Chapter Text
I'm not lonely.
Edgeworth thinks to himself as he pushes the door open to his office. He walks over to his desk and sits down in his chair with a huff, barely even thinking about the orderly piles of paperwork on his desk.
How could someone even think of such a thing let alone say it out loud?
He stops short of his thought and thinks of many reasons one might think he is lonely. He shakes that thought away irritated. He knows his professional attitude may put some people off, but he still has friends and he's not lonely.
I have Wright for one he's my best friend the only man who I'd trust my life with and which I, in fact, have done so before. There are so many reasons Wright and I are great friends and with his happy go lucky attitude just him alone would cause anyone in this world to stop being lonely-
Okay maybe he's thinking a bit too much about Wright, but he also has his sister. Who even with their sibling rivalry and her vigorous temper are still siblings and care for one another. Even though she'd never mention it even under torture.
Speaking of Franziska she's supposed to be coming over from Germany today, it seemed so sudden but it is Franziska after all, she must have had a reason to do so with such haste.
Edgeworth's thoughts are broken off by a phone going off. He looks at his desk and realizes it's his personal phone ringing. He picks up his crimson phone off of his desk and looks at the caller ID and low and behold it's-
"Wright?"
Edgeworth barely gets his word out before Wright begins speaking feverishly
"Hey Edgworth! Sorry, I don't have long to talk, I'm out getting ice cream with Trucy right now," Wright pauses presumedly to take a lick of said ice cream "but she wanted me to ask you if you're coming to her show tomorrow?"
Edgeworth blinks a few times.
The show?
He doesn't remember hearing about this show. He assumes it must be a last-minute schedule or else he would have heard Wright talk about it a week ago. Edgeworth confused, then ask.
"Wait you interrupted your outing with your daughter to invite me last minute to her magic show?"
That doesn't sound like Wright at all, he loves his daughter more than anything. Whenever they're together Wright always gives Trucy his full attention.
He hears Wright laugh quietly
"Well no. It's more like she interrupted our outing by forcing me to call and ask you to come."
Now that sounds like Trucy.
"It's okay, I already told her there is no way I could invite you to this last minute."
Wright laughs again, but it sounds like he is embarrassed for even asking such a thing. Edgeworth opens his mouth, about to decline, but then he thinks about that comment earlier.
Isn't this the sort of things people do for their friends? I don't have much to do tomorrow anyway. Maybe if I mention about how much fun I have at this show it'll show that person that I am in fact not lonely and I won't have to hear any more of that talk.
"No it's alright I can make it tomorrow. What time?"
Edgeworth hears nothing for a moment then suddenly he hears Trucys mumbled voice, presumably saying something to her father. Wright says something to her in a hushed voice and then responds
"Oh well, that's fantastic! It's at 6:30 tomorrow and it's at the same place as last time. I don't want to take up any more of your time, so I guess we'll see you tomorrow."
He can practically hear Wright's surprise over the phone
"Okay, see you then Wright."
Edgeworth then hangs up and gently sets his phone on his desk. He then pulls out his planner and begins to look and see if there are any conflicts. Usually, he'd do this before, but that comment seems to have rattled him a bit. Despite himself, he is smiling when he realizes there are no conflicts and puts his planner away.
He then looks at the clock and that smiles falters a bit he realizes he soon has to pick up Franziska. Knowing how she is when she is jet-lagged he can't say he's all that excited.
He sighs and begins to get ready.
____
Edgeworth helps neatly put Franziska's travel bags in the trunk as she hurriedly sits in the front seat without so much as a thank you, but that's nothing new. However, he is wondering what she is in such a rush for as he sits in the driver seat of his crimson Lamborghini. He starts the car and they ride off in silence.
After leaving the airport Edgeworth looks over at his sister.
She seems almost nervous, she's never nervous. Edgeworth can't help but ask.
"Why, exactly, have you decided to come over here so soon sister?"
She glares at her brother.
"Maybe if you weren't such a fool you'd of figured it out already."
Well, that was unexpected. Edgeworth racks his brain to an event that might be taking place this month. The only thing he can think of is spring break for students but surely that can't be it. He also vaguely remembers Wright mentioning how Maya and Pearl are coming down for a visit from Kurian Village.
Oh.
"My apologies I completely forgot out Maya's visit. Wright told me about it a few weeks ago."
Franziska huffs as a response. She seems very defensive, Edgeworth can tell this is something she's not very open to talking about. But they are siblings, maybe not by blood, but they are siblings, and he wishes to help her out with this, so he needs to be careful.
"So . . . when exactly will she be visiting and what might you have planned?"
Another huff from Franziska
"She comes back tonight, and tomorrow I was planning on taking her out to people park to walk around and reminisce. Then I planned on us going to the . . ."
She pauses for a minute looking over at her brother's face.
"I was . . . well, I was planning on taking her to the Burger Barn since she loves it so much and she probably hasn't had any food like it for a while now."
Edgeworth's jaw drops open in complete shock.
My sister eating at an establishment like that? She must truly love Maya or this is an impostor.
Franziskaseeing Edgeworth's face scoffs
"Please like you've never done anything foolish for your fool of a defense attorney."
Edgeworth feels like he has been dumped in ice-cold water only to have his face heat up a second later.
"I . . . I don't know what you're talking about."
She rolls her eyes
"The fact that your looking intently at the road and playing dumb only confirmes your foolish feelings."
Edgeworth grip tightens on the wheel, he says nothing. Franziska smirks a little.
"Well, at least I'm doing something about it unlike you. I plan on confessing to her tomorrow after we eat. Pray tell little brother what have you done to get closer to Phoneix Wright?"
Edgeworth deadpans for a moment only to remember his plans for tomorrow. He silently thanks Trucy for forcing Wright to ask him.
"Well, actually I'm going to one of Trucys magic show with Wright tomorrow."
Edgeworth says definitely. Franziska just huffs again.
"You fool you do that all the time and it isn't very personal. Also isn't nearly as good as my plan with Maya."
Edgeworth thinks about this as they drive closer to the condo. He feels a little pang of truth in her words but shakes it off. He isn't a very personal guy so it doesn't really bother him.
Nope, not one bit. Doesn't bother me in the slightest.
He's not even thinking about it as he gets ready for bed and plans on what he will wear when he goes to the magic show tomorrow. The only thought that crosses his mind as he turns off the lights and lays on his bed is that he's definitely not lonely.
____
Edgeworth firmly believes in the saying if you're early you're on time, and if you're on time you're late. So he shows up to Trucys magic show 20 minutes early. it's being held at one of the smaller, yet still credible, auditorium in Los Angeles.
As Edgeworth walks past the lobby into the seating area he takes notices of the lavish blue carpet and cush seatings. It reminds him of watching an opera. He is always amazed at how far Trucy has come, he remembers being baffled by her tricks when she was still little, he always tried but never quite figured out how she did it.
That was a while ago she's what age now? Oh right, I remember Wright momentarily mentioning about Trucy turning 18 this year. I could practically hear Wright about to burst into tears on the other side of the phone.
Edgeworth walks down the isles reminiscing and then takes a hesitant right turn and heads to where he presumes are the dressing room. As he continues walking he scans the door trying to figure out which room Trucy is in. He walks towards one with a gold star on the door and a little piece of paper taped on it. He leans closer to inspect it and in neat little writing its says "Trucy Wright."
They could of at least given her something more than a piece of paper- but he then freezes as he hears a lower voice on the other side of the door. He can't quite make out the voice but he calms down as soon as he realizes its Wright, he then hears Trucy say a little louder than her father
"Come on Daddy me and Pearl we're just thinking about when I go off to college and I don't . . ." Edgeworth in a moment of panic, feeling like he definitely shouldn't be eavesdropping knocks on the door. The room goes quiet and the door swings open revealing Wright.
He's dressed in a white button-up collar and a black jacket for a change. It makes Edgeworth's spine tingle.
He looks a bit startled but when realizing it's Edgeworth. Wright leans back into the room to let him in, avoiding Edgeworth's gaze.
That's strange. Maybe he's still just upset by hearing his daughter simply utter the word college.
After this thought, Edgeworth notices the intense silence in the room. Wright hasn't said anything since he's walked in. He decides to break the ice.
"Hello Wright, Trucy I came early to wish you good luck." He can feel his palms sweat.
Is he mad at me somehow? For interrupting their clearly important conversation? Maybe he thinks I've been eavesdropping.
"Stupid." He lets it slip. Wright and Trucy stare at him.
"Ahahah! I meant splendid! Splendid evening we are having here. Yes." Edgeworth clears his throat and says. "Sorry for the intrusion I will let you two be." Edgeworth goes to leave, but Trucy grabs his arm.
Trucys bright smile falters
" Mr. Edgeworth don't go, I wanted to thank you for coming! I'm so glad you could make it. It's a good thing I convinced Daddy to call you. He wanted to just accept defeat and not even try."
As Trucy says this she turns to stare at her father. She says this with a look on her face Edgeworth can't quite place. She seems almost smug, yet determined. Wright looks back at her and says.
"Trucy I just wanted to be considerate. We can't just invite people last minute, especially if they're as busy as the Cheif Prosecutor "
Edgeworth realizes that an unknown conversation is going on between them. They are ignoring him yet he seems to be the topic of their conversation. He decides to try and remind them that he is indeed standing right in the middle of this very room.
"Wright I understand your concern of seeming inconsiderate, but you know I enjoy seeing Trucys shows."
He pauses momentarily and thinks back to his real reason for coming.
I do have friends! Which showing this requires doing things for them even if is bothersome to me.
"Besides you're my friend Wright. I'd gladly push back some paperwork for you and your daughter."
As Edgeworth finishes his sentence he realizes this might be the first time he's told Wright this based off of his reaction.
Wright just blinks back at him looking as if though he is trying to see if the Edgeworth in front of him is real or not. While Trucy though looks as though she just got a free ticket to Disney World. Trucy then speaks up a pitch or two high than her normal voice and says hurriedly
"Okay enough chit chat I've got a show to perform and I need some time to practice. Daddy, go find a seat for you and Mr. Edgeworth okay."
She then with surprising strength pushes Edgeworth and Wright out of the room and closes the door behind them. They both turn to look at each other for a moment. Wright looks back at her door, sighs and then looks back at Edgeworth and puts an arm around his shoulder
"Come on let see if we can get a balcony seat."
____
On stage, Trucy takes a huge bow with a grin while Wright claps as loud as humanly possible next to Edgeworth in the fancy balcony seat.
The show as always was wonderful, as shown by the flowers being thrown at Trucys feet and the thunderous applause filling the auditorium.
During the whole show Wright does as he always does. He leans over to Edgeworth to explain when she learned that trick when he was her assistant, and funny moments when said tricks have gone awry. Wright's comments are so frequent Edgeworth feels like he could write a whole book about Trucy and Wright's father-daughter moments
After the applause has settled Wright grabs his jacket off the back of the seat and folds it in his arm while Edgeworth checks his watch and stands up to go.
He has no idea why Wright did this. He complained about it being too hot when they sat down in the balcony and took it off. Edgeworth would never do such a thing, it's inconsiderate of the performer. But maybe he is just saying that because it was a little hard to focus with Wright and his handsome white-collar and rolled-up sleeves inches away from him. He feels his face heating up and decides to push that thought far far far down into the back of his mind. Edgeworth takes a breath to collect his thoughts, as he and Wright walk down the stairs Edgeworth, trying to think of anything other than Wright asks.
"Wright I was wondering why Maya didn't come to the show? I was under the impression she was supposed to be back in Los Angeles tonight."
Wright looks surprised at this question.
"Yeah she's coming back tonight, but it takes a while to journey down from Kurian Village. She won't be back until near midnight."
Wright casually says this and then asks.
"Wait how did you know she'd be back tonight?"
Edgeworth waves his hand dismissively and says.
"Wright you're the one who told me about her coming, remember?"
Wright crosses his arms and gives Edgeworth one of his cross-examination faces. Wright then says
"I remember mentioning her visiting a while back, but how'd you know she'd be back tonight."
Panic floods Edgeworth face for a moment, but he thinks back to their conversation and quickly fixes his composer. He then says.
"Wright, I remember you mentioning how fortunate it was that Maya could come over during Trucys spring break. I unlike you actually mark things on my calendar."
Wright puts a hand to his chest as if though he was pierced through the heart.
"Edgeworth how could you wound me so. You know that every date I need to remember says up here."
Wright gestures to his head. Edgeworth looks at Wright and rolls his eyes. They've had this conversation about Wright's organization skills many times before, it's no use getting further into it. Wright then sheepishly explains
" And . . . I-I just assumed you wouldn't remember stuff like that," Wright continues "Why'd you ask anyway- did you want to say hi and talk about that children show you both watch?"
Wright asks this in a way that sounds halfway between a joke and a serious question. Now it's Edgeworth's turn to be wounded.
"Wright I will not explain to you again that I never had and never will watch that show. I don't even remember the name of it."
Wright smirks and says
"Yeah most people who've never seen the show before have merchandise of it in their office."
Edgeworths face flushes and he responds back
"You have the theme song as your ring tone!"
Wright says
"That is a completely different scenario. Also, how do you have known the theme song if you've never seen it?"
Edgeworth not wanting to give away his guilty pleasure simply crosses his arms and huffs and Wright laughs. Then after they walk in silence for a while Wright speaks up. He speaks softly, like he's thought his next words very carefully.
"I'm really happy you came to the show today Edgeworth. It meant a lot to Trucy and me that you would come last minute like that."
As Wright says this they enter the main lobby and are met with the very loud noises that come after a successful show. They both decided to stop and wait for Trucy. Edgeworth not knowing how to respond simply ignores the statemen, they both stand in silence.
Well this is awkward. What do I do? What is the proper etiquette for these situations?
Edgeworth usually just walks away when he feels uncomfortable, and whenever he normally comes to these shows he's alone. He doesn't have to deal with waiting for others or receiving compliments. He feels like he needs to say something.
"That show was spectacular-"
"I like your white shirt." Edgeworth says casually.
Oh, I just said that out loud. I said that OUT LOUD.
Wright looks flustered.
"Thank you." Wright turns his gaze away and the conversation is dropped.
Well that was a disaster.
Edgeworth, takes this moment to examine Wright. He's been acting strangely near Edgeworth all night. Wright has been avoiding his gaze, laughing louder than normal, and taking whatever Edgeworth says far more serious than before.
He knows it has to do something with that conversation he and Trucy were having. He might be a little curious about what it was, but it's not his place so he stops himself from asking.
They just wait for Trucy as people walk past them all talking about their favorite tricks and so on. Edgeworth's thoughts drift when he looks over at Wright again. He thinks to himself about Maya and Fransika and how he might just a tiny little bit somewhere deep inside wish he could do the same with Wright. Of course, as he starts this delicate conversation in his head Trucy comes running into the lobby and hugs her father. Wright grunts as she jump hugs him and he hugs her back. He says
"You did amazing out there sweetheart. How many flowers did you get?"
"Oh around 21 I think."
"From where I was sitting I counted about 40, maybe more."
Edgeworth waves his hand and butts into their conversation
"Wright you're either being hyperbolic or are simply horrible at math. I counted and your daughter is right it was around 20 flowers."
Trucy looks at Edgeworth then laughs.
"Wow, Daddy I wasn't expecting you to be called out like that."
She chuckles some more and then like a switch has been flipped she suddenly examines both of them. Edgeworth takes a step back surprised by the sudden intrusion. For a brief second Trucy seems to be disappointed apparently not finding what she was looking for she then turns to Edgeworth and says.
"I don't know if we can fit that many flowers in our apartment. Would you like some Mr. Edgeworth."
Wright and Edgeworth exchange a glance and Wright says.
"Sorry Trucy, but Edgeworth and flowers don't go well together."
Wright pauses, once he notices Trucy's confused look he explains.
"He's allergic sweety."
Trucy looks shocked, puts both hands to her face and says
"I'm sorry Mr. Edgeworth I-I didn't know. Maybe-maybe Daddy and I can buy you some fake flowers to make up for it."
Wright looks at Trucy skeptically as if though she purposely roped him into this while Edgeworth just smiles and says
"It's alright Trucy I'm fine, thank you. Also, you did wonderful at your show tonight I was very impressed."
Trucy beams and then turns to her father, bouncing on her heels and changes the subject
"So is Maya back already?"
Wright pats at his pants pocket, once he finds his phone he pulls it out and examines his text. He then says
"She will be here in about an hour an a half."
Trucy then clasps her hands together and says
"Perfect let's go out to eat while we wait for them!"
Wright groans a bit,
"Can we do something a little less expensive while we wait?"
Trucy puts her arms behind her back and pouts,
"Come on pretty please? We're not doing anything expensive tomorrow with Maya so we can afford it."
Wait the Wright's have plans with Maya tomorrow. Edgeworth worried about his sister's and Maya's "date" cuts in and ask.
"What were you guys planning on doing tomorrow?"
Both the Wright's turn to look at him. Immediately feeling like he might have just invited himself to something he has no knowledge of he says.
"I'm just curious is all, since she will most likely be tired from the trip I can't think of many activities she would want to do besides watching TV."
Edgeworth hopes that Wright can't see lies when he doesn't have that rock on him. As he hopes that he won't be able to tell he's telling a half-truth. Wright tilts his head and looks at him curiously and then says.
"Just a family night thing it's not too tasking just some good old fashion, cheap, fun."
Wright looks at Trucy and she just shrugs. Edgeworth takes a small barely noticeable breath.
Thank God that worked.
He then looks at his watch again and noticing the time he says
"Well, I should be off. Goodnight Wright, goodnight Trucy and thank you again for inviting me to the show."
Edgeworth turns on his heels to walk away, only to have his sleeve be grabbed. He turns back around and it's Trucy. She looks at him, let's go of his sleeve and asks
"Wait, Mr. Edgeworth do you want to come out and eat with us?"
Edgeworth blinks at this. Trucy looks up at him he then looks at Wright. Wright just smiles and says.
"Yeah, why not if you're hungry and can spare some time we'd love to have you eat with us."
Edgeworth freezes. He doesn't know why his mouth is dry, and his mind is blank. Edgeworth thinks about saying yes, but then feels some nervousness rise up in his gut. He then thinks of saying no and feels even worse.
Why is this so difficult to answer? I've eaten with Wright many times and declined his offers too. Wright usually goes out to eat after trials, and we ate together when we were working together in Germany. Why is this different? Why can't I seem to answer?
The answer seems to slap him in the face. He thinks back onto his conversation with his sister.
"You fool you do that all the time and it isn't very personal."
This is isn't about work.
He's going to eat with Wright and his daughter casually.
It's personal.
This is his chance, as his sister would say, to get closer to Wright.
But then again Wright is acting strange around him and he might just make things worse like he did earlier in the lobby. He could make things more awkward and he might ruin their friendship and he feels himself spiraling. Realizing he probably hasn't said anything in a while he blurts out his go-to answer.
"No. No thank you, I'm quite busy and I need my sleep. I hope you two have fun."
Edgeworth swallows hard and looks at Wright and he seems almost dejected.
"Oh, that's fine . . . well, see you later Edgeworth."
Edgeworth already feeling like he's made the wrong decision and not trusting his voice simply nods and he turns to leave.
____
It's morning and Edgeworth's plan of bragging about how he had fun at the show is thrown completely out the window.
He can't help but play that scene of Wright looking upset that he declined their offer over and over in his head.
He doesn't understand why this is bothering him.
It's Franziska she planted all these thoughts and worries in my head.
He's overcomplicating things. He decides to take a deep breath and organize his legal text. After that, he will get some more work done and dive deep into his work and won't think of anything else. While Edgeworth is organizing his books he gets a call. He picks up his phone and it's Wright. He thinks about ignoring it, but realizing that might just make things worse he decides to pick it up. Maybe talking to him can make these thoughts stop.
"Wright."
"Hey, Edgeworth I was wondering if you're busy tonight?"
Edgeworth looks into the phone confusion riddling his face.
If I'm busy tonight? Why on Earth is Wright asking me this, especially after I already made a mess of things declining dinner with them?
"Wait why do you need to know this Wight?"
Wright says hurriedly over the phone
"Hey, no need to panic. It's just that Maya couldn't make it tonight she already had something planned with Franziska. Apparently, they planned this a while ago, but she forgot to tell me."
Edgeworth can hear Wright's annoyance in that last comment about Maya. Edgeworth sighs, good Franziska plans will go smoothly. He knows how much tonight means to her. Wright speaks again,
"So the reason I called was that the game we picked needs four players. I already asked Pearl if she wanted to fill in but she wanted to go with Maya today."
Okay, maybe Franziska's plans won't go quite as smoothly.
"So Maya suggested that I ask you if you'd like to join us. Don worry I understand if you can't make it. This is even more short notice than Trucys show."
Edgeworth curses his sister and Maya. He knows one of them did this on purpose, but despite his better judgment he wants to make up for last night so he says.
"I'm not too busy tonight. I'm sure I could make it."
He hears Wright pause again then followed with a puff of laughter.
"Really you'll do it?"
"Yes Wright I'm free from 7:00 to 12:00."
Edgeworth says as he checks his mental planner. He's not close enough to the desk to grab his physical calendar, he almost laughs aloud at the irony. Edgeworth can practically hear Wright smiling from over the phone as he says
"Great I'll see you at 8:00 then!"