[RL 12: Walkies? - Edgeworth, Phoenix][Backdated]

[samuraiprosecutor]

((OOC: Backdating to 1-27-08.))

It was almost a minute before Edgeworth answered the door. He'd missed the first knocks, too distracted by his conversations to notice them (that Kvasir was a strange pers- being, but at least he was more god-like than the Greeks), and when he finally started to the foyer he walked slowly, languidly. As he opened the door he peered around it cautiously, but nodded as he confirmed the visitor's identity. "Wright."

Comments

[samuraiprosecutor]

Edgeworth attempted to cross his arms. Unfortunately for him, the sling made it impossible, and he was left no other recourse but to glare slightly as Wright entered the apartment, and set his mouth in what could only be described as a pout. "Sigi was waiting."

[attorneyatlol]

Not only did Phoenix have to resist rolling his eyes again, but the urge to chuckle at Edgeworth's predicament was bubbling at the back of his throat. He swallowed it down, allowing his amusement to manifest as a smirk instead. "Sorry to have kept him. I guess that means we aren't eating first, huh?" He nodded at the paper bag cradled in his arm.

[samuraiprosecutor]

An appetizing smell was emanating from the bag, and Edgeworth eyed it hungrily for a few moments (wondering vaguely if the almond scent was coming from the food or from the air around them). He couldn't remember the last time he'd eaten, but it had been before his shower... Finally he looked back up, a hint of disappointment clear on his face. "We probably shouldn't. Sigi's been inside far too long."

[attorneyatlol]

"Far be it from me to deny Sigi," Phoenix replied, unsure if he was able to mask his amusement that time. He really couldn't help it; Edgeworth's whole demeanor was so unguarded it was almost... sweet.

[samuraiprosecutor]

If Edgeworth noticed Wright's amusement he gave no sign, responding instead with a smirk and another aborted attempt to cross his arms. "No one denies Sigi. The sooner you learn that, the better."

[attorneyatlol]

"I've already learned it, believe me. I like my soul intact." He shifted the weight of the bag and surveyed the foyer for a moment before casting Edgeworth a questioning look. "So uh... Where should I put this, then?"

[samuraiprosecutor]

Another glance at the bag that lingered just a bit too long. Edgeworth finally managed to drag his eyes back up to Wright's. "Set it in the kitchen. On the counter." He paused, eventually nodded toward the kitchen door and attempted to point awkwardly with his right hand. "Through there."

[attorneyatlol]

Phoenix nodded, biting back a smile. "Where is he, anyway?" he asked as he entered the kitchen and set the bag on the counter.

[samuraiprosecutor]

"He's in his cage. In the bedroom," Edgeworth called, raising his voice to be heard in the kitchen (which was barely more than a few feet away but he wanted to be sure Wright heard him). "His leash is on the counter, get it when you put the food down." Without waiting for a response he turned down the hall toward the bedroom.

[attorneyatlol]

"Yes, sir. ...Geez." Already on his way out of the kitchen, Phoenix turned on his heel, grabbed the leash off the counter (taking an obligatory moment to roll his eyes at its predictable color), and walked back into the foyer, waiting.

[samuraiprosecutor]

As soon as the cage door was opened Sigi loped toward the hall, stopping in the bedroom door to wait for his master. He bounced happily at Edgeworth's side as they walked down the hall, but froze as soon as the foyer (and its occupant) came into sight.

"We have company, Sigi." Smirking, Edgeworth continued into the foyer, and glanced back to find Sigi moving forward cautiously. Edgeworth turned his attention back to Wright, his smirk widening at the expression on the man's face. "Would you like to put his leash on?"

[attorneyatlol]

Phoenix took an involuntary step back, glaring at Edgeworth. "I'd like to keep my hand intact, too, thanks." He held the leash out, attention warily shifting back to Sigi.

[samuraiprosecutor]

Edgeworth accepted the leash with a nod and bent over to attach it to Sigi's collar. Or at least to attempt to attach it to Sigi's collar. The smug smirk quickly dropped from his lips as he struggled with the leash, finding out just how difficult it could be when one could only use one hand. Attempting to clip the leash on the collar's ring resulted in the ring stubbornly refusing to lift so the clip could catch it or flipping to the other side, and holding the ring up while opening and closing the clip on it was impossible.

Frustration growing, Edgeworth scowled down at the collar, continuing his attempts in vain as Sigi stood obediently still and watched Wright.

[attorneyatlol]

Phoenix could only watch for so long before his heart went to the other man (though he wouldn't deny finding some humor in the situation). With a warning look at Sigi, he bent over and held the ring upright so the clip could catch, then pulled back once the deed was done, releasing a shaky breath. He looked to Edgeworth expectantly. "Ready?"

[samuraiprosecutor]

Edgeworth straightened, the look he shot Phoenix hovering strangely between indignant and grateful. With a sharp nod he turned to the door, managing (with some small difficulty) to twist the doorknob while still holding the leash in one hand. Sigi walked out and stood patiently in the hall. Edgeworth joined him, stopping beside the door and fumbling the keys out of his pocket as he waited for Wright to follow them out.

[attorneyatlol]

Phoenix followed, conscious of Sigi's proximity at all times. He watched Edgeworth fumble for a few moments before he finally asked, with an unsure smile, "Need some help with that?"

[samuraiprosecutor]

Almost as if on cue he succeeded in extricating his keys, only to have them catch on his pocket, pull out of his grip, and drop to the floor. Edgeworth glared at Wright, thoroughly convinced it was somehow Wright's fault, (Edgeworth certainly wasn't that clumsy on his own) and knelt to grab the keys.

Which perhaps wasn't the wisest action. With his balance thrown off by his arm and a dizziness overcoming him momentarily at the sudden drop it was a struggle for him to make it back to his feet. He stumbled a few steps when he finally rose, and was forced to catch himself with a hand on the wall.

When he turned to lock his apartment door he stubbornly refused to look Wright in the eye.

[attorneyatlol]

Phoenix uselessly watched the events unfold, shoving his hands in his pockets to keep from steadying Edgeworth when the other man stumbled (Phoenix had a feeling he wouldn't appreciate the gesture, though it didn't stop him from taking a precautionary step forward in case his assistance was needed. A warning, "Hey, careful!" may or may not have escaped his lips, as well).

When it looked as though Edgeworth was finally able to lock the door, Phoenix's gaze lingered to make sure everything was settled before he made his way toward the exit, stopping after a few paces to give Edgeworth a chance to catch up.

[samuraiprosecutor]

By the time Edgeworth had locked the door and started after Wright he had fully composed himself. He swept past Wright and continued down the hall, Sigi trotting smoothly beside him on the left, both with their heads held high. Without checking to be sure Wright was following, Edgeworth bypassed the elevator, making his way to the stairwell at the end of the hall.

[attorneyatlol]

Shaking his head, Phoenix quickened his pace to catch up with Edgeworth and halted once they reached the elevator. He hit the call button and cast a curious look when Edgeworth continued down the hall, and he nearly laughed, calling, "Where are you-" before his mouth snapped shut. The laughter bubbling in his chest turned constricting and he looked to the floor, brows furrowed. He hadn't realized...

There was a ding and the elevator doors opened beside him. A moment of hesitation followed while Phoenix stared into the empty space until he finally stepped away from the closing doors and broke into a jog towards the stairwell, the door to which had already closed. He threw it open. "Wait up, will you!" he called, sprinting down the stairs.

[samuraiprosecutor]

Wright's words at the elevator brought to attention the behavior that had become habitual for Edgeworth, and he almost faltered in his steps, confusion giving way to recognition. A heavy frown settled on his face. Determinedly he continued, opening the door with just a bit too much force and letting it close behind him and Sigi.

When Wright finally entered the stairwell they were already down one flight and halfway to the next. Edgeworth didn't stop until he reached the landing, where he pulled Sigi up short and waited, wearing a glare that Sigi seemed to mimic.