Work Text:
Where Fools Rush In
Sebastian hesitates outside the door to Edgeworth's office, hand raised to knock. Before he means to he lowers his hand to his side once more, biting down hard on his bottom lip.
Edgeworth isn't his father. He knows that because he never would have even considered doing what he's been thinking about doing with his pops. His pops would have spent whatever conversation time they had sneering at Sebastian for his lack of knowledge, insisting that Sebastian already knew the answers to his questions, and otherwise making Sebastian feel like a fool. When Sebastian left, he would have been no wiser but a thousand times more determined to seem that way.
With Edgeworth... Sebastian knows that Edgeworth won't look down on him for asking questions, provided the questions are asked in good faith. He can lose his patience, sometimes, especially if he feels like the person he's been talking to hasn't been paying attention—that happens with Detective Gumshoe on occasion, and Sebastian always tenses up when it does, preparing for the storm. It's never a huge deal, though. Edgeworth threatens to cut Gumshoe's salary on occasion, sure, but when the detective actually needs him, Edgeworth is always there.
The questions Sebastian has now aren't the types of questions that one would normally ask a coworker, though. They're the types of questions one should direct to a father, a mother, a sibling... and Sebastian has none of those. He's thought about going to Judge Courtney, but he fears he'll stutter even more fiercely if he attempts to discuss matters with a woman. Discussing things with John would be awkward for different reasons—Sebastian doesn't know if it would be better or worse if John knew or didn't know the answers. And talking things through with Kay or Klavier or Prosecutor Blackquill is right out of the question, given... well, given circumstances.
So that leaves Edgeworth, and Sebastian raises his hand once more. If Edgeworth doesn't want to talk to him about these topics, that's all right. Sebastian will find another way to gain the knowledge he needs. But if Edgeworth does, then Sebastian will have both knowledge and support in deciding what it is that he wants to do, and he suspects the latter is just as important as the former.
His fist comes down on the door, and a moment later Edgeworth calls out for him to enter. Sebastian draws a deep breath and does so—the only thing Edgeworth hates more than having to repeat himself is people wasting his time.
Edgeworth looks up from the papers strewn across his desk. When he sees Sebastian, he sets his pen down. "Prosecutor Debeste. How may I be of service?"
Sebastian tries not to melt into the floor as he closes the door behind him and approaches Edgeworth's desk. Between what he wants to ask and the way being in Edgeworth's presence has started to affect him—Edgeworth isn't his father, but Edgeworth sounds the way Sebastian is beginning to think his father should have, confident and intelligent and regal in a way Sebastian doesn't think he'll ever be able to emulate—it's difficult to keep from slouching along like a whipped dog. "P-prosecutor Edgeworth. I was wondering if I could take a moment of your time to d-digress something."
Edgeworth's brows draw together, and Sebastian knows he's made a mistake in his speech.
"Discuss!" Sebastian makes the correction even as Edgeworth does. "To discuss with you."
A faint smile of approval crosses Edgeworth's face, and he gestures towards the couch. "I'm certainly happy to assist if I'm able. Is this about your latest case?"
"No." Sebastian settles on the edge of the couch, his fingers running up and down the length of his baton in an effort to keep them from doing something more foolish like picking at the fabric next to him. "I... think the case is going quite well, actually. Though if you wouldn't mind sitting down with me and examining the evidence before I go to trial tomorrow..."
"It's an honor to assist a fellow prosecutor." Edgeworth's head tilts just slightly. "But if it's not about your case..."
"I need some adverb—advice." Sebastian swallows. "About something not work-related, so feel free to tell me you don't wish to discuss it. That's fine. It's rather pejorative of me to come ask for your time about this, anyway."
"Preposterous or presumptuous, I suspect. But I doubt you mean insult or untruth by it." Edgeworth leans back in his seat. "Out with it. We'll lose more time dancing around the topic than we'd likely spend discussing it."
"I don't know anything about dating." The words pour out of Sebastian's mouth in a torrent, tripping over one another. He's probably getting some wrong, but he can't make himself stop to choose each carefully. "Or about romance in general, or even how to tell if you're in a romantic relationship. My pops would always just slap me on the shoulder and say I'd know, that I just had to be confident and pursue things, but given everything else about my pops I suspect that's wrong." Sebastian has to pause to draw breath.
"Oh." Edgeworth looks rather stunned, as though Sebastian had struck him on the back of the head. He doesn't look angry, at least. "And you decided to come to me with this... why?"
Sebastian fidgets in place, keeping his fingers firmly on his baton to keep the baton from swinging up into his face. It had only taken Edgeworth catching the baton twice for Sebastian to learn that it isn't acceptable to let it hit him. "Talking with Judge Courtney seemed... even more awkward. And the other people I could talk—Kay and Klavier and Simon... I, uh... I'm not sure if I have a crush on one of them. Or two of them. Or all of them. And it didn't seem... right to discuss this with someone I might like romantically?"
"Discussions are an important part of any relationship, romantic or otherwise." Edgeworth frowns, and his right hand has picked up his pen again, is twirling it between his fingers. "Normally I would be hesitant to engage in a conversation like this, both because you're my subordinate and because I... may not be the best person with whom to discuss matters of romantic inclination."
Sebastian gives Edgeworth a puzzled glance. "Why, sir? If you don't mind my asking?"
"If we're going to have this conversation, then you can't hedge every question with a request that I not take offense." Edgeworth draws a slow breath. "I swear that I won't. It would be foolish to do so when I've freely offered information. As for why I may not be the best tutor... are you familiar with the concept of asexuality?"
Sebastian wracks his mind. "Of course I am. That's when plants and mushrooms and the like—and lizards, too, I think—are able to produce offspring without sex."
Edgeworth's eyes narrow. "If it were anyone else, I would suspect you of intentionally being obtuse, but I don't think that's the case here. You aren't familiar of asexuality as an orientation?"
"Ah... like the compass orientations?" Sebastian can feel his face flushing, anxiety rising as he clearly fails test after test.
"I... no. Not like the compass orientation." Edgeworth's fingers drum across his desk. "Tell me, Sebastian, how are your skills at internet searches?"
"I'm incredible at them, of course." Sebastian pulls himself up, a self-assured smile slipping into place with the force of old habit.
Edgeworth simply watches him.
"I..." Sebastian looks down at his hands, which begin fiddling with his baton again. "I actually don't think I'm very good at them. I was always told I did excellently—that my sources were all credible, that my information was good even when it didn't quite seem related to the topic I was supposed to be looking up. I never understood why others had so many problems. Now... now I think I don't really know how to do it right."
"That's something we're going to work on, then. Being able to find your own information is an invaluable skill." Edgeworth sighs. "In the meantime, though, you need a trusted source of information now. And I will attempt to be that source."
"Thank you." Sebastian feels his eyes fill with tears and blinks, trying to prevent himself from bursting into full sobs.
"Don't thank me. Just ask your questions."
"Well... to start with, how do you know that you're romantically interested in someone?"
Edgeworth lifts his eyes to the ceiling. "Start with the simple ones, why don't you."
"I-I'm sorry. I didn't—"
Edgeworth holds up a hand. "You don't need to apologize. I suppose I should define the orientation of asexuality." Edgeworth pauses. "Actually, I should start with orientations. There's a romantic orientation—which genders you like to date, to marry, all of that nonsense. And a sexual orientation, which genders you prefer to... engage in intimate physical relationships with." Edgeworth's foot is tapping on the ground.
Sebastian just nods, feeling his face burn.
"Asexuality is when one simply doesn't wish to engage in physical intimacy. With anyone, of any gender." Edgeworth relaxes as he gives the definition, the line of his shoulders settling into a more natural position. "There's also heterosexuality, wanting to have relations with only those of the opposite gender; homosexuality, for those of the same gender; bisexuality or pansexuality for those who are interested in multiple genders. Substitute romantic for sexual and you have the romantic orientations, as well. Does that make sense?"
Sebastian takes a few moments to try to run through the words, ensuring he understands. It helps that Edgeworth has been teaching him some Latin and Greek phrases to assist him in his legal briefs. "I think I understand."
Edgeworth looks relieved. "Good."
"Except... how do you know?" Sebastian's cheeks heat again. "Do you just... is it really that you just know, or are there signs...?"
Drawing a steadying breath, Edgeworth stands and begins pacing the other side of his office. "Is this about anyone in particular?"
"No one person in particular." Studying the rug on the floor means Sebastian doesn't have to meet Edgeworth's eyes. "Rather... several people. Prosecutor Blackquill and Prosecutor Gavin..." Sebastian pauses to give Edgeworth a chance to stiffen and then relax at the sound of Klavier's name. Sebastian doesn't know what Klavier did to anger Edgeworth, but the mere mention of Gavin's name is enough to agitate the normally calm prosecutor. "They've been helping me a lot. And I enjoy it—spending time with them, and talking about cases with them, and... and everyone says they're both pretty, in different ways. And then there's Kay..."
Summarizing Kay Faraday is a lost cause, so Sebastian doesn't even try.
Edgeworth's expression softens again. "Trying to find the line between friendship and romantic interest can be hard when you aren't used to either. It's helpful that one can lead rather smoothly into the other, if given the opportunity. What I would suggest is analyzing your feelings for each. Choose one who seems most appealing to you, or that you're least scared of discussing these matters with. Ask them on a date. See how it goes and how you feel. Discuss things with them."
Edgeworth continues to pace for several moments, frowning at the floor. Sebastian begins to worry he needs to say something.
Edgeworth raises his head again, though. "That's the most important thing, I think. Talk about what you want, what you need; what you understand, and what you don't. Be honest. I... can't say I have much experience with dating, and what I have had so far has been less than ideal. A large portion of why, though, was because my mentor had convinced me there was only one way to date. Only one way to be the perfect man. That is a lie."
Edgeworth approaches Sebastian, standing in front of him with arms crossed. "There are as many ways to be a decent man as there are to be a decent prosecutor, and the rules for both are similar. Be honest. Be aware. Be willing to listen. Be willing to stand your ground if you feel it's necessary. If you want my advice on dating, that's it."
Tapping one finger against his baton for each piece of advice, Sebastian repeats them quietly to himself. They're simple phrases, easy to remember. He has no doubt they'll be far harder to put into practice.
Edgeworth waits for Sebastian to stop fidgeting before continuing, arms once more crossed in front of his chest. "Now. Name an animal that you like."
"Ah." Sebastian blanks on all species of animals for five or six seconds. "C-cats?"
"A good choice, but a little broad." Edgeworth heads back towards his chair behind his desk. "Pick a breed."
"Um... the ones with the squishy faces? Abyssals?"
"I'll be kind to you this time and tell you they're Abyssinians. It will make your search easier." Edgeworth picks up a stack of papers. "Now, I want you to search for information on Abyssinian cats—their history, their breed, their specializations, what's looked for in a proper Abyssinian. Record your sources. We'll go over the information tomorrow—no, you have a case tomorrow. The day after, at two in the afternoon, and see how well you did."
Sebastian nods. "I look forward to it."
It's clearly a dismissal, so Sebastian backs towards the door and lets himself out as Edgeworth begins reading again.
XXX
Sebastian goes to his computer and begins looking up information on cats.
He doesn't see Edgeworth set down the papers he'd been working on. He doesn't know Edgeworth sets his phone on his desk, the small Steel Samurai charm dangling from the top glinting in the light coming through the window.
He doesn't see Edgeworth reach for the phone once, twice, and then finally snatch it up on the third try.
"Be honest." Edgeworth breathes the words to himself. "And remember there is more than one way to be the perfect man."
It doesn't take Edgeworth long to find the man he wants in his contacts, and he closes his eyes as the phone rings, knowing that even as hard as the next few minutes might be, it's better than never trying at all.
XXX
Sebastian learns a lot over the next few months.
He learns about different cat breeds. He learns about marmosets, and pterosaurs, and the history of the Jammin' Ninja and the Steel Samurai. With each new attempt into research he learns how to research, what sources to trust and which to be suspicious of, when to look for additional confirmation and when to trust.
He learns about different orientations. He spends the most time studying bisexuality and asexuality, since he suspects the former is his and he wants to understand Edgeworth as well as he can. (He is allowed to understand Edgeworth. Edgeworth is predictable, his responses measured. Sebastian never spends hours wondering what he did to upset Edgeworth, where he failed to meet expectations—when Sebastian fails, Edgeworth tells him plainly and clearly where and how, without threats or derogatory declamations. Sebastian spends almost a half hour just rubbing his gloved hands together when he realizes this, wondering how his life had been so wrong for so long without his even noticing.)
He learns about dating in fits and starts. Klavier is just as confident and flirty as ever, and it doesn't take Sebastian long to shed the last lingering vestiges of uncertainty about whether or not it's all right to flirt with people of both genders when watching Klavier enjoy himself. Kay is herself, breezing through everyone's life like an impossible to predict tornado. Both of them are happy to discuss dating with Sebastian when he feels comfortable enough to do so.
He learns about loss, again. Simon is accused of murder—no, not just accused. Simon confesses to murder, and no matter what Sebastian does, what questions he asks, Simon stubbornly refuses to admit that anything more happened than what he revealed during the trial. It is a sobering lesson, a reminder that even with all that he has grown and learned Sebastian is still just one small cog in a system that sometimes grinds sense into powder.
It takes Sebastian a while to recover from the pain of Simon's... Sebastian still doesn't know what to call it. Betrayal? To call it a betrayal is to say that Simon really did kill the astrophysicist, that Sebastian has given up on him. Simon's loss, then. Sebastian will leave it at that until such a time as he's able to find more pieces to the puzzle. His friends are patient with him, though. Edgeworth is patient with him, correcting him in the same matter-of-fact way he always has, encouraging Sebastian when Sebastian doubts his own skills again and reminding him that asking for help is better than looking the fool when Sebastian's need to prove himself sends him stumbling pigheaded down the wrong path.
By the time Sebastian's fourth year as a prosecutor is starting he feels... comfortable. With his job, with himself, with his friends—with his life, his history and his present and the wisps of future he's beginning to imagine.
Is it any wonder that he wants those around him to feel the same way?
XXX
"I'll be available if you need me, of course. But if you can handle the investigation on your own, I would appreciate it. I have an engagement I'm loathe to miss this evening." Edgeworth turns the file around, handing it to Sebastian.
"Oh?" Kay plucks the file from Sebastian's hands and begins flipping through it. "What kind of engagement? There's no live show that I'm aware of."
Edgeworth scowls, though there's no heat in it. "Steel Samurai shows are not the only live entertainment I frequent."
"Nope, but they're the most common and the ones you're most likely to be upset about missing. Something about being a severe workaholic but also a severe nerd, I think." Kay raises her head to grin impishly at Edgeworth. "So what is it? Not a Jammin' Ninja stage show, I'd know about that, so maybe Onyankopon? Or something actually respectable like a play or an opera?"
Edgeworth crosses his arms, the finger of his right hand tapping. After a moment's deliberation he speaks. "I have a date this evening, and I don't wish to miss it because the individual in question isn't in town frequently."
"What kind of date?" Kay drops her eyes back to the file. "It's not your sister, right? Because if it is I'd like to say hi before she jets off again."
"I would not date Franziska, so no, it's not." Edgeworth raises his eyes to the ceiling.
"Wait." Sebastian grips his baton through his jacket, just barely managing to keep his voice from squeaking up an octave. "When you say date, you mean... a romantic date?"
That draws Kay's head up, and she stares at Edgeworth, jaw hanging slightly open.
"Yes. I mean a romantic date." Edgeworth scowls. "Is it really that surprising?"
"Yes!" Kay shoves the folder back into Sebastian's hands. "This is—I don't—who is it? Do we know them?"
Edgeworth hesitates, looking harried, and then shrugs. "If you must know, it's Agent Lang."
"Agent Wolf-Man?" Kay is practically jumping up and down in excitement. "You're dating Agent Wolf-Man?"
"Either that or I am perpetrating a very long joke on you." Edgeworth presses at the bridge of his nose. "Yes, I'm dating Agent Lang. I have been for a while now."
Kay turns to Sebastian. "He's been dating for a while now! Did you know about this?"
Sebastian shakes his head, fingers feeling numb where they grip the file.
"When you say for a while now, does that mean it's serious? How serious?" Kay pauses. "Do I need to be thinking about dresses and cards and all that?"
"Prosecutor Debeste, what day is it?" Edgeworth ignores Kay.
"Ah... Tuesday?"
Edgeworth sighs. "The date, Sebastian."
"The 22nd?" Sebastian answers in bewilderment.
"Right. Meaning Annoy Edgeworth Day was last week." Edgeworth turns to Kay with the same smirk he uses in court. "Meaning I am under no obligation to answer all of your questions. Simmer on them until next month. I'll see the two of you tomorrow, unless you need me tonight."
Gathering up his jacket, Edgeworth heads towards the door.
Kay just gapes after him. Sebastian steals the rare moment of Kay's uncertainty to press the file back into her hands and run after Edgeworth.
"Sir! Prosecutor Edgeworth!" Sebastian's voice squeaks just a little on Edgeworth's name.
Edgeworth pauses, looking back at Sebastian with one silver eyebrow quirked.
Sebastian hesitates, wondering if he should have just let Edgeworth go. "I was just... I don't want to interfere, or delay you... I was just wondering... given what you told me... before... are you comfortable with Agent Lang?"
Edgeworth is silent for long seconds, his head tilted slightly. Then he shrugs. "I am more comfortable with Agent Lang than I've been with anyone else."
"Okay." Sebastian answers quickly, before awkward silence can descend. "That's... that's good. And I hope you have a good evening, and I'm—I'm going to go get to work."
Edgeworth doesn't have a chance to respond before Sebastian is retreating.
Perhaps if Edgeworth had been faster and more positive in his response, Sebastian would have left it at that. But he read a great deal about asexuality, when he was trying to figure out his own place on the spectrum. And he had seen the old hurt in Edgeworth's eyes when he talked about relationships.
If there's any chance that Agent Lang might be asking for more than Edgeworth is willing to give—that Lang might be hurting Edgeworth, even unintentionally—Sebastian is going to make sure it stops.
He owes Edgeworth that much and more.
XXX
The investigation takes most of the night, and using his carefully honed search abilities to locate where Lang is staying takes another few hours. It works out well for Sebastian, he decides. It means he's able to catch a few hours' sleep and then lay in wait for Lang outside his hotel room.
It's not the most subtle stake-out in the world. Sebastian has to show his prosecutor's badge to two cleaning ladies and a nosy neighbor to keep from getting kicked out of the hotel. Klavier would have managed to be more charming, chatting with someone while keeping an eye on the room. Kay would likely have done something ridiculous but functional like hide in an air duct. And Edgeworth would have delegated the task to Gumshoe, having the detective call him when Lang emerged.
Lang doesn't emerge from the room, though. Sebastian is surprised to catch the man heading to his hotel room, despite the early morning hour.
Lang pauses, hands hooked into the waistline of his tight pants, and a wolfish grin spreads across his face. "Well, well. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Hello, Agent Lang. I'm Prosecutor Debeste, in case you don't remember. And I..." Sebastian pauses, making sure his voice is going to stay calm, forcing his body to react as though they were in court. "I wished to speak to you about Prosecutor Edgeworth."
"About Mister Prosecutor?" Lang's smile vanishes. "Is he all right?"
"That's what I want to speak to you about. Ah—though he was fine when I last saw him." Sebastian adds the addendum as he watches Lang tense.
The Interpol agent relaxes again, studying Sebastian. Then he nods towards his room. "Come on. Let's have a chat, then."
Once they're in the room Lang throws himself onto the single bed, stretching out and putting his hands behind his head. "So, what about Edgeworth did you want to discuss?"
Sebastian runs his tongue over his lips. "It's come to my attention recently that you and Edgeworth are... romantically involved."
A small smirk touches Lang's mouth again, though he nods gravely. He doesn't bother to sit up to nod, though. "You would be correct."
"I was certain I was." Sebastian draws a deep breath. "I wanted to make sure you were being... careful and appropriate with regards to your relationship."
"Careful and..." Lang's smirk becomes a full-fledged grin. "Lang Zhi's balls, I'm getting the shovel talk from one of Edgeworth's strays, aren't I?" A peal of full-bellied laughter fills the room as Lang sits up. "I can't believe..." Lang trails off, and his expression sobers as he studies Sebastian. "No... no, actually, I can."
Sebastian can feel his face burning, heat crowding his skin, and he allows himself to pull his baton out, running his fingers over the slick metal. "I don't think I'm familiar with this... shovel talk. Is that a Zheng Fa tradition?"
"So far as I knew it was a tradition here, though maybe it comes from somewhere else." Lang shrugs. "It's where someone close to a person in a romantic relationship goes and threatens the significant other that if they hurt the first person bodily harm and possibly burial will result."
"I... don't think I followed that."
"Works better with a diagram." Lang shrugs, balancing on the edge of the bed and watching Sebastian, his hands dangling between his legs. "Long story short... you're here because you want to make sure I'm treating Edgeworth right, yeah?"
Sebastian pauses and then gives a decisive nod. "Yes. I am."
Lang holds up both hands. "Then I swear to you, on Lang Zhi's name and my life and the lives of all my men, that I will never do anything to intentionally hurt Miles Edgeworth."
Sebastian gives a hesitant nod. "That's... that's good. And I don't mean to cast aspersions on your judgment or character, Agent Lang. It's just..."
Sebastian stops, not sure exactly how much he should say. How much has Edgeworth said? It's not Sebastian's place to tell Lang about either Edgeworth's sexuality or his past with Manfred von Karma. Yet most of the reasons Sebastian is worried are tied up in both of those issues.
"You just care about him. You're just being a worried kid." Lang shoves a hand back through his short, sandy hair. "It's sweet. It really is. But I don't know what I can do to make you feel better other than telling you I like the guy. As Lang Zhi says, it's a fool who abuses the dog he wishes to befriend."
"It's just that Edgeworth is... special." Sebastian shakes his head. "No, that sounds wrong. Like there's either something wrong with him or he needs special care, and that's not what I mean. I mean... has he discussed... things... with you?"
Sebastian finishes lamely, trailing off the sentence as he studies Lang.
"That's a very broad question. Talking about everything we've discussed would take a long time, and I'm not sure you need to know it all." Lang drums his fingers against the comforter. "How about this. I mention things that might have you concerned, and if it's a topic you think we need to discuss, we'll cover it. Fair?"
Sebastian nods.
Lang sits pondering for long seconds, then eyes Sebastian critically. "What's your orientation, kid?"
"I would prefer if you call me prosecutor or simply use my name." Sebastian squares his shoulders. "And I'm bisexual. How is that relevant to the conversation?"
Lang shrugs. "I'm bi, too. And I think maybe one of the reasons you're so nervous is because of Edgeworth's sexuality?"
Sebastian hesitates before nodding.
"I know that he's ace, Prosecutor Debeste." Lang's smile takes on a fond edge. "It was one of the first things we talked about when we got together. And I'm never going to ask him for more than he's comfortable giving, or get upset with him for defending his boundaries. Lang Zhi says it's a fool who buys a cat and then complains it won't herd the sheep."
"Lang Zhi really liked calling people fools."
Lang laughs, a quick grin flashing across his face. "Or perhaps certain topics have a tendency to make fools of people."
"That's true." Sebastian speaks with slow deliberation. "So... you know, and you're not... you wouldn't push for..." Sebastian blushes fiercely even as he attempts to dance around the topic of Edgeworth's potential sexual relationships.
Lang narrows his eyes. "I wouldn't. Like I said, I respect people's boundaries. And you should respect Edgeworth's ability to set his. Mister Prosecutor isn't exactly a weeping willow, drooping at any pressure."
Sebastian's fairly certain that analogy isn't right, but he supposes it's close enough for someone speaking a second language. "It's not that I don't trust Mr. Edgeworth. Or yourself. It's... there are some things... do you know about my father?"
The question clearly takes Lang by surprise. "Prosecutor Blaise Debeste?"
Sebastian nods.
"I know what happened with him, yeah." Lang tilts his head as he answers, teeth bared slightly. "Why?"
"My father wasn't a nice man, though he was good at pretending to be." Sebastian tugs at the edges of his gloves, though after a moment he decides not to take them off. It likely won't be needed. "The way he manipulated and controlled me was cruel. The way he kept information from me, and used information against me... it took me a while to find myself amid all the scars he gave me."
Lang's eyes are fixed on Sebastian's hands, and his expression now is fierce and hard, though Sebastian suspects the tension in Lang's body isn't aimed at him.
"And even after I found myself, after I learned who I was and what I wanted... as much as anyone can, at least..." Sebastian meets Lang's eyes evenly. "I hear his voice, sometimes. I'm usually able to drown it out, to use my voice or Edgeworth's or Klavier's or Kay's to keep a grip on what I really think. But it's still there, and I'm afraid it might always been."
A long, soft exhale that could almost be a growl is Lang's answer, but his eyes are calm and gentle as they stay fixed on Sebastian's. "I'm sorry. About what you went through. And glad you've been able to move on. I also... I know about Manfred von Karma. I couldn't be this heavily involved with him and not."
Closing his eyes, Sebastian allows himself to take a few shaking breaths, his fingers still tugging at the edges of his gloves. Then he nods, opening his eyes to meet Lang's again. "All right. That's... I guess that's all I need to say, then."
"Really?" Lang cracks a tentative smile, dispelling some of the tension that had gathered thick in the room. "I think you've forgotten the shovel part of the shovel talk. Where you'll bury me, that sort of thing."
Sebastian shrugs. "If it comes down to it, I won't be burying you. I'll be seeing you in court, and I'll make sure to win. Ms. Faraday, on the other hand... you might want to keep your eye out for her if you ever deserve it."
Lang's smile becomes easier and gentler as he gives a little salute. "Understood."
"Good. Then I thank you for your time, Agent Lang." Sebastian gives a slight bow, as Edgeworth taught him. "And I wish you and Prosecutor Edgeworth a bright and pleasant future."
Standing, Lang moves to open the door for Sebastian, giving a little bow of his own as Sebastian steps through. "I appreciate the vote of confidence."
Sebastian is about halfway down the hall when he hears Lang's voice call out. "I know you're up there, Kay Faraday. And I'm giving you to the count of five to come down here before I call security on you. Let's have this discussion like nice rational people, Miss Thief, and then we can all move on with our lives."
Sebastian smiles to himself as he continues on towards the door, content that everything will be as all right as he can make it.
XXX
There's someone in his house.
Edgeworth realizes it almost as soon as he steps in the door. There's a sense that empty places have—a quiet and calm—that is missing. There's also a pair of shoes sitting next to the door, and Edgeworth suppresses a smile at the sight. Apparently you can teach an old wolf new tricks.
He doesn't spoil Lang's fun, though. He continues through the foyer into the dining room and is heading for the kitchen, waiting for what he knows is going to happen.
Arms wrap around him from behind, and Lang's nose buries itself against Edgeworth's neck, Lang drawing deep breaths. His voice is a rough whisper against Edgeworth's skin. "Caught you, Mister Prosecutor."
"Ye gods, I am slain." Edgeworth leans back into Lang's hold, allowing his neck to tilt so that Lang has better access for his nuzzling. "Woe and sorrow be upon me and those who love me."
"Pink Princess season two, episode eight, right?" Lang huffs out an amused breath.
"You have been paying attention." Edgeworth raises one hand to bury it in Lang's hair.
"Eventually something has to rub off on me, right?" Releasing his hold on Edgeworth, Lang touches Edgeworth's shoulder, urging him to turn around.
Edgeworth does, arching an eyebrow as he takes in the Interpol agent's dress. Or lack of dress. Lang has abandoned even his pretense of shirts, walking around in his dark pants and sunglasses and nothing else.
Lang gives his wolfish grin. "Pleased to see me?"
"We parted company only..." Edgeworth glances at his watch. "Nine hours ago." He allows a beat of time to pass, and then smiles. "But yes. I am glad to see you again."
"Thought you would be." Lang shifts so that he's lounging against the wall, arms crossed in front of his chest. "I'm glad to see you, too."
Edgeworth knows that it's true, just as his statement had been true. Even Lang's state of undress no longer causes Edgeworth to tense—Lang wears little clothing because that's how Lang likes to be, more comfortable walking around with his skin bare. If Lang also likes cuddling a great deal, Edgeworth knows that the wolf-man will be more than accommodating with slowing down or stopping should Edgeworth need him to. Which, perversely, makes Edgeworth more comfortable with the physical contact than he's ever been in previous relationships.
"I had some visitors this morning, when I went to get ready for the day." Both Lang's eyebrows arch up towards his hairline.
Edgeworth frowns. "I don't... oh no."
"It's all right." Lang waves a hand. "Your pups were concerned about you. A nice little set of strays you've turned into a beautiful pack, if I do say so myself."
"When someone says that Kay stopped by and was concerned, I become concerned about what kind of collateral damage there's been." Edgeworth winces. "Should I be?"
Lang waves a hand. "Nah. Lang Zhi says a pup's barking is a sign of health and confidence, and I'm glad that yours are doing well. Though..." Lang's smile slips, his eyes becoming fierce as he studies Edgeworth. "You know you can talk to me about anything you need, right? Yourself?"
"I assure you, the only thing I did was let slip that the two of us were going on a date." Edgeworth gives his head a little shake. "Any other conclusions they drew were their own."
"All right." Lang pushes himself away from the wall, holding his arms open.
Edgeworth moves into the embrace happily, reaching out to pull Lang's head closer to him. Their lips meet in a slow, passionate kiss—fiercer than when they first began, less fierce than it can become when Lang is at his fieriest.
When they pull apart Edgeworth leans against Lang's shoulder, relaxing as one of Lang's hands cards through his hair, the other rubbing at Edgeworth's shoulders. "I'm glad you're in town."
"I'm glad I am, too. Though next time it'll hopefully be an all pleasure trip, and not a work trip." Lang hesitates. "Unless you'd like to come to Zheng Fa again?"
"I will. When scheduling allows." Edgeworth presses himself a little closer to Lang, knowing that talk of his home country in regards to them is a bittersweet subject. Lang will never not love his home, his family, his culture; he also can't change that the culture and laws of the land currently frown on homosexuality, adding a layer of anxiety to their interactions that is finally starting to fade here.
Lang buries his nose once more against Edgeworth's skin, inhaling and then sighing. "Lang Zhi says a man will always know the smell of home, no matter how far he roams or how much it changes."
"Lang Zhi was an intelligent man." Edgeworth presses a light kiss to the top of Lang's bowed head.
"I hope so." Lang raises his head, grin once more in place. "Otherwise I've based my life around an idiot, and what kind of fool would that make me?"
Edgeworth leans in for a quieter kiss, his lips against the corner of Lang's mouth. "A kind one. A fierce one. A good one."
"Coming from you, that last one is quite the compliment." Lang pulls Edgeworth into one more quick hug before stepping away. "But right now, we should talk about dinner. Unless you've eaten?"
Edgeworth shakes his head.
"Then I'll cook." Lang bounds towards the kitchen.
"Provided you actually cook." Edgeworth follows at a more sedate pace. "Some of us don't like our dinner still twitching when it hits the plate."
"That's because you're too civilized for your own good." Lang doesn't turn around as he calls out the words.
Edgeworth smiles as he steps into the kitchen to find Lang already preparing steaks. A pot of tea and two teacups are set out on the island in the kitchen, steaming slightly.
Taking his tea cup in hand, Edgeworth blows on the warm liquid, smiling as he watches Lang go about his work. This is nothing like the perfect life Edgeworth would once have imagined for himself. He has a boyfriend instead of a wife—a boyfriend he may never be able to marry, though Lang has said repeatedly he'd be fine with a ceremony that isn't legally binding. He has friends instead of children—Wright and Kay and Sebastian and many more, all of them supporting and protecting him even as Edgeworth does his best to support them. (Trucy is, perhaps, the closest thing Edgeworth has to an actual child, but she is Wright's child, not his, though Edgeworth will do his best to ensure there is no more trauma in her life. Some members of their cohort should have a decent childhood, surely?)
Lang turns to Edgeworth, a grin on his face, the words Lang Zhi hanging in the air.
Edgeworth gives an affirmation to the statement he didn't hear, and Lang begins chuckling, a deep, pleased sound. It could be that Edgeworth just agreed to something foolish, or it could be that Lang is pleased with the agreement.
Even if it was something foolish he agreed to, Edgeworth doesn't care. Looking foolish in front of Lang doesn't matter, after all.
That is, perhaps, the element that is furthest from Edgeworth's teenage imaginings of a perfect future... and also the part that tells him he has succeeded in crafting something beautiful, something that he wouldn't change for all the supposed perfection in the world.