was the only thing he had on. Then, he got into clean clothes. He felt as though he wouldn't be able to stomach any more than just cereal, so he just had that. He was starting to feel a bit better, but he still did have a bad headache so took some Advil before leaving his apartment to go back to his office.
Edgeworth thought that he could at least be thankful for the fact that he wouldn't have to see Wright in court today. He wouldn't be able to do his job whatsoever if Wright was standing across from him.
When Edgeworth was finally back in his office, he ordered coffee from the hotel, hoping it would make him feel more awake. He tried to get started on looking over his case for today but realized he had prepared as much as he could for this case. It was cut and dry. Not even someone like Wright could get the defendant declared "not guilty."
Well...Wright before...his break-up.
Edgeworth still wasn't completely satisfied with that answer. He didn't want to ask more about it though, because he didn't want to pry that much into Wright's personal life. Moreover, he did not want to hear about Wright's feelings for someone else. It stirred an ugly, uncomfortable feeling in his chest.
It stirred up jealousy.
He hadn't even know Wright was in a relationship recently, but hearing that he was out of it made Edgeworth feel relieved. He knew he should be upset for Wright since Wright was very clearly upset over it (as shown by how much he was flailing in court...supposedly...), but he just...couldn't be. Edgeworth felt guilty for feeling jealousy because of Wright's relationship and delighted that Wright was no longer in a relationship, but he couldn't help it. He tried to stifle those feelings, but much like his other feelings towards Wright, it was to no avail.
When Edgeworth heard a knock on the door, he rose from his chair and walked to his office door. He opened his office door, and the bellboy carried a tray of coffee, creamer, and sugar to his desk. Edgeworth thanked him, gave him a tip, and ushered him out of his office, eager to be alone.
As he sipped on his coffee, Edgeworth thought about what everyone would think if they found out about him kissing Wright. There weren't many people in his life, he realized sullenly, but the idea of people finding out was still daunting.
Wright had been his first kiss, embarrassingly enough. He hadn't ever dated anyone, and he wasn't the type to kiss someone he wasn't dating. Unless, apparently, he was drunk in his office with the person he was completely enamored with.
To his knowledge, there hadn't ever been anyone who felt for him what he felt for Wright; not even a fraction of what he felt for Wright. He hardly believed that Wright, or anyone, felt anything for him. It was hard to get himself to believe that people truly cared about him, or that anyone felt any positive feelings for him. Wright had always made it known that he cared deeply for Edgeworth. The way that Wright would smile at him graciously was what originally stirred feelings in Edgeworth.
Edgeworth found himself both surprised that Wright had defended him in the Von Karma trial, yet he had almost expected no different. He desperately and truly did not want Wright to find out about DL-6, so he had to ask around for someone to defend him. Unsurprisingly, your opponents in court would not feel so peachy about defending you when it came to your own murder trial. When he had said to Wright that he didn't want him to defend him because of Wright's inexperience, he wasn't exactly lying. He didn't want Wright to be involved in anything to do with the DL-6 incident—obviously, it was going to come up as the victim was the defense attorney in the case—and he didn't want Wright's name smeared by defending the demon prosecutor.
It never felt like Wright saw him like that. Wright had clearly known about his dubious tactics in court but hadn't thought ill of Edgeworth. Or, it didn't seem like he did, at least.
Before he knew it, it was time to head over to the courthouse for his trial. Unsurprisingly, Detective Gumshoe was there already.
"Cut and dry, sir," he said. "You got this."
"I know, Detective."
"Just showing my support, sir."
Detective Gumshoe gave Edgeworth's shoulder a supportive squeeze. As always, Edgeworth was confident but a little nervous. It was more so intense anticipation that he was always feeling before a trial.
"I know that too," said Edgeworth. "Thank you."
Edgeworth tucked the pertinent file for the trial under his arm and held onto his briefcase tightly. He walked towards the courtroom but stopped suddenly.
There was Wright, sitting on a bench outside the courtroom, talking on the phone. He was listlessly inspecting the nails on the hand he wasn't holding his phone with. Then, he had moved that hand to his thigh and done the same motion he had done at Edgeworth's leg the night before. It was as Edgeworth had thought; the movement was supposed to be on Wright's own leg, not his. Edgeworth's whole body felt hot all over but cold inside. He tried to just move his legs and get himself in the courtroom and away from Wright. But, he felt stuck. He couldn't turn his head away.
Suddenly, Wright looked up and spotted Edgeworth. He smiled and gave a small wave, mouthing "hello." Edgeworth could only give a daft look of surprise, his mouth sinking and his eyebrows jumping up. Then, Wright motioned for Edgeworth to come over and after a brief glance at his watch, Edgeworth slowly walked over to Wright.
"I'll talk to you later," Wright was saying. "Bye-bye."
Edgeworth stood awkwardly as Wright stood up.
"Maya," explained Wright unnecessarily. "She wanted to know how things went today."
"I thought you said..."
"That I didn't have a trial, I know, but someone's attorney got sick so they called me."
"Oh..."
A pause.
"Can we talk, Edgeworth?"
"We are talking," he said curtly.
"Let's go over there," Wright gestured to a quiet corner. "Come on."
As Edgeworth followed Wright, his stomach was full of anvils. Wright was definitely uncomfortable about last night. Clearly. Of course. Why did Edgeworth take his word yesterday? No way he was being honest or—
"Don't be so worried, Edgeworth." Wright reached out to touch Edgeworth's shoulder, but he backed away. "I only wanted to talk about last night."
"I...I figured."
"I mean I only wanted to let you know, again, that you really shouldn't feel bad. You were drunk, who cares?"
"But—"
"But, what? It's not like your gay or something. Why are you so caught up on it?"
Edgeworth went silent.
"Or are you?" Wright teased. He was joking. He had to be joking.
"I'm—"
"I'm just busting your balls, Edgeworth. Relax!"
"Okay..."
Wright laughed if only to make Edgeworth feel better. "I won't tell anyone if you don't."
"Please, don't."
"Of course not, Edgeworth. I understand why it's not so funny to you. Don't worry about it."
Edgeworth nodded.
"Well, I should be going. I've got a trial."
"Good luck." Wright grinned. "Even though I know you don't need it."
"H-Hah..." Edgeworth was breathless, his voice giving out. His face grew hot. He cleared his throat and tried again. "How did your trial go?"
"Great," he said.
"Oh...good...well, I'll get going..."
Edgeworth turned on his heels but Wright called him back.
"Wait, Edgeworth," he said. "Can we go over a case tonight?"
He only gave a quick glance over his shoulder, "Sure, just come by my office."
"Great. See you tonight."
Edgeworth left wordlessly. He made his way to the court, feeling exasperated when he got to the prosecutor's bench. As the courtroom filled up, his heart began racing. He suddenly felt unready for this trial and unprepared. He had to will himself to just calm down and relax. He was here to his job, not freak out and be distracted. He took a few deep breaths and told himself that if he didn't calm down, he wouldn't be able to do his job.
He felt shaky doing his opening statements, but luckily he was able to bring himself back together fairly quickly after that.
As Edgeworth listened to the defense attorney do her cross-examination, he couldn't help but think of both Wright and Mia. They were both so different from any defense attorney Edgeworth had ever seen. He wondered if he would ever be able to do that if he switched to a defense attorney. Edgeworth wasn't sure if he would ever be able to be even half the defense attorney that Wright is or Mia was.
Fortunately (for Edgeworth), the trial went on without any surprises. Even though he found himself a bit distracted by thoughts of Wright, he was able to handle himself quite calmly and cooly. When the guilty verdict was given, he looked up to Detective Gumshoe in the gallery, who smiled down and gave two big thumbs up to him. He couldn't help but think of what Wright had said last night, about how nice it is to have someone in your corner. Not that Edgeworth needed someone there to do well, but Wright was right. It was nice.
When Edgeworth collected his things and left the courtroom, Detective Gumshoe was there waiting for him.
"You alright, sir?"
"Yes?" Edgeworth rose a brow. "Why are you asking me that?"
"You seemed rocky during your opening statement, is all," said Gumshoe. "I just thought maybe something was up."
"Oh, no, no. I was just...distracted by something briefly."
"Well, otherwise, you did great!" Gumshoe smiled his lop-sided grin. "As always."
"Thank you, Detective."
"I have some time before I should be back at the precinct," Gumshoe started. "Wanna grab some lunch?"
"I really should be going..." Edgeworth was planning to grab lunch. Alone. But, Gumshoe's hopeful face made him change his mind. "Sure. We can go, but you're treating."
Gumshoe's shoulders slumped, "But sir...my pay..."
"That is why you asked, right? To treat me?"
Visibly deflated, Gumshoe could only shrug, "I guess so."
Edgeworth smirked. He already knew that he would be treating for lunch if the two were going. As he always did. It was simply just bad manners for the person with less money to treat for a meal, or at least Edgeworth's father had told him so.
The two walked out of the courthouse and then down the block after Gumshoe had mentioned that the place he had in mind was close enough to walk. Gumshoe spoke listlessly while they walked. Edgeworth thought that he was just trying to fill the air with noise, but it had made the walk less awkward so he nodded Gumshoe along.
Once the two arrived, the two sat down almost instantly. Edgeworth didn't usually eat at places that didn't make reservations. That is unless he was with Gumshoe of course. Gumshoe had stopped talking by now, his attention was fully drawn to the menu. Edgeworth felt the strange urge to confess what had happened with Wright last night. That urge went, needless to say, completely ignored. He supposed he only had that urge because he wanted to see what Gumshoe would make of it.
"I spoke to Wright yesterday," said Edgeworth, finally looking at the menu—if only to avert his gaze from the detective.
"Yeah? And how'd that go?"
"Fine," Edgeworth replied uncomfortably. "He told me what was going on."
"Are you gonna make me keep asking you questions, sir? Or are you gonna tell me what he said?"
Edgeworth narrowed his eyes at Gumshoe. "Well, he told me he went through a break-up."
"A break-up?"
"A break-up. You know, with a girl?"
"Of course I know. I didn't realize that something like that would affect him in court so much."
"Right. I said something similar when he told me."
"So..." Gumshoe rolled his wrist impatiently, urging Edgeworth to just continue without being prompted. "What did he say to that?"
"He just said that he was quote, unquote, 'going through it'."
"Hmm...that seems kinda odd to me."
"Me too, but I wasn't going to press any further," Edgeworth paused, briefly, so Gumshoe couldn't make a remark. "Though, he did mention that perhaps Maya's absence was also part of why he's been losing."
"He won today," said Gumshoe.
"So I heard."
After a few awkward, silent moments between the two, a waiter finally came to their table and the two dispensed their orders.
"So that was all?" Gumshoe asked.
"What?"
"That was all you guys talked about?"
"Well, not exactly...we just—I mean, that was all about him losing recently in court." Edgeworth cleared his throat. "Anything else we talked about was irrelevant."
Gumshoe only gave a simple shrug before going into an entirely different topic. Edgeworth was entirely too distracted to pay attention to anything he was saying. Wright was again in full focus in his mind. He thought again about Wright's recent relationship. Edgeworth didn't want to think about Wright having romantic feelings for someone. It was so much easier to pretend that Wright just simply didn't have those feelings. Edgeworth wasn't stupid enough to believe that Wright would ever reciprocate his feelings, but that didn't mean he liked the idea of Wright having feelings for someone else.
Despite not wanting to think about it, it was all Edgeworth could think about. Wright being in a relationship. Wright being someone's boyfriend. Wright kissing someone. Someone that wasn't Edgeworth and someone that was also a girl.
When Wright had asked earlier, "Or are you?", Edgeworth had thought about simply admitting that he was gay to Wright. The words wouldn't come out though. Moreover, Wright would surely, definitely, without a doubt know for a fact that Edgeworth had feelings for Wright. He would probably be so uncomfortable around Edgeworth after that, not that he could blame Wright for that. Wright would probably be repulsed by Edgeworth if he even knew a fraction of what Edgeworth thought about when Wright was on his mind. Not that he could blame him for that either. Edgeworth was quite repulsed by it himself.
Whenever Edgeworth saw someone who out, especially out and in a same-sex relationship, he felt a bit jealous. He wished that he didn't care so much about what other people thought. Other than jealousy though, Edgeworth also felt a sense of disgust. It would be dishonest for Edgeworth to say he wasn't out because of only what others thought; it was because of what he thought too. He was ashamed of himself and would be whether or not anyone else thought he should be.
What would Wright think? What would Gumshoe think? What would anyone in his life think? Edgeworth was disappointed to think that most likely people wouldn't be surprised if he came out, and he was embarrassed to know that the lack of surprise wasn't simply from his lack of a love-life.
"I just don't think it makes sense," Gumshoe was saying around a mouthful of food. "Do you?"
Edgeworth was surprised to see Gumshoe was eating. He looked down to see that he too had gotten his order. He had been so distracted he didn't even notice the waiter had come back to the table.
"Ah, I'm sorry. I wasn't listening. Can you repeat what you said?"
"Never mind," said Gumshoe with a wave of his hand. "It was nothing important, sir. What were you thinking about?"
"Um, nothing. It was only about the trial today, just turning it over in my head."
"That's why I admire about you," said Gumshoe. Edgeworth only rose his brow. "You're constantly thinking about things."
"Am I to believe there's nothing going on in your head?"
"Well, it's not like that! But usually, after a case, I stop thinking about it."
Edgeworth was partially embarrassed because he hadn't been thinking about the earlier trial as he had said.
"Hmm," was all Edgeworth was willing to give.
After that, Edgeworth began eating. Gumshoe began rambling on again and Edgeworth was reminded of why he always had a soft spot for the detective. As frustrating as it was regularly dealing with someone so simple, it was also refreshing from what Edgeworth was usually surrounded by. Even though admittedly, he felt more intelligent than those around him, it felt like everyone was always trying to prove themselves or psychoanalyze everything. It was nice to speak with someone who was constantly trying to one-up everyone and was just simply trying his best.
Though, sometimes someone who thought the most simply was always the best at seeing the truth.
When the check came, both Edgeworth and Gumshoe reached for their wallets.
"Allow me, please," Edgeworth said.
"But—"
"I'd rather not have your card decline and then have to pay anyway," Edgeworth jested. "Let me pay."
"You always pay."
"Because I always have money."
Gumshoe grinned. No one else took his smart mouth so well. Well, maybe except for Wright.
"That is true, Mr. Edgeworth." The two rose from their seats and Gumshoe put a hand on Edgeworth's shoulders. "Thanks!"
"You're welcome, Detective."
After leaving a tip, Edgeworth and Gumshoe walked out of the restaurant. The two walked back to the courthouse, Gumshoe saying that there something he still needed to do at the courthouse that he had forgotten about. Edgeworth got in his car and drove back to his office.
He hadn't expected to see Wright in the courthouse, of course, since Wright had said that he didn't have a trial. He was glad that he hadn't lost or else he would've gotten bitter towards Wright since it was always easier to feel bitter or anger than...well, anything else. Hearing that Wright won made Edgeworth feel good, but he knew it was for selfish reasons. The first one being that Edgeworth was hopeful that Wright was over the girl he had broken up with. The second one being that maybe there was a chance that Edgeworth was part of Wright finally winning a case again. Maybe.
Edgeworth arrived at his office building, climbed the stairs, and was finally back at his office. He felt like a long day, especially with the rough start he had. He had only gone to his office instead of his apartment because he told Wright to meet him there. Wright hadn't given a specific time he would drop by his office, nor had Edgeworth offered a time. He was antsy to get home, though. Edgeworth didn't want to call Wright, because he didn't want Wright to feel as though he was being pushy, or something like that. But, he wasn't just going to leave and go home either.
Edgeworth folded his arms and bowed his head forward, much like he usually did if he was trying to catch some quick shut-eye. Before he could even relax, there was a knock at his office door. He sat up straight as the door opened and Wright poked his head in. Edgeworth's heart went into his throat.
"Hey," he said. "Sorry, I'm so late, but I'm glad you're still here."
"I was just finishing up some work," Edgeworth lied, not wanting Wright to feel like a bother. "Come in."
Wright came into Edgeworth's office, appearing in sweats and a sweatshirt. Edgeworth felt an odd stir of excitement at seeing him in something other than his suit, especially something that was...usually reserved for at home.
"Alright, here," Wright handed over a manilla folder to Edgeworth. "They might get a retrial and they wanted me to look over their case. Can you help me?"
Edgeworth took the folder into his own hands and motioned for Wright to sit on the couch. He almost felt as if his hands were shaking while opening the folder. He was so uneasy with Wright in the room now. It felt like Wright was going to bring up what happened the previous night at any moment.
"You must be pretty desperate to ask a prosecutor for help," said Edgeworth.
"I'm not asking any prosecutor. I'm asking you." Wright sighed, "I really think he was screwed on this case and that he deserves a better retrial."
Wright sat on the couch, leaning forward as Edgeworth was reading the case file. Edgeworth could feel Wright's eyes on him as he anxiously waited for Edgeworth to be finished reading. While reading the file, Edgeworth tried his best to keep his face straight.
The case didn't look good for Wright. That's why the defendant had lost. He was hoping that Wright had evidence or something at least, he wasn't showing Edgeworth.
Edgeworth looked up from the file.
"Well?" Wright asked, leaning over so much now he could fall over. "What do you make of it?"
"I see why he got the verdict he did," was all Edgeworth said.
"I knew you'd say that..."
"So." Edgeworth put the file down. "Why do you think this...Matthew deserves a retrial?"
"Matthews. His last name is Matthews."
"Right. Anyway," Edgeworth looked down at the file to see if he had actually made a mistake, and sure enough, he did. "Why do you think Matthews deserves a retrial?"
"Well..."
"Because he told you he was innocent?" Edgeworth quipped. "Or do you actually have evidence?"
Edgeworth was partially being impatient only because he hoped Wright would just show anything he was hiding from Edgeworth to shut him down quickly. Moreover, he hadn't wanted Wright to always be naïve.
"Well..." Wright started again, miserably.
"Well, what, Wright?"
"I...don't have evidence. Yet."
Edgeworth sighed through his nose, "Wright..."
"He's telling the truth!" Wright jumped to his feet. "I'm serious. I know for a fact he's telling the truth."
"Is he? How do you know for a fact?"
"He's...he's...he is!"
"Settle down, Wright," mumbled Edgeworth. Wright sat back down. "Are you telling me you don't have any other evidence than what was used in the trial already?"
"But—"
"Just answer the question."
"No, I don't."
"Alright," said Edgeworth. "Would you by chance be able to get the transcript of the trial?"
"Um..."
"I'll get it. I want to see what was said during the trial exactly." Edgeworth opened the file again and looked through it. "Let's see...do you have someone in mind who could've done it instead?"
"Not really...not anyone there's proof for anyway..."
Edgeworth nodded. Wright rose to his feet and came over to Edgeworth's desk. He leaned over, bracing himself with one of his hands on the back of Edgeworth's chair while the other hand was sprawled on the desk. Edgeworth cringed inwardly, finding himself nervous to be so close to Wright again. After the previous night, he felt out of control of himself. Normally he felt as though he was always in complete control of himself, but after kissing Wright it felt like Edgeworth couldn't trust himself anymore. He felt almost...kinda...a little...
Predatory, Edgeworth thought to himself.
That's the word he was so afraid of. Every time he heard it, Edgeworth would wince. It always felt like a stab in the side every time anyone even uttered it, even if it wasn't towards him. He feared that he would make someone (specifically Wright) feel as though he was going to pounce on them or feel as though he had an ulterior motive with them.
Kissing Wright while he was drunk had probably just proven that his fears weren't such a reach.
"Edgeworth?" Wright moved a hand to his shoulder. "Are you listening to me?"
"Huh? Oh...I'm sorry. I was just thinking. What were you saying?"
"I was trying to explain why I believe it to be someone else who committed the murder...and who the someone is. What were you thinking about?"
"The file right in front me of, obviously," said Edgeworth. "Start from the beginning, please."
"No, forget it. It's stupid. I'm just grasping at straws."
"And that's different from usual, how?"
"Funny," mumbled Wright. "But I'm serious. It's nothing but a hunch."
"As stupid as it might sound, I believe that a hunch is something to go off of. A hunch isn't admissible in court, but you can use it with me." Edgeworth turned his head slightly to look at Wright but didn't like how close they were so he turned it back to the file. "There's a reason you have one, right?"
"Right."
"So tell me, then."
"I don't know...it's stupid."
Edgeworth finally turned his head to look at Wright's face, almost without even thinking.
"Why do you keep saying that?"
"What?"
"Stupid. Why do you keep saying that word?"
Wright laughed. Edgeworth hated that urge to kiss him again. He hated that being this close to Wright made his feelings and urges so intense. He hated how being so close to Wright made it hard to think about anything he was trying to help Wright with.
"That word," echoed Wright, laughing again. "What's it matter?"
Edgeworth got the same, uneasy feeling as he did the night before the Wright had asked if he had been thinking about him. It was uncomfortable to admit that he was concerned about the way Wright spoke about himself.
"Because I don't think you're stupid, Wright, or what you have to say is stupid."
"I was just...you know, saying that I didn't really think it out thoroughly, is all."
"I know, but...never mind. If you don't want to tell me, fine, but I'd like to know."
Wright sighed, finally moving away from Edgeworth and his desk. Edgeworth almost felt upset that Wright moved away, but he was more relieved than anything else. Wright sat back down on the couch, put his feet up, put his arms behind his head, and looked at the ceiling.
"I don't know," Wright said. "I thought about what you said last night, about my criteria to see if someone is being truthful with me, but I just can't get myself to believe this guy is lying."
"Is that so?"
"That's probably why I keep losing. Because I'm dealing with people who are probably guilty."
"You won today," Edgeworth said quietly.
"I think us talking last night helped," Wright admitted. "Just talking about what was going on helped, I think, so thanks for that."
Edgeworth awkwardly looked back down to the file, not wanting to look at Wright. "Ah...you're welcome, I suppose..."
"Maybe you gave me a good luck kiss."
Instantly Edgeworth darted his eyes back to Wright. He knew his face was red from how hot it was. He wasn't even sure what face he making, but knew it wasn't pleasant.
"Sorry," said Wright sheepishly, turning his head to see Edgeworth's face. "I was just kidding."
"Please, I would prefer if you didn't."
"I know. I'm sorry."
"Anyway, I think—"
Wright cut Edgeworth off, "You really shouldn't be so ashamed, Edgeworth."
"What?"
"About last night," said Wright. "Why are you ashamed?"
Edgeworth shifted uneasily. He knew that Wright was going to bring up the previous night. Why wouldn't he? Wright was probably incredibly confused—not too mentioned uncomfortable, despite expressing the opposite—about Edgeworth's actions. It was entirely out of character. Plus, even if Wright did chalk it up to Edgeworth simply being drunk, Wright mostly likely knew in the back of his mind that Edgeworth had feelings for him.
Wright had to know. It felt like it was impossible that he didn't. Edgeworth's feelings were intense that Wright had to be able to tell; that was not even considering what he had done the night before. Even if Edgeworth's feelings weren't intense, kissing Wright was about the same as confessing feelings.
"I would rather not talk about this," Edgeworth said. "Please, if we could not."
"I just don't see why you're so embarrassed about it."
Edgeworth was a little confused about why Wright didn't see why Edgeworth was embarrassed. Even if Edgeworth didn't have feelings for Wright, or even if he wasn't gay, it would still be an embarrassing situation. Or, Edgeworth had thought that at least.
"Wouldn't you be?" Edgeworth asked. "If it was the other way around?"
"Maybe a little, I guess, but not really. I mean, we're friends, and it's not like it meant anything."
"Right."
"Yeah?"
"No, I mean you're right." Edgeworth ducked his head down. "Well, about the case—"
"Am I?"
Edgeworth didn't even look back up to see Wright.
"What?" Edgeworth asked.
"It didn't mean anything, right?" Edgeworth could hear Wright shift his position. He moved only his eyes to see Wright sitting up, looking towards him. "It was just...something you did because you were drunk...right?"
Edgeworth kept his head down, if only because he thought he might puke. He knew he had to come up with an answer, and quick. A long pause would certainly mean that he was going to lie by agreeing with Wright.
Just say yes! Edgeworth shouted at himself, just say yes and this will all be over.
"Of course," rasped Edgeworth. "I...I don't even know what I was thinking..."
Wright was silent. He didn't believe Edgeworth. There was no other reason he would be silent. He knew everything, all of Edgeworth's thoughts and feelings.
No, he couldn't panic. Wright hadn't said anything. He was just asking. He was entitled to ask about it.
"Edgeworth?" Wright said. "Can you look at me?"
Slowly, Edgeworth looked up to see Wright smiling softly. He was sitting with his elbows on his knees.
"You know you can tell me anything," he said.
"I know that." Edgeworth kept eye-contact, not wanting to appear anxious. Wright knew he wasn't privy to something. "Last night—"
"Yeah?"
"That was my first kiss," Edgeworth admitted, almost in a whisper. "That's why I'm so...weird about it."
Wright looked surprised, his mouth hanging open. Though, he looked satisfied with that answer, at least. As embarrassing as it was to admit that, if it got Wright to stop asking about it, it was worth it.
"Oh! Oh, I didn't...I hadn't known that...um...that's..."
"Stop squirming, Wright," snapped Edgeworth. "I know it's embarrassing."
"Well, it's...it's just surprising to me."
"Is that so?"
Wright nodded.
"Well, it's true. I'm just embarrassed it had to be that way."
Wright laughed, "And with a guy, no less..."
"I know." Edgeworth wanted to force himself to laugh, but couldn't. "Gosh, please, can we not even talk about it anymore?"
Wright mimed pulling a zipper over his lips and put both his hands up.
"Okay then," said Edgeworth. "Let's get back to the case, please."
Wright stood up and came back to Edgeworth's desk, again leaning over with a hand Edgeworth's chair and another one on his desk. Edgeworth simply stayed still. He hadn't wanted to give Wright any reason to think Edgeworth was uneasy around him. Wright was so, so close...their cheeks were so, so close...Edgeworth felt completely stifled. He was even heavily aware of his breathing, trying to keep it slow and natural.
"I'm going to talk to him tomorrow, and then to the judge to ask for a retrial."
Edgeworth snorted. "You think you'll be able to get one?"
"You don't? Then why are you even bothering to help me? Just to—"
"Relax. I just mean I don't think that a defense attorney will be able to."
"So..."
"So, I'll get someone to ask," replied Edgeworth. "I won't ask only because I don't want to be the prosecutor on this case."
"Right, okay. Thanks."
"You're welcome," Edgeworth said. "Now, when you talk to this man tomorrow, it's very important that he knows you will help him whether or not he is guilty."
Wright jumped back, "Are you crazy?"
Edgeworth spun in his chair to face Wright and folded his hands together, "Why are you saying that? You are a defense attorney, aren't you?"
"Yeah, but—"
"But nothing, Wright. Your job is to defend the defendant, hence the title 'defense attorney'."
"If he's guilty, then he should be punished."
"Yes. Hence the prosecutor that will also be in the courtroom. Are you confused as to what a defense attorney and prosecutor are?"
Wright crossed his arms, almost huffing.
"Listen, Wright, it's most important that he knows you will defend him either way because then he's more likely to be honest with you," said Edgeworth. "Understand? It's also important that you do defend people who are guilty of what they're being arrested for."
"I'm surprised to hear you of all people say that."
"Spare me, okay? Guilty people have the right to an attorney, and just because they're guilty doesn't mean the law gets to steamroll over them."
Wright leaned on the wall behind him. He cocked his head to the side. Edgeworth as surprised as Wright was to hear himself saying all of this. He believed in nothing more than serving justice to those who've committed crimes, but punishing people who weren't guilty wasn't justice. Punishing people all the same way also wasn't justice. It took a long time to learn that.
"What am I supposed to do if he's guilty? Lie in court?"
"No. You can always make a plea-deal," Edgeworth put a finger up, then another one, "Or, you argue it out in court. You make sure your client gets the punishment he deserves, nothing more."
"Nothing more?"
"Wright, as a prosecutor, my job is to make sure no one gets away with breaking the law. Is that true?"
"I'd say so, yes."
"And your job is to defend people who have no one else to defend them. Is that also true?"
"Yes...?" Wright said dubiously. "What's your point?"
"Your job description doesn't go into guilty or not guilty. My job is to make sure no one takes advantage of the law, and your job is to make sure the law doesn't take advantage of anyone."
Wright nodded, slowly, no longer looking at Edgeworth but past it.
"If you aren't okay with defending people who are guilty, then don't take a case that involves that," Edgeworth said. "But know that you are not doing your job to your fullest capacity. If you are willing to defend a person who is guilty, then you need to make that known to your client so they can be honest with you."
Wright nodded again.
"I need more information on this case. You talk to him tomorrow and I'll get the court transcript. We can talk again in the evening."
"I...thanks."
"You're welcome." Edgeworth turned back around to face his desk. He picked up the file to hand to Wright, who was coming around to the front of his desk.
"Why don't you switch, Edgeworth?"
"Switch what?"
"To a defense attorney," Wright said. "Why don't you switch?"
Edgeworth took a moment to think. He knew why he didn't switch. He didn't want to defend a criminal, simply put. He knew he wouldn't be able to do it. Despite what he had just told Wright, if he knew he was dealing with a murderer, he would allow the law to take advantage of them. Moreover, he wouldn't feel any motivation to perform his best in court. Getting a guilty verdict would mean that he lost and getting a not-guilty verdict would also feel like he lost. It was a lose-lose situation.
He supposed getting a guilty verdict for people he knew were innocent was just as bad, or actually worse, than getting a not-guilty verdict for someone who was guilty. But, that was in his past. He was done doing those underhanded tricks and just winning a case to simply have a new notch in his belt. He had already broken his winning streak, there wasn't anything to even keep up anymore.
"I don't want to defend a criminal and I'm tired of doing things I'll regret."
"Oh."
"I suggest you think about if you're willing to or not."
"Right. I'll...think about it." Wright toyed with the file in his hands. "But I think you would make a good defense attorney, like your dad."
"Thank you, Wright." Edgeworth hinted at a smile. "You know who makes the best defense attorney?"
"Who?"
"A prosecutor. He would know exactly what the prosecution was looking for."
Wright chuckled, "That's true."
"You know who makes the best prosecutor?"
"A defense attorney?"
"No," said Edgeworth, now actually smiling. "Miles Edgeworth does."
Wright laughed loudly then rolled his eyes. "Oh, gimme a break!"
"Anyway, Wright. We'll talk more tomorrow, alright? Let me drive you home."
"Oh, no that's okay," Wright said. "Don't bother."
"It's dark. Let me drive."
"It is not dark!" Wright motioned to the huge window in Edgeworth. "If you wanna show off your Mustang just say so!"
Edgeworth rose from his desk. "Fine. I wanna show off my nice sportscar."
"Okay! I get it!" Wright threw his arms in feigned exasperation. "You have a nice car and I don't! Rub it in, why don't you?"
Wright laughed and Edgeworth allowed himself to as well. His chest swelled with that warm, fuzzy feeling and his stomach bloomed with butterflies. Sometimes it was easy to let his guard down in front of Wright, even though at other times it felt easier to just keep himself closed. Wright made Edgeworth want to be open, like Wright himself was.
Edgeworth grabbed his things and the two left his office. Edgeworth went towards the stairwell while Wright went towards the elevator. Wordlessly, Wright turned away and caught up with Edgeworth. When the two got into Edgeworth's car, Wright's hands instantly went to the radio.
"None of your buttons are programmed."
"Uh, what?" Edgeworth glanced over briefly. "What are you talking about?"
"Your radio buttons. You don't have any stations programmed."
"Oh, I don't usually listen to the radio while I drive."
"You didn't while we were driving yesterday...I just thought you thought I was in too bad of a mood."
Edgeworth shook his head, "I just don't really think to put it on."
"I'll turn it off then."
"It's fine," mumbled Edgeworth. "I don't care."
The drive to Wright's apartment was mostly quiet. Edgeworth himself was silent, but Wright was humming and singing quietly. Edgeworth found it incredibly endearing, not that he would ever even dream of telling that to Wright. Wright was so easy-going, so go-with-the-flow. If Edgeworth was in Wright's shoes, he would be brooding over his career choice. Wright had allowed himself to not stress over that until later, at least Edgeworth hoped. He hoped that Wright would seriously consider what they discussed.
When Edgeworth pulled up to Wright's apartment building, he reminded him about it.
"I know, I will."
"Tomorrow we'll hopefully make a plan for you."
"Yeah. That sounds..." Wright trailed off. "Ah, shit."
"What's the matter?"
"I have poker tomorrow night with some friends."
"P-poker?"
"Puh-poker?" Wright mimicked Edgeworth. "Yeah. What about it?"
"Nothing! I just always thought you'd be bad at it."
"Well, on the contrary, I happen to be good at poker."
"Hmm. Well, over lunch then? You can visit Matthew in the morning?"
"Matthews!" Wright corrected him again. "And, yeah, alright. Then we can meet somewhere for lunch?"
Edgeworth nodded.
"Sounds like a date," said Wright, grinning. Oh, if only it was. "I'll see you tomorrow! Thanks again."
"It's no problem, Wright."
Edgeworth watched as Wright got out of his car and walked into his apartment complex. He thought about how his last girlfriend probably went up to his apartment meanwhile Edgeworth had no clue what it even looked like.
The ride back to his own apartment felt lonely. He was sure Wright felt lonely too since Maya wasn't around anymore and since his break-up. He probably wasn't wishing to spend any more time with Edgeworth. Edgeworth, on the other hand, was already looking forward to spending more time with Wright. He knew Wright was just thinking little of it and was most likely more concerned about this Mattews fellow. That didn't matter to Edgeworth, though, as long as got to spend time and help Wright.