"You love him, don't you?"

The question caught Edgeworth off guard. He stared at Iris, the girl he had promised to defend. He supposed it was rather obvious. He had chartered a private jet just to see Wright, after all.

He couldn't prevent the jealousy that filled his heart. He had always hated his feelings for Wright. As much as he wanted to hate him, he couldn't. He never thought that he would have romantic feelings for anyone. It was a waste of time, a distraction from his job. And now, he was risking losing his job for him.

"You don't have to do this, you know." He heard Iris speak up, seeming to have figured out the answer from his reaction. "You could lose your job."

Edgeworth turned away. "That doesn't matter."

He never thought he would say that. He put his job over everything. It prevented him from having faithful relationships with everyone. And yet, he was putting it on the line for Wright. That was why his feeling were so terrible. So unnecessary, as he had said.

He didn't think he could ever love someone more than his job, or even as much. And yet...

Not for the first time, he doubted if he really wanted to do this. Was it really worth it, just for that insufferable defense attorney who probably didn't even feel the same way? He wouldn't even get anything in return. The girl seemed to like Wright, and they clearly had a history together.

Again, jealousy filled him, even though he knew that he didn't have a chance with Wright anyway. If he tried, if he really tried, he could lose and get the girl declared guilty on purpose. Then she'd never see Wright again. It would be just one more innocent person he'd put behind bars.

But he couldn't do that. Wright would never forgive him. And he'd never forgive himself, ever since he learned there were things more important than a guilty verdict. Plus, he didn't have a chance with Wright anyway. He deserved someone better than Edgeworth. He was so kind and noble, always trying to help others to a fault, as much as Edgeworth insulted him for it. And Edgeworth was cold and reserved. He couldn't be in a relationship with anyone.

Still, did he really want to risk his job for him? Why?

Because I love him, he realized with a jolt. More than his job, more than his happiness.

"I'll defend you," he promised Iris. "Don't worry."

She smiled at him, and Edgeworth turned away as tears filled his eyes. He had a horrible, sour taste in his mouth, but thinking about how happy Wright would be almost made it worth it.