Work Text:
He wasn’t entirely sure how it had started. They hadn’t been in contact for much of his trip, but after the events that transpired at Hazakura, part of him felt it was only appropriate to send a message or...several every now and then. You didn’t take a private jet all the way overseas and masquerade as a defense attorney for an acquaintance , after all. And...it wasn’t as if he minded speaking to Wright. It was more-so his own second-guessing as to how much contact with him Wright desired.
When Wright contacted him the evening after the trial, inquiring on how he was doing, and when he might be heading back to Europe, Edgeworth decided that more than his usual short, to the point, texts were necessary. Something about their conversation was different from the ones they had before. The stress of the trial, the aftershock, the hysterics, the jabs, the banter. It wasn’t until the ominous, red glowing light from his clock caught his eye that he bid Wright a good night and ended the conversation.
Edgeworth (2:38 a.m.): Wright, if I die tonight, I want you to know it was absolutely Diego Armando’s vengeful spirit coming through my alarm clock, and it is absolutely your fault.
Wright (2:40 a.m.): hey he’s still gotta be sentenced. he’s not dead!!!
Wright (2:41 a.m.): yet.
Wright (2:45 a.m.): ...too soon?
Edgeworth (2:47 a.m.): Entirely. But I’m also dozing off. Try not to have another brush with death for 8 hours. Good night, Wright.
Wright (2:48 a.m.): oh shit is that really the time.
Wright (2:49 a.m.): i’ll do my best. thanks for staying up with me.
Wright (2:55 a.m.): good night!
Wright had also offered to see him off on his trip back to Europe a few days later. He declined, of course, noting that Wright would be unable to drive himself back from the airport. But they had discussed the possibility of meeting up for lunch beforehand instead. They couldn’t seem to find a time that worked, but he did make sure to send a message before his plane took off. Wright seemed to appreciate the notification, but not before making a few jokes at Edgeworth’s expense about his former trips to Europe. Edgeworth supposed he was lucky to be at the receiving end of Wright’s jokes at all after this turbulent year.
Wright (6:05 a.m.): aw c’mon, you seriously couldn’t think of a funnier way of telling me that?
Wright (6:06 a.m.): i was really holding out for like a “miles edgeworth chooses first class” or something.
They continued their texting routine well into the rest of Edgeworth’s trip overseas. Edgeworth wasn’t an extrovert in the first place, so having someone to speak to that was familiar and didn’t want to discuss the ins and outs of the Belgian court system at length for the 5th time that day was...comforting. They had even begun making plans for Edgeworth’s return.
Wright (6:12 p.m.): what, like a dinner date? ;)
Wright (6:12 p.m.): ;) ;) ;)
Edgeworth (6:16 p.m.): What the hell is that face for? Did Larry swipe your phone again?
Edgeworth (6:18 p.m.): I’m asking if you’d like to join me for a meal when I arrive home, considering our lunch plans never worked out, you womanizer.
Wright (6:20 p.m.): it was a jooooke :( and yeah! that sounds great. do you have a place in mind?
Of course, he had no way of knowing that setting foot on that airplane would start the next few weeks of nonstop hell.
March 12th, 2019
Edgeworth (6:46 p.m.): I’m sure you’ve figured this out by now but we’ll have to reschedule our dinner date.
Edgeworth (6:48 p.m.): I would have sent a message sooner, but I’ve only just gotten back into service.
Wright (6:49 p.m.): suuure. i get yelled at for calling it a date, you get to do it, and then you don’t even show up.
Edgeworth (6:52 p.m.): I was slightly arrested and handcuffed to an airplane seat?
Wright (6:54 p.m.): oh my god what. WHAT?????
Wright (6:54 p.m.): WHY WOULDN’T YOU LEAD WITH THAT???
Edgeworth (6:56 p.m.): To be candid, I’m a bit more emotionally stunted than I usually am at present.
Edgeworth (6:56 p.m.): I blacked out in a plane elevator prior to the handcuff situation due to turbulence so if I’m being a bit lax about this with you, it’s...you know.
Wright (6:57 p.m.): The Trauma™ ?
Edgeworth (6:59 p.m.): Yes.
Edgeworth (6:59 p.m.): That.
Edgeworth (6:59 p.m.): There was also a murder? It’s fine.
Wright (7:00 p.m.): uuuuuugggghhhh
Wright (7:01 p.m.): you sure you don’t want to meet up still? are you at the office? i can come by with takeout or something.
Wright (7:01 p.m.): and you can uhhh explain getting “slightly” arrested to me.
Wright (7:03 p.m.): i mean i understand if you’d rather go home and get some sleep. we can always just meet up some other time?
Wright (7:08 p.m.): ...not that i like...missed you or anything.
Wright (7:12 p.m.): ;)
Wright (7:25 p.m.): you still there?
Edgeworth (7:30 p.m.): Yes. APPARENTLY, I’m part of a hostage negotiation tomorrow. And don’t think I missed that atrocious face you sent.
Edgeworth (7:30 p.m.): I’m picking you up in 10 minutes.
Wright (7:31 p.m.): oh god what.
Wright (7:32 p.m.): i’m in sweatpants.
March 13th, 2019
Wright (2:35 p.m.): ok, i know you didn’t tell me where the hostage thing was happening but like...are you at gatewater land?
Wright (2:35 p.m.): because maya SWEARS she saw you.
Wright (2:36 p.m.): also i hope everything’s going ok.
Edgeworth (6:02 p.m.): Yes, everything is fine. Detective Gumshoe is driving myself and an associate of ours back to the office.
Edgeworth (6:03 p.m.): I was handcuffed to a pipe today instead of an airplane seat, however. Slightly less comfortable.
Wright (6:07 p.m.): ??????
Wright (6:08 p.m.): i’m starting to worry about your definition of fine.
Edgeworth (6:10 p.m.): I DID lead with it this time like you asked. Honestly, the most horrifying thing today was being mildly concussed by a man dressed like that horrifying creature Detective Gumshoe created.
Edgeworth (6:11 p.m.): ….
Edgeworth (6:11 p.m.): I’m realizing now that you’re going to react strongly to that message and I want to reiterate what I said last night: providing details in person is easier AND I had the detective check for a concussion. It’s fine.
Edgeworth (6:12 p.m.): I didn’t cross a burning bridge, after all.
Wright (6:14 p.m.): you wound me, edgeworth.
Wright (6:15 p.m.): :(
Wright (6:15 p.m.): :’(
Wright (6:16 p.m.): are you still gonna stop by tonight? maya and pearls wanted to see you before they head back.
Edgeworth (6:17 p.m.): It may not be until later in the evening. My...associate is demanding we go out to dinner.
Wright (6:18 p.m.): uh oh. did you tell her you’re already dating oldbag?
Edgeworth (6:20 p.m.): 1. I have already interacted with that devil of a woman today and would like you to never speak her name to me again. 2. The associate I’m referring to is a child I met during my first case.
Edgeworth (6:20 p.m.): You needn’t worry about me being whisked away by another woman.
Edgeworth (6:21 p.m.): ...Is this an appropriate time to use one of those accursed faces to make fun of you?
Wright (6:22 p.m.): oh, ha ha. i wasn’t worried.
Wright (6:22 p.m.): who’s gonna date some loser that uses the word needn’t in a text???
Wright (6:40 p.m.): ....okay so maybe that was a little harsh?
Wright (6:50 p.m.): edgeworth please respond pearls won’t stop punching me in the arm until she knows you aren’t mad at me for calling you a nerd.
Wright (7:00 p.m.): EDGEWORTH!!
Edgeworth (7:04 p.m.) sent an image.
Wright (7:06 p.m.): wow is that a burger in your mouth??? wait who took this picture. are you being held hostage again???
Edgeworth (7:07 p.m.): ur friendly neighborhood thief :D
Edgeworth (7:08 p.m.): shhh btw mr edgeworth doesn’t know i have his phone yet!!!
Edgeworth (7:21 p.m.): Please disregard the last several messages. I will be at your place shortly.
Edgeworth (7:21 p.m.): And don’t you dare show that photo to Maya or Pearls.
Wright (7:22 p.m.): ummmm….
Wright (7:22 p.m.): what if i said it was already set as your contact photo on our phones?
Wright (7:24 p.m.): ;)
March 14th, 2019
Edgeworth (2:32 a.m.): Remember when I left, and you said it would be foolish for me to stop by my office before returning home as it was already past one in the morning?
Edgeworth (2:32 a.m.): And I insisted on grabbing a case file from my office and went anyway because I haven’t actually set foot in it since arriving home?
Wright (2:34 a.m.): considering you’re sending me a text at 2am probably from your office and not at home sleeping in a comfy bed like i was 5 mins ago i’m gonna assume i was right to call you a fool
Edgeworth (2:35 a.m.): Forgive me for waking you but I assumed you would want to be informed. Technically, I am outside of my office because I’m awaiting the police and investigation team to arrive because there has been a murder inside my office in my absence.
Edgeworth (2:36 a.m.): Additionally, I was held at gunpoint by what I assume was the murderer? Not particularly sure if that’s worth a mention amongst the rest of the things I’ve told you this week. They fled the scene.
Edgeworth (2:36 a.m.): And yes, I have already informed Detective Gumshoe. He is, somehow, far more upset about this than I am.
Wright (2:37 a.m.): holy shit are you okay? who the fuck was it? why were they in your office???
Wright (2:37 a.m.): also no shit gumshoe’s more upset about this than you are, you emotionally stunted nightmare!!!! you could’ve died!!!!!
Wright (2:38 a.m.): oh god or worse. are you texting me because you’re about to tell me they’ve arrested you for murder. because i can and will bike to the detention center at 2am and strangle the guard myself.
Edgeworth (2:40 a.m.): Clearly you’re capable of being emotional enough for the both of us, so I didn’t believe it was necessary.
Edgeworth (2:41 a.m.): I’m not positive on the identity of the victim or the suspect, but I’m fairly certain I’ve seen the victim around the office before. I haven’t checked to see if he had a form of identification on him yet. The detective requested that I wait until he arrives, which should be soon.
Edgeworth (2:42 a.m.): Anyway. If I require your insight on anything, will you be awake? I fear my...investigative skills may be lacking considering the amount of sleep I’ve had in the past few days.
Wright (2:43 a.m.): oh...yeah no problem!! also my offer to strangle a guard is still on the table.
Edgeworth (2:50 a.m.): Wholly unnecessary but appreciated in theory. The team is here. I will let you know if anything happens.
Wright (2:51 a.m.): okay!!! tell gumshoe i said hi
March 14th, 2019, later.
Wright (6:02 a.m.): ok so i fell asleep but i’m assuming either you all died or it was super boring and you didn’t need my help and everything is fine?
Edgeworth (6:05 a.m.): The suspect has been arrested but I have tragically passed away after only sleeping a total of 6 hours in the past 3 days.
Edgeworth (6:06 a.m.): I will, as I have been doing, inform you of the details in ways not through text at a later date. After I have slept in the comfort of my own bed and am no longer deceased.
Edgeworth (6:07 a.m.): Also, I would like to take you up on that offer to strangle someone. Preferably with their own gold medal. And perhaps sweatband. Does it matter that it’s a prosecutor instead of a guard?
Wright (6:09 a.m.): god you’re so funny when you’re mad. maybe you should resign and become a comedian?
Wright (6:09 a.m.): glad you’re ok even though you died. get some sleep and we’ll talk about my assassination fees in the morning.
Wright (6:11 a.m.): well. ok. the afternoon.
March 14th, 2019, later still.
Edgeworth (10:00 a.m.): Is there any chance you would be willing to kill me instead?
Wright (10:01 a.m.): oh god why are you texting me already.
Edgeworth (10:01 a.m.): I was able to sleep for no more than three hours before it was requested that I return to my office. You know, the one a man was murdered in a few hours ago?
Edgeworth (10:02 a.m.): Actually, what are your opinions on starting a revolution against the law system as a whole? Are you available today? I believe I could have Detective Gumshoe pick up a few pitchforks and torches.
Wright (10:03 a.m.): god i can feel how pissed you are. i bet the face you’re making right now is hilarious. i’m so sorry edgeworth. maybe go back to europe forever?
Edgeworth (10:04 a.m.): Very tempting. Perhaps if you came with me.
Edgeworth (10:05 a.m.): My...associate that you spoke with yesterday should be at my office shortly.
Edgeworth (10:05 a.m.): I may have to be at the Allebahstian and Babahlese Embassy this evening to follow up with what transpired this morning.
Wright (10:06 a.m.): ...those are...countries? god are you sure you want me to go to europe with you. wait are those even european countries???
Edgeworth (10:08 a.m.): Perhaps a geography lesson is in order, Wright?
Wright (10:09 a.m.): you CANNOT tell me those sound like real countries.
Edgeworth (10:10 a.m.): They are very real, I’m afraid. They are even hosting a Steel Samurai stage play this evening.
Wright (10:11 a.m.): ohhhh so THAT’S why you’re going...not because of some murder, huh?
Wright (10:11 a.m.): but because you can’t stay away from your one true love...i get it.
Edgeworth (10:12 a.m.): There was a very serious threat to the embassy and just because the Steel Samurai happens to be there does not mean I am going to see him. I have a job to do. Unlike a certain defense attorney.
Wright (10:13 a.m.): wow okay harsh. so like you’ll tell me how the stage play was right? maybe i’ll take maya when they have one here.
Wright (10:34 a.m.): make sure you have him sign your cravat you coward.
March 14th, 2019, later; once more.
Edgeworth (9:13 p.m.): I am currently involved with yet another case that requires my constant attention but I need you to witness what I have been cursed with this evening.
Edgeworth (9:15 p.m.): If you do not hear from me in the next few days, I have thrown myself off the nearest bridge in disgust and remorse. I’m sure you would understand.
Wright (9:17 a.m.): lol it can’t be that bad....did you use a salad fork for your steak or something?
Edgeworth (9:17 p.m.) sent an image.
Wright (9:18 p.m.): is that...larry butz?
Wright (9:19 a.m.): WAIT IS THAT THE STEEL SAMURAI COSTUME
Wright (9:19 a.m.): oh my god no i am so sorry
Wright (9:20 a.m.): you didn’t have him sign your cravat did you
Edgeworth (9:20 p.m.) sent an image
Wright (9:21 p.m.): ah
Wright (9:21 p.m.): ...at least paper is flammable?
Edgeworth (9:21 p.m.): Don’t mention flames right now, Wright.
Wright (9:23 a.m.): well that’s not foreboding at all.
Wright (9:28 p.m.): did...did you set larry on fire?
Wright (9:35 p.m.): i mean, i’ll defend you if you did. pretty sure the judge will agree it was self-defense.
Wright (9:49 p.m.): ok i’m just gonna assume you’ve killed larry.
March 15th, 2019
Edgeworth (4:05 a.m.): Hopefully you didn’t lose sleep over the fate of Larry Butz and you’re reading these messages at a normal morning hour. He’s unfortunately alive.
Edgeworth (4:06 a.m.): Even if you are reading these as I am sending them, I demand you go back to sleep and respond to me sometime in the afternoon for both of our sakes.
Edgeworth (4:08 a.m.): If you’re free later, you’re welcome to meet me in my office this evening. We have much to discuss.
Edgeworth (4:17 a.m.): I am terrible with words and working with minimal sleep so forgive me if I sound irrational when I say this but...thank you, Wright.
Edgeworth (4:20 a.m.): Somehow, during these past few days, when all hope was lost...each time I thought of you. What you would do. How you would turn these cases on their heads. Your pursuit of the truth and the faith you have in those you believe in.
Edgeworth (4:27 a.m.): God. It’s impossible to unsend a text message, isn’t it?
Edgeworth (4:31 a.m.): …
Edgeworth (4:35 a.m.): Regardless...I appreciated having you as my confidant these past few weeks, especially in these past few days. Even if it was more so just to vent to you about the absolute calamity I’ve dealt with since my arrival. I...appreciate you.
Edgeworth (4:45 a.m.): And I was serious about you and I visiting Europe together, you know. I think the courts overseas would benefit tremendously from your insight and compassion.
Edgeworth (4:38 a.m.): I know I have.
Wright (8:02 a.m.): wow
Wright (8:02 a.m.): um
Wright (8:05 a.m.): i mean, i was fully expecting a text from you about how you finally killed larry so i’m a little disappointed but
Wright (8:07 a.m.): this is. good too.
Wright (8:10 a.m.): um
Wright (8:10 a.m.): see you at 5?